Singer’s ‘Tonight Is the Night’ is featured in Pepsi campaign alongside footage of Kanye, Britney and Michael Jackson. By Steven Roberts Outasight In all honesty, most people are probably more familiar with Outasight ‘s song “Tonight Is the Night” than they are with him. And that is in no way a knock on Outasight. After all, the song is a big part of Pepsi’s “Who’s Next” campaign, having been featured in the soft drink company’s latest legacy commercial, which includes footage from past Pepsi ads featuring Kanye West , Britney Spears and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson . But hopefully those commercials will start to win Outasight some attention. The song actually debuted on the second episode of Fox’s reality competition show “The X Factor,” and it’s been slowly gaining momentum ever since. The Dori Oskowitz-directed video for the pop, party anthem was dropped early last month, and it features Outasight and friends preparing, embarking and wrapping up an incredible — or typical — night of fun in New York City. The Yonkers MC and singer is already seven mixtapes deep in his relatively short career, and his still-unnamed debut album is expected next year. He’s been making music for as long as he can remember, but it wasn’t until he discovered he could combine both of his talents of singing and rapping that he found he could really be Outasight. “Singing and rapping were separate entities,” Outasight said. “Then Mos Def and artists like that inspired me. I saw you can do it — you can sing and rap and make it gel. I started taking my craft more seriously and just kept working on it. It’s just a natural thing. It’s never planned out. It kind of flows.” Related Videos MTV News First Date Related Artists Outasight
Swift, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley are honored at the show, which premieres tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT. By Jocelyn Vena Taylor Swift Photo: CMT Taylor Swift turned 22 on Tuesday (December 13), and what better way to celebrate another banner year than with CMT’s Artists of the Year special? CMT caught up with Swift on the red carpet of the event, and she opened up about being honored alongside fellow Nashville pals Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley. “What I love about this event is it feels very low-key and fun and you can bring your friends, you sit at a table. It’s very unlike any other award show,” she said late last month at the taping in Music City. “Because you’re not sitting there wondering who’s going to win. There’s no anxiety, because you know who’s being honored, and it’s all about hearing the way the music is presented by other artists. It’s really exciting.” The All-American Rejects were picked to perform one of Taylor’s tracks at the show, which airs on CMT at 9 p.m. ET tonight. For their homage to the country superstar, they decided to take one of her particularly country-tinged Speak Now singles and do it up AAR style. “It’s special. We have a special performance for Miss Taylor Swift,” lead singer Tyson Ritter said. “We’re performing her song ‘Mean.’ We definitely sort of took a country song and made it not anything like what it was. It’s going to be a tribute to the fact that any song can stand in any genre, and we definitely brought it into ours. We’re like the Osmonds, except we’re the side that’s a little more rock and roll.” Ritter went on to gush about Swift and her work ethic. “She’s the real deal,” he explained. “She doesn’t take sh– from anybody while she does it. And strong women, that’s something to be feared and adored, right?” Having the All-American Rejects put their stamp on a track is the opposite of what Swift did on her Speak Now Tour . Stop after stop, she reimagined songs from artists like T.I. , Flo Rida and Usher, with the artists themselves right by her side. “I would sum up this past year as being a spontaneous, exciting, wonderful year of collaborations with artists I never expected would come up on my stage and perform for my fans,” she explained. “I see flashbacks of stadium shows and Usher coming out on stage and James Taylor coming out onstage and all these different artists coming out and playing with me, which was an amazing time for me.” Don’t miss CMT’s Artists of the Year , premiering tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Related Videos MTV First: Taylor Swift Related Artists Taylor Swift
‘Once again, the unstoppable Echelon,’ frontman Jared Leto marvels of band’s dedicated fanbase. By James Montgomery Jared Leto performs “Hurricane” on “Unplugged: Photo: MTV On Tuesday afternoon (December 13), 30 Seconds to Mars took home the inaugural Best Live MTV Performance award for their stirring, scintillating “Unplugged” version of “Hurricane.” Thanks to the votes of their fans, 30STM withstood a late charge from Paramore’s “Brick by Boring Brick” to win the honor. Now, with their trophy firmly in hand, they’re reacting to their triumph — and, as always, sharing their glory with their fervent Echelon fanbase. “This is so incredible. We had an amazing time doing [‘Unplugged’], and thank you to everybody who voted,” frontman Jared Leto said. “Once again, the unstoppable Echelon. We love you guys. “If it wasn’t for the Echelon, we wouldn’t have ever won a single award,” he continued. “I think that’s