Russell Simmons, Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg and more fellow MCs tweet tributes to fallen Beastie Boy. By Rob Markman The Beastie Boys in 1987 Photo: Getty Images It is impossible to sum up the life and career of Adam Yauch in 140 characters, but when the hip-hop community learned of MCA’s death on Friday (May 4), rap figures from all over sent their love via Twitter. Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons was the first to break the news on his GlobalGrind website, and soon after, he sent a message via Twitter with a link to a statement he wrote on his site. “RIP Adam Yauch. My thoughts…,” he wrote linking to a page that read: “Adam was incredibly sweet and the most sensitive artist, who I loved dearly. I was always inspired by his work. He will be missed by all of us.” Simmons’ nephew Diggy also took to Twitter to quote a lyric from the group’s 1986 jam “Paul Revere,” proving that Yauch’s musical influence was strong even on rap’s new generation. “‘Now my name is MCA I got a license to kill, I think you know what time it is it’s time to get ill’ Wooow… RIP,” he wrote . Slaughterhouse member Joell Ortiz simply tweeted , “NO SLEEP TO BROOKLYN” in all caps, referencing the Beasties’ ode to BK. Rapper Q-Tip shared a more personal message, sending his condolences out to the trio’s surviving members. “RIP yauch and thank u mike and adam n adam 4 all of your help, the tours, the bball games, n great times. a humanitarian a tru friend,” he sent from his QtipTheAbstract handle. Snoop Dogg, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD’s DJ Scratch and Brooklyn underground lyricist Skyzoo all tweeted as well, labeling Yauch either a legend, icon, pioneer or a combination of the three. “RIP MCA U are a Legend and a pioneer. #BeastieBoys4life,” Snoop lamented . Former Maybach Music affiliate Pill credited Yauch, the Beasties and their track “The New Style” with inspiring his breakout underground track “Trap Goin’ Ham.” “The main reason I chose the ‘Trap Goin Ham’ beat was because of the Beastie Boys sample. True hip hop pioneers,” he respectfully wrote . “A VERY SPECIAL R.I.P. TO ADAM YAUCH FROM THE BEASTIE BOYS MY BROTHER YOU ARE GONNA BE TRULY MISSED MY HEART IS HEAVY…..,” rap luminary Biz Markie said on his Twitter. As the hip-hop community continues to send a steady stream of R.I.P. messages and well-wishes, it is clear Adam Yauch was loved, respected and one of a kind. Share your condolences for MCA’s family, friends and fans in the comments below. Tune in to MTV tonight at 8 p.m. for “Adam Yauch: Remembering a Beastie Boy,” an hour-long special hosted by Sway celebrating the life and career of Adam “MCA” Yauch, including his biggest moments and remembrances from his friends and peers. Check out mtvU now for classic Beastie Boys music videos. Related Videos Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch: 1964-2012 Related Photos The Beastie Boys’ Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch: A Life In Photos Related Artists Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys rapper kept his fans in the loop over the past three years since he was diagnosed. By John Mitchell The Beastie Boys’ Adam “MCA” Yauch Photo: Getty Images Adam Yauch, one of the founding members of the pioneering hip-hop trio the Beastie Boys, died Friday (May 4) at the age of 47 following a long battle with throat cancer. Yauch’s death has rattled the music world to its core, with tributes already pouring in from the likes of Justin Timberlake and Russell Simmons to fellow hip-hop pioneers Run-DMC. Since his 2009 cancer diagnosis, Yauch has stayed away from the public eye, often communicating with concerned fans through email, but during a period of remission, the Grammy-winning rapper stepped forward with his bandmates to release what would be his final album with the Beastie Boys, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, and even won an MTV Video Music Award for his direction of the Beasties’ “Make Some Noise” video. Though he fought his battle with cancer privately, Yauch, a practicing Buddhist, always maintained a tight connection with the Beasties’ fans and continued to work despite the difficult surgeries and treatments he faced. Below, we’ve taken a look back at the last few years of Yauch’s life to showcase the one-of-a-kind music legend’s perseverance in the face of such a difficult battle. July 20, 2009 : Yauch announced in a video posted to BeastieBoys.com that he’d been diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland, a salivary gland in the throat. “The reason we’re here talking is because I have some pretty heavy news to say,” Yauch said in the video. “About two months ago, I started feeling this little lump in my throat, like what you would feel if you have swollen glands or something like that, and so I didn’t really think it was anything. … They did tests, and I actually have a form of cancer in the gland that’s over here, in the parotid gland, and it’s also in the lymph node right in that area.” Yauch