the blessing of living in this digital age, is that people have a voice, and the Echelon Nation out there has made their voice heard again and again, and we’re so proud that they’re able to gather together, to organize themselves, to fight for a common cause and to make dreams a reality. It’s pretty special.” In a week when there was no shortage of highlights for the band — they were awarded their hard-earned gold record plaques for the This Is War album and entered the “Guinness Book of World Records” with a sold-out, celebratory show in New York — Leto counts their Best Live Performance win as one of the biggest moments. It was almost enough to bring a tear to his steely-blue eyes. “We’re very surprised. … It’s been an insane week already. We got a gold record, we did a Guinness World Record-breaking show,” he laughed. “There’s gonna be a few tears rolling down these hardened, leathery, road-dog cheeks.” All this week, watch “AMTV” on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year! Related Videos Best Live MTV Performances Of 2011 2011 Best MTV Performance Nominees Related Artists 30 Seconds To Mars
We count down the year’s most memorable musical moments, in Bigger Than The Sound. By James Montgomery Britney Spears on the cover of the “Till the World Ends” single Photo: Jive In 2011, we shuffled and shook it out. We found love and decided to dance until the world ends. We rolled in the deep and celebrated the boys with the booming systems. Shoot, at one point, we even went to Paris with Will Ferrell . It was, to say the very least, an interesting 12 months. So, how else to sum up the year than with my picks for the 25 Best Songs of 2011 : odes to partying and pumped-up kicks, songs of sadness and beauty, tunes about getting loaded and getting revenge. Pop, hip-hop, rock, bed-tronica, they’re all here, and they’re all important in some way, mostly because they all helped guide us through a rather tumultuous time. But that’s enough from me, let’s get to the songs. Oh, and I’d like to hear your picks too — drop me a line in the comments below. So now, on with the countdown. 25. Nicola Roberts, “Beat of My Drum” : Supremely saccharine single from erstwhile Girls Aloud member mashes together every notable pop moment in recent history, yet somehow manages to be better that the sum of its parts. That’s thanks mostly to the supercharged, sing-a-long chorus, where the whole thing comes together in a head-spinning rush. She should go solo more often. 24. Against Me!, “Russian Spies” : Searing, surging punk from Gainesville lifers proves their time on Sire Records didn’t soften them one bit. It only made them more resolute. And, strangely, sadder too. 23. Kreayshawn, “Gucci Gucci” : Either the smartest song of 2011 or the dumbest, the beauty of “Gucci Gucci” — and Kreayshawn, for that matter — is that the answer is probably both. The goofy, horror-movie synth squiggle, the dollops of low-end whomp, the part where Kreay claims to have swag coming out her ovaries … it’s all good. Even if it’s not. 22. Gospel Music, “This Town Doesn’t Have Enough Bars for Both Of Us” : Peppy, poppy, pocket-rock that laments the lack of quality drinking establishments in Owen Holmes’ hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, and dares to ponder one of life’s great post-breakup quandaries: When does our place become just my place? He’s not smart enough to know the answer; instead, he spends his genius on barroom bon mots like, “I’m not drinking anymore/ But I’m not drinking any less.” Works for me. 21. Demi Lovato, “Skyscraper” : For about a week, this was the biggest song in the world (or the Internet), a fact that had nothing to do with irony, our nascent sense of superiority or kittens, and everything to do with the startling connection Lovato makes with the track itself. Oh, and the fact that she sings the absolute beejezus out of it. Given everything that’s happened in Lovato’s life , that connection makes sense, but it’s the maturity she shows on the song — and that final, chill-inducing chorus — that opened eyes, and served notice. Welcome to the club, Demi. 20. Lykke Li, “Get Some” : Overlooked, otherworldly single off Li’s equally overlooked (and otherworldly) Wounded Rhymes album, this one is very much about sex. Thumping, bumping, panting … and then Li pushes it all over the top with her smoldering, sumptuous vocals. The kind of song that requires a cigarette and a cold shower after repeat listens. 19. The Black Keys, “Lonely Boy” : After spending portions of their breakout Brothers album getting slightly contemplative, the Keys roar back with “Lonely Boy,” a song that only contemplates how best to make a guitar rev like a V-8 engine. A hard-charging, and even harder-chugging treat (with an equally hard-partying music video ), it’s the kind of classic claptrap you always knew they were capable of making. 18. Chris Brown, “Beautiful People” : Folks can talk about Brown’s hip-hop turn on “Look at Me Now,” but this single represents his biggest reinvention to date. A slippery, shiny club track helmed by Benny Benassi, like most of Breezy’s work it is undeniably sexy, but it’s also subtly smart too. And that’s where he made his biggest strides. Also, unlike “Look at Me Now,” he doesn’t even mention Mr. Miyagi once. 17. YACHT, “Dystopia (The Earth Is on Fire)” : Every day the sky gets lower (lowerlowerlower!) And every day the flames get higher (higherhigherhigher!) So, with apologies to