had surgery to remove the tumor and began radiation that same week. Due to his treatment, the Beastie Boys were forced to cancel their summer touring plans, including headlining gigs at the All Points West Festival and Lollapalooza, in addition to delaying the release of their album Hot Sauce Committee: Part One. The album was finally released in May 2011 under the title Hot Sauce Committee Part Two with a slightly altered track list. August 5, 2009 : In an email to subscribers of the Beastie Boys’ newsletter with the subject line “What I did over my summer vacation,” Yauch provided fans with an update on his treatment , writing, “So I’m about a week-and-a-half out of surgery now and rapidly recovering from it. … My neck and jaw are still pretty stiff from the surgery, but it gets better every day. Had the stitches out this past Monday … so things are moving along.” October 7, 2009 : In another email to fans, Yauch wrote about his trip to Dharamsala, India, where he had traveled to see some Tibetan doctors and ended up attending a three-day seminar taught by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. “I’m feeling healthy, strong and hopeful that I’ve beaten this thing, but of course time will tell,” Yauch said in the letter. March 9, 2010 : Yauch attended the Independent Spirit Awards and told reporters that while his recovery had been difficult, he was ready to get back to work . “I feel better. It was touch-and-go there for a while, but I am finally getting my energy back,” Yauch said. “It was really disappointing to have to hold the record and postpone the tour, but doctor’s orders. We may or may not [release the album], depending on how my health is come September. We want to, but we have to play it by ear.” September 28, 2010 : The Beastie Boys receive their first nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. January 21, 2011 : “Fight for Your Right Revisited,” a short film directed by Yauch that picks up immediately after the events of the Beastie Boys’ classic “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” video, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival . In the film, Elijah Wood plays Ad-Rock, Seth Rogen portrays Mike D and Danny McBride slips on Yauch’s classic leather jacket to become MCA. “Revisited” begins with the Beasties crawling out of the trashed apartment while the original ’87 tune plays in the background. They head down the stairs and immediately run into the parents of the kids whose party they crashed, played by Susan Sarandon and Stanley Tucci. April 20, 2011 : The video for “Make Some Noise,” the lead single from the Beastie Boys’ Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, debuted, marking the band’s first new musical release since Yauch’s cancer diagnosis. The clip was cut from Yauch’s “Fight for your Right Revisited” short film. May 3, 2011 : Hot Sauce Committee Part Two hits stores nearly two years after the initial planned release of the project. It’s still unclear which songs from the unreleased Part One made it onto the sequel. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard albums chart. July 20, 2011 : “Make Some Noise” scores MTV Video Music Award nominations for Video of the Year and Best Direction for Yauch. The nominations brought the Beastie Boys’ career total VMA noms to eight, which include a Video of the Year nod for the Beasties’ 1994 Spike Jonze-directed classic “Sabotage.” August 28, 2011 : Yauch wins the VMA for Best Direction for “Make Some Noise.” The win is the third for the group, which previously scored a 1999 VMA for Best Hip-Hop Video for “Intergalactic” and the Video Vanguard Award in 1998. December 17, 2011 : It is announced that the Beastie Boys will officially be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. April 14, 2012 : The Beastie Boys become the third hip-hop act inducted into the Rock Hall during a ceremony at the Cleveland, Ohio, museum. Though he was unable to attend the ceremony because he was receiving treatment for a recurrence of his cancer, his bandmates paid him a warm tribute and read a letter written by Yauch to the crowd. Fellow inductees the Red Hot Chili Peppers dedicated their performance at the ceremony to Yauch. Tune in to MTV tonight at 8 p.m. for “Adam Yauch: Remembering a Beastie Boy,” an hour-long special hosted by Sway celebrating the life and career of Adam “MCA” Yauch, including his biggest moments and remembrances from his friends and peers. Check out mtvU now for classic Beastie Boys music videos. Related Videos Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch: 1964-2012 Related Photos The Beastie Boys’ Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch: A Life In Photos Related Artists Beastie Boys
Rapper has been battling cancer since 2009. By Gil Kaufman Adam Yauch Photo: Mick Hutson/ Getty Images Adam Yauch, one of the founding members of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rap trio the Beastie Boys, died on Friday (May 4) at the age of 47 after a lengthy battle with cancer. The news was announced on the Global Grind website, which is run by Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons, the man who signed the Beasties to their first label deal. “GlobalGrind is confirming this very sad news,” read the post. “One of our heroes, Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys has passed this morning after a long bout with cancer. Our prayers go out to the family of Adam and the entire Beastie Boys crew.” For photos of Yauch through the years, click here. Rumors about Yauch’s ongoing battle with cancer were sparked anew last month when the rapper was not present alongside fellow band members Adam Horovitz and Michael Diamond at the group’s induction into the Hall of Fame as just the third rap group to ever achieve that honor. Yauch had been off the public scene since 2009 when he was diagnosed with cancer after a tumor was discovered on his salivary gland . His treatment delayed the release of the group’s 2011 album, Hot Sauce Committee, Part 2 and it had kept the normally tour-happy trio off the road for the past three years. With his gravelly voice and laconic rapping style, Yauch stood out in the trio, whose other members tended to have faster, more nasal flows. He formed the B-Boys in 1979 while still in high school as a hardcore punk band, but their sound progressed over the years until they emerged as one of the most successful rap groups in history. After getting signed to Def Jam in 1984 they released the smash Licensed to Ill , which included such hits as “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right To Party,” “Brass Monkey,” “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” and “She’s Crafty.” Their next album, the psychedelic1988 release Paul’s Boutique set a new high-water mark for the art of sampling and stands today as one of the finest examples of the art. Like their label mates and friends in Run-DMC, the B-Boys excelled at seamlessly interweaving their vocals, trading off lines and verses at lightning speed. Amid the barrage of verbal gymnastics, though, Yauch’s voice stood out for its world-weariness and unhurried cadence on tracks like “High Plains Drifter” and his tongue-twisting, double-time disco breaking showcase midway through the 12-minute Boutique epic, “B-Boy Bouillabaisse.” Though all three Boys emerged on the national scene with snotty, party hardy attitudes, it was Yauch who grew into the most centered and serious member of the group. In addition to playing bass, he also directed many of the group’s videos under the pseudonym Nathaniel Hornblower. Rarely seen in public, Hornblower made a legendary appearance at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards, bum rushing R.E.M. as his alter ego after they took the Best Direction award over Beastie pal Spike Jonze for his landmark work in their cop-show spoofing clip “Sabotage.” He was also instrumental in organizing a series of all-star concerts between 1996 and 2001 to raise awareness of the repression of the Tibetan people. The shows, which combined activism and music, featured sets from traditional Buddhist acts and speakers as well the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, De La Soul, Beck, Foo Fighters, U2, Radiohead, Dave Matthews Band, R.E.M. and Pearl Jam. Yauch, a practicing Buddhist who revised some of his young and wild lyrics in concert later in life, went on to direct many more video for his band, as well as the kaleidoscopic 2006 Beasties live movie, “Awesome, I F—in’ Shot That!” He also formed Oscilloscope Laboratories, a film company that distributed a number of documentaries and features, including “We Need To Talk About Kevin,” “Dark Days,” “Meek’s Cutoff,” “Beautiful Losers” and the Banksy doc “Exit Through the Gift Shop.” Share your thoughts about Adam Yauch in the comments section. Related Photos The Beastie Boys’ Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch: A Life In Photos Related Artists Beastie Boys
Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin will debut sneak peek at 7:56 p.m. Tuesday on MTV, followed by online Q&A. By Kara Warner MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman Photo: MTV News Things are really heating up for the summer movie season. We’ve got the release of “Marvel’s The Avengers” this week, “Battleship” soon after and the very buzz-worthy action adventure “Snow White and the Huntsman” arrives June 1, marking the debut of Kristen Stewart as an action star. MTV News is very proud to announce that we will be offering fans an exclusive first look at the film via “MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman” on Tuesday, May 8. Stewart and co-stars Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin will be live on MTV’s airwaves at 7:56 p.m. ET to premiere the exclusive clip, after which they will stick around for a Q&A on MTV.com hosted by MTV News’ Josh Horowitz. Fans can get in on the action by submitting their reactions to the clip in the comments section or on Twitter (using @MTVNews, hashtag #MTVFirst). During “MTV First,” the