‘I would not make a fifth movie to prove any point,’ director says of ‘Indiana Jones’ series. By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Steven Spielberg Photo: MTV News Fans of the “Indiana Jones” movies have a complicated relationship with the series as a whole. No one knows this better than Steven Spielberg , the man who had to listen when fans cried out as the latest entry, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” failed to meet expectations. Now with talk of George Lucas writing a potential fifth film, Spielberg could stand to undo what some fans saw as a bitter farewell to the beloved character. When the director spoke with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz while promoting “The Adventures of Tintin,” he explained that he would have nothing to prove with a new Indy movie. “I already like the last ‘Indy.’ I loved ‘Crystal Skull,’ ” Spielberg said. “Yeah, I had a difference of opinion with the MacGuffin, so to speak, which I thought was a little bit out of character with the other MacGuffins in the other three films, but I still loved the experience making it.” The fan reaction to “Crystal Skulls” reminded Spielberg of the similar backlash he faced after the release of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” “We had the same criticism on ‘Temple of Doom.’ That movie came out and it changed the whole rating system. Jack Valenti and I conspired to create the PG-13 rating system based on the number of complaints about the harshness and the heart coming out of the chest on a PG movie. I went through the same thing,” he said. To Spielberg, the general opinion about the series is split down the middle. “I think audiences think we’re two for two. They love Raiders, ” he said. “They love Last Crusade. They don’t love as much Temple of Doom or Crystal Skull.” Taking that into consideration, the director still feels no requirement for a fifth film. “I would not make a fifth movie to prove any point. If we get a good story, I’ll make it. If George [Lucas] doesn’t think we should make any more, I’ll listen to him,” Spielberg said. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Adventures of Tintin.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Adventures Of Tintin’
Atlanta MC builds on ‘All the Way Turnt Up’ momentum to land a spot on our list — vote now! By Steven Roberts Roscoe Dash Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News It’s hard to believe Roscoe Dash has yet to put out an album. “All the Way Turnt Up” was such a big record last year that hip-hop fans didn’t even think it was his. With Dash being a relative unknown — even within Atlanta’s unique hip-hop scene — people thought the record was by 2010 Hottest Breakthrough MC nominees Travis Porter . But once that was cleared up, everyone from Lil Wayne to Lupe Fiasco was ready to spit over the beat. Dash’s next single, “Show Out,” was a solid effort, but it wasn’t nearly as successful as “Turnt Up.” It looked like Dash might’ve succumbed to one-hit wonder status. But then Roscoe turned up (get it?) on one of 2010’s most overlooked songs, Waka Flocka Flame’s “No Hands.” The song cemented Flocka as a viable mainstream artist, lent Wale a much-needed lifeline and established a market for Mr. R-O-S-C-O-E as a hook man — and helped land him on MTV News’ 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs list. Dash’s raspy drawl would appear on DJ Drama’s “Oh My” with Fabulous and Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean’s “Marvin and Chardonnay” with Kanye West. These songs have helped bring about a second wave of interest in Dash. He recently dropped the videos for “Awesome” and “Good, Good Night.” Both songs are featured on his EP, J.U.I.C.E (Just Understand I Control Everything), which is set to drop later on this month. “Music is something I just never stopped doing, especially in high school,” Dash told MTV News. “I remember staying up burning CDs one by one every night until I had, like, 300 CDs, stuffing them in a backpack and going to school the next day, passing them out. “The biggest lesson that I’ve learned coming up is that your fans are going to be the most important people that you come in contact with,” he added. “They’re going to life you up whenever you don’t have the hottest song. They’re just going to rock with you for you.” Hottest Breakthrough MCs was established by MTV News in 2010 as a fan-driven initiative that spotlights, celebrates and cultivates new talent. MTV News chose a pool of young rappers and urged fans to vote for their favorite. When it was all said and done, Wiz Khalifa emerged as the Hottest Breakthrough of last year. The competition was tough, but the Taylor Gang General beat out runner-up Nicki Minaj, ATL group Travis Porter, Diggy Simmons and J. Cole. This year, you can vote for Roscoe (or your favorite up-and-comer) over at RapFix.MTV.com , and be sure to check back for daily updates and poll results. Each day, we’ll spotlight a new Hottest Breakthrough MC before we conclude Tuesday (December 13) when the polls close at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC will be revealed during Wednesday’s “RapFix Live,” during which the