four stars will also answer your Twitter questions and dish on the very latest news. In order to help tide you over until the big reveal next week, here’s a little interview snippet from Stewart in which she discusses her preparation for mastering the English accent required for her role as the titular Snow White. “I worked on it for a while, so I was really lucky, I didn’t have to jump right in,” Stewart said of her ample pre-production time. “I would have been terrified [if I had to jump in], so I felt really confident with it when I went into it. I didn’t feel like I was attached to specific lines and stuff, which I would kill myself if I felt that I had to know exactly what I was going to say.” Stewart has received rave reviews for her performance from director Rupert Sanders. “Kristen is a very driven, visceral, intuitive actress. From a director’s point of view, it’s great to get into her headspace,” Sanders told MTV News . “We did a lot of work together on the script and character, and she really helped inform me how that character was feeling, which really helped my process getting the character onscreen. Kristen was doing a lot of her stunt work, she was riding horses, she was jumping from high precipices into freezing cold water, she was fighting dwarves — she’s gung-ho.” Don’t miss “MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman” on Tuesday, May 8, at 7:56 p.m. on MTV, followed by a Q&A with Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin on MTV.com! Related Videos Get Ready For ‘MTV First: Snow White And The Hunstman’ Related Photos Snow White And The Huntsman
‘NY Times critic AO Scott needs a new job! Let’s help him find one! One he can ACTUALLY do!’ Jackson tweets. By Gil Kaufman Samuel L. Jackson Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images Is there anyone on the planet at this point who doesn’t know that Samuel L. Jackson is a man not to be trifled with? Whether it’s snakes at 20,000 feet or dopey college kids who try to rip off his boss, the highest-grossing actor of all time is a badass both on and off the screen. Which might explain why he was a bit miffed when, amid the almost universal acclaim for “The Avengers,” he read the a review from New York Times critic A.O. Scott that was not entirely positive. The veteran critic wrote , “‘The Avengers’ is hardly worth raging about, its failures are significant and dispiriting … The light, amusing bits cannot overcome the grinding, hectic emptiness, the bloated cynicism that is less a shortcoming of this particular film than a feature of the genre.” But the part that likely stung the most was his takedown of Jackson’s role as eye patch-wearing Nick Fury, head of spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D., which Scott called, “more master of ceremonies than mission commander.” Say what again? “#Avengers fans, NY Times critic AO Scott needs a new job!,” Jackson tweeted on Thursday. “Let’s help him find one! One he can actually do!” The blast set off some conversations with a few fans, including one who replied, “@SamuelLJackson the critic has a right to his opinion. Just because the movie has made a ton of money does not mean it is a good movie.” Considering that “The Avengers” has set some overseas box office records and is on track to potentially smash U.S. high-water marks, Jackson replied, “Actually, sometimes IT DOES!” The back-and-forth kept going, with another disappointed Twitter user taking issue with Jackson’s furious anger and “irrational” response to the negative review, asking if people are still entitled to their own opinions? “That is My Opinion!” Jackson replied. “What’s irrational about it? They aren’t going to fire his jaundiced ass & You & I Know It!” Are you seeing “The Avengers” this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Avengers.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos Get Psyched For ‘Avengers’
Reviews are glowing for director Joss Whedon’s star-studded superhero epic. By Josh Wigler Scarlett Johansson in “The Avengers” Photo: Marvel Impossibly high expectations, assemble! The moment that Marvel fans far and wide have been waiting years for has arrived at last: “The Avengers,” directed by Joss Whedon and featuring a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, has finally landed in theaters nationwide. Anyone worried that Marvel couldn’t live up to its own hype with “Avengers” need only look at the reviews to see that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have indeed performed to the best of their ability. Not only is “Avengers” an international box-office success and a soon-to-be domestic hit, the film is also adored by critics, geeks and moviegoers of all other assorted shapes and sizes. Keep reading for a selection of the glowing “Avengers” reviews! The Man Behind The Curtain “As screenwriter, sharer of story credit with Zak Penn and director, Whedon is the key reason why this $220-million behemoth of a movie is smartly thought out and executed with verve and precision. It may be overly long at two hours, 23 minutes, but so much is going on you might not even notice. Whedon’s biggest success, creating TV’s ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ was nowhere near this scale. But he is a third-generation television writer who was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing ‘Toy Story,’ and he’s got an innate gift for bringing stories like this to life with the energy and intelligence that should be popular entertainment’s birthright but rarely is.” — Kenneth Turan, The Los Angeles Times Earth’s Mightiest Heroes “Downey’s Tony Stark remains driven by ego and genius, always on the verge of overreaching, while Hemsworth continues to navigate between two worlds. As a man out of time, unsure of how he fits into the modern world, or if he even wants to, Evans shoulders even more of the drama, becoming the heart of a film that’s filled with heroics, but also, if sometimes too fleetingly, concerned with the meaning of heroism. Fitting right in: Ruffalo’s laidback Banner, a characterization with echoes of the easy-living California dude he played in ‘The Kids Are All Right,’ Johansson’s haunted superspy, and Renner, whose steely intensity alone makes it easy to forget the unlikelihood of an archer, no matter how good, being able to hold his own among superhumans.” — Keith Phipps, The A.V. Club The Laugh Factor ” ‘The Avengers’ may be one of the funniest movies of the year. Whereas ‘Iron Man 2’ was overdose, having other leads to dilute Downey Jr.’s manic mouth helps Tony Stark finally land his punchlines. Evans is another standout, his fish-out-of-water predicament lending itself to comedy that clicks (‘I got that reference,’ Captain Steve Rogers timidly points out). But Hulk takes the cake, Whedon mining the towering green monster for all-out destruction and physical comedy. When Hulk smashes, he smashes big and Whedon’s clever timing is reminiscent of old Warner Bros. cartoons.” — Matt Patches, Hollywood.com The Big Fight “Much of this battle takes place in midtown Manhattan, where the neatest sequences involve Loki’s ginormous slithering, undulating snake-lizard-dragon machine, which seems almost to have a mind of its own and is backed up by countless snakelings. At one point, an Avenger flies into the mouth of this leviathan and penetrates its entire length, emerging at the business end. You won’t see that in ‘The Human Centipede.’ ” — Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times The Final Word “It’s essentially six movies in one, which might account for the nearly 2 1/2 hour length. While it’s slow getting started, ‘The Avengers’ is a splashy superhero mash-up that should please breathless fanboys. It also has a broader appeal for mass audiences with its fast-paced comic banter and exhilarating action sequences under the capable helm of director/co-writer/unabashed fan Joss Whedon. Whedon weaves a story that allows each of the heroes to do what they do best. And while they may not have exactly equal time, audiences get enough of each to feel satisfied, but not sated. Clever work, indeed.” — Claudia Puig, USA Today Are you seeing “The Avengers” this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter ! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Avengers.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos Get Psyched For ‘Avengers’ MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Avengers’ ‘The Avengers’ Take On Tribeca Film Festival
Above the Buzz examines how these former pop princesses serve as examples of how stars can re-brand themselves again and again. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Both Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson dominated headlines this week. Not since the late ’90s have these two duked it out for so much media coverage. However there’s a remarkable difference in what’s happening today to what was happening then: Then, everyone was talking about their music and their pop star personas. Where Britney was a Lolita who proclaimed virginity while dancing provocatively in belly-baring tops, Jessica was innocent and sweet and didn’t dare anger her minister daddy. Jessica released songs that put her big voice on display, and Brit focused on songs that put eyes on her dazzling dance moves and her ear for dance beats. A lot has changes in the years since then. What’s interesting is that, despite their seemingly different personalities, in retrospect, they have a lot more in common than was initially apparent: They are both down-home country girls who have built empires that few can touch. Both have had very public career highs met with very public personal lows. Both have loved boy banders. Both have even documented their lives on reality shows, albeit with very different outcomes. With almost 15 years separating the women they are now from those girls they were then, it seems they are looking to change it up. At a time where the pop world is filled with plenty of younger pop princesses looking for their time to shine, Britney and Jessica seem comfortable enough with their own musical legacies to let them all have their moments. And, they should be at ease. They have both been incredibly successful in that world, having sold millions of albums, had huge radio singles and made music that is uniquely their own. And while Simpson has let her music take a back seat to other projects in the past few years, Spears is still a working singer who sells out tours and tops the charts. These days, Jessica seems focused on maintaining the post-pop star second act she launched several years back. She’s a fashion mogul with a billion-dollar empire that has outfitted fashionistas with reasonably priced essentials like platforms and bags. She also judges up-and-coming fashion talent on NBC’s “Fashion Star,” sharing with new designers her own wisdom on breaking into the industry. But, always savvy enough to keep people guessing, she’s expanded her brand even further. Now, she is also the latest mommy mogul . Jessica just added another gig to her post-pop star career — that of the A-list mom. Just this week, she welcomed her first child, Maxwell Drew , into the world. We expect she’ll use that experience to re-launch herself yet again. We should expect fashion lines for stylish toddlers. And who wouldn’t want to see a reality show that follows the new mom and her family? It seems that, like Simpson, Spears might be looking to take a break from music for a moment. Having already given birth to two sons and tried her hand at the worlds of fashion and beauty, Spears is now a frontrunner to judge “X Factor.” Her own experiences in the industry certainly make her the perfect candidate to give advice on the ups and downs of pop superstardom. She’s experienced both with the entire world watching. While Spears’ other projects (clothing line, fragrances) have generally been overshadowed by her music career, this rumored gig might be the first one to take the attention away from her pop fame while using it for all it’s worth. Spears is probably up for the gig because she is basically the heir to the Madonna legacy . She truly understands how to be a pop star. And the rumors that she might join Simon Cowell on the show seem to be intriguing Spears’ critics and non-devotees more than anything she’s done in the past few years. Spears might have found her perfect next chapter. Right now, it’s unclear how these new career paths will shape the future for Simpson and Spears — musically and otherwise. But, as has always been the case for them, no one doubts they will redefine what it means to be a female pop star. They are women who aren’t willing to go quietly into the night. For Spears and Simpson, it seems they want it all or nothing. And, who can blame them? What would you like to see Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson do next? Share your thoughts below! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Jessica Simpson Britney Spears: I Am The Femme Fatale
Above the Buzz examines how these former pop princesses serve as examples of how stars can re-brand themselves again and again. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Both Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson dominated headlines this week. Not since the late ’90s have these two duked it out for so much media coverage. However there’s a remarkable difference in what’s happening today to what was happening then: Then, everyone was talking about their music and their pop star personas. Where Britney was a Lolita who proclaimed virginity while dancing provocatively in belly-baring tops, Jessica was innocent and sweet and didn’t dare anger her minister daddy. Jessica released songs that put her big voice on display, and Brit focused on songs that put eyes on her dazzling dance moves and her ear for dance beats. A lot has changes in the years since then. What’s interesting is that, despite their seemingly different personalities, in retrospect, they have a lot more in common than was initially apparent: They are both down-home country girls who have built empires that few can touch. Both have had very public career highs met with very public personal lows. Both have loved boy banders. Both have even documented their lives on reality shows, albeit with very different outcomes. With almost 15 years separating the women they are now from those girls they were then, it seems they are looking to change it up. At a time where the pop world is filled with plenty of younger pop princesses looking for their time to shine, Britney and Jessica seem comfortable enough with their own musical legacies to let them all have their moments. And, they should be at ease. They have both been incredibly successful in that world, having sold millions of albums, had huge radio singles and made music that is uniquely their own. And while Simpson has let her music take a back seat to other projects in the past few years, Spears is still a working singer who sells out tours and tops the charts. These days, Jessica seems focused on maintaining the post-pop star second act she launched several years back. She’s a fashion mogul with a billion-dollar empire that has outfitted fashionistas with reasonably priced essentials like platforms and bags. She also judges up-and-coming fashion talent on NBC’s “Fashion Star,” sharing with new designers her own wisdom on breaking into the industry. But, always savvy enough to keep people guessing, she’s expanded her brand even further. Now, she is also the latest mommy mogul . Jessica just added another gig to her post-pop star career — that of the A-list mom. Just this week, she welcomed her first child, Maxwell Drew , into the world. We expect she’ll use that experience to re-launch herself yet again. We should expect fashion lines for stylish toddlers. And who wouldn’t want to see a reality show that follows the new mom and her family? It seems that, like Simpson, Spears might be looking to take a break from music for a moment. Having already given birth to two sons and tried her hand at the worlds of fashion and beauty, Spears is now a frontrunner to judge “X Factor.” Her own experiences in the industry certainly make her the perfect candidate to give advice on the ups and downs of pop superstardom. She’s experienced both with the entire world watching. While Spears’ other projects (clothing line, fragrances) have generally been overshadowed by her music career, this rumored gig might be the first one to take the attention away from her pop fame while using it for all it’s worth. Spears is probably up for the gig because she is basically the heir to the Madonna legacy . She truly understands how to be a pop star. And the rumors that she might join Simon Cowell on the show seem to be intriguing Spears’ critics and non-devotees more than anything she’s done in the past few years. Spears might have found her perfect next chapter. Right now, it’s unclear how these new career paths will shape the future for Simpson and Spears — musically and otherwise. But, as has always been the case for them, no one doubts they will redefine what it means to be a female pop star. They are women who aren’t willing to go quietly into the night. For Spears and Simpson, it seems they want it all or nothing. And, who can blame them? What would you like to see Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson do next? Share your thoughts below! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Jessica Simpson Britney Spears: I Am The Femme Fatale
As a new helmer takes over ‘The Hunger Games,’ Hobnobbing examines the challenges (and opportunities) that lie ahead. By Amy Wilkinson Francis Lawrence Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images The reaping has concluded, with Francis Lawrence officially named victor in the contest to direct “Catching Fire,” according to a release from Lionsgate. It’s been a fraught few weeks for fans following director Gary Ross’ announcement that he would not helm the series’ second installment. Numerous directors were reportedly in contention for the coveted position, including Alfonso Cuar
‘The game needs young blood all the time,’ Birdman tells MTV News of courting the 16-year-old rapper for his Cash Money label. By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway Birdman Photo: MTV News Chicago rapper Chief Keef has already built a solid following in the Midwest, but Kanye West gave him a national platform when he decided to remix the 16-year-old’s hit “I’ Don’t Like” for G.O.O.D. Music. Still, a co-sign from ‘Ye is only the beginning, as Keef is now being courted by Birdman and Cash Money Records. On the same night Kanye West tweeted that he would be remixing Keef’s single “I Don’t Like,” the Chi-town rapper tweeted that he was fielding calls from several parties interested in signing him, including Birdman. “Birdman Just Called He Say He Wanna Sign Me Wit #CMB,” he wrote in April. And during Wednesday’s episode of “RapFix Live,” Birdman revealed that he is, in fact, working on adding Chief Keef to the ever-expanding roster at Cash Money. “I like him, he kinda reminds me of us,” Birdman told host Sway Calloway, referencing his all-star YMCMB team. “[He’s] out the streets, I think he’s swagged up and I’m definitely talking to his people and I’d like to see if we can make it pop, see if I can see if I can get him to be down with the team.” Birdman noted that one of the things he admires about Chief Keef is that he already has his own devoted crew. “That’s what I like, it’s a movement and he’s young, I think the game needs young blood all the time,” he explained. “[We] need youngsters to keep it innovative, because they’re new and creative in their own way. I’m into the young world, that’s my thing. And I’ma do whatever it takes to make it happen.” Kanye West’s “I Don’t Like” remix dropped this week with verses from Chief Keef, Pusha T, Jadakiss and Big Sean. Things are about to get very interesting for the upstart rapper. Do you think Chief Keef would make a good addition to Cash Money? Leave your comment below! Related Videos RapFix Live With B.o.B, Prodigy And Kirko Bangz Related Artists Birdman