winner will appear as our in-studio guest. There will also be a special announcement about MTV News’ upcoming Hottest MCs in the Game list and debate. To be considered a Hottest Breakthrough MC, an artist cannot have released a major-label full-length album. Finalists from 2010’s Hottest Breakthrough MCs poll will not be eligible for 2011 consideration, so unfortunately, Diggy Simmons and Travis Porter won’t be part of this conversation. Who do you think should be 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC? Share your picks in the comments! Stick with MTV News as we profile the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs before announcing the winner Wednesday on “RapFix Live” — vote now! Related Videos 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs Related Artists Roscoe Dash
Young Money MC will kick off 17-city North American tour on February 14 in Miami before heading off to Europe. By Jocelyn Vena Drake Photo: John Shearer/ Getty Images Drake is inviting you to Club Paradise. The Take Care rapper has announced dates for a 2012 headlining tour. Drake’s Club Paradise Tour will kick off on Valentine’s Day (the same day fellow Young Money family member Nicki Minaj drops her album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded ) in Miami before circling around 17 cities in North America, with stops in party spots like New Orleans, Austin and San Diego. The tour name pays homage to a track Drizzy dropped back in September. The tour will visit colleges across the U.S. before wrapping up the North American leg on March 11 in San Diego. Drake will then head to Europe for a string of additional dates, according to Pressparty . And Drake isn’t going at it alone. As previously confirmed, he’ll be joined by Hottest Breakthrough MC contenders Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky. “I spent a lot of time out there [in Toronto]; that’s what this album is about,” Drake recently explained. “That’s what I’m gonna showcase. It’s the same thing with the tour: I wanna bring Kendrick, I wanna bring A$AP, those are guys that I love. It has nothing to do with people on my label,” he added. “Tyga’s out, Nicki’s working on an album and everybody else is doing their thing on the road with Wayne or with Wayne in the studio, so I just sort of showcased the music that I happen to love right now, and those are the two guys that I’m bringing out.” “I fought for this tour, I fought really hard for this tour because, of course, they want me to go get the big bucks, go into the stadiums and cash out,” Drake revealed to MTV News in October about the decision to play more intimate shows . “But I was just like, I really made this album for the same people that supported me since day one.” In addition to a tour, next year Drake and Rick Ross plan to drop the Y.O.L.O. (You Only Live Once) mixtape. “It’s official, the music is most definitely official,” Ross said. “But, you know, me being a boss, I’m trying to find a way that we could put that on the shelves for the world, baby. But it’s most definitely official.” The release rides on the heels of Drake’s chart-topping Take Care , which dropped in November. Dates for Drake’s North American Club Paradise Tour are as follows:
Expect the Will Smith series’ famously wacky aliens and humor, along with some time traveling. By Kevin P. Sullivan Will Smith in “Men in Black 3” Photo: Sony Pictures Twelve years and a purported budget of $215 million later, the men in black will be back for a third go-around. The first trailer for “Men in Black 3” hit Monday (December 12), and Agents K ( Tommy Lee Jones ) and J ( Will Smith ) are up to their same old, same old: rogue aliens, memory-erasing — normal work stuff. We’ve watched the trailer a few times now and have picked out the five scenes you should be paying attention to. Here’s a tip: You should probably brush up on your “Back to the Future” vocabulary. The Graffiti Alien One of the staples of the series has been the routine calls to aliens who have stepped out of their bounds, and it’s always when the series is at its best. The “Men in Black” films have consistently delivered with interesting looking aliens, and the trailer for the third is no exception. Here, we get to see an E.T. who can disguise himself as street art. Expect even more out-of-this-world aliens when the movie hits theaters in May. Neuralizer You know it’s a “Men in Black” movie once the neuralizers come out. Although the trailer mostly sets up the premise for the third movie without exploring the last two acts, the one thing that is perfectly clear is that we shouldn’t expect anything different in a third film. The series seems to stick close to a tight formula, and that’s fine. Let’s just hope they mix it up more this time. “Smiles Like This” While other parts of the trailer might remind us of some of the more tired elements of the series, Smith’s imitation of Jones’ smile brings back memories of why the movies make money. It’s been three years since a Will Smith flick, and now’s definitely the time for that to change.
‘I make my relationship my priority,’ Kardashian tells MTV News on Friday, just before Lamar’s trade to the Dallas Mavericks. By Christina Garibaldi Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom Photo: Jason LaVeris/ FilmMagic Dallas is about to get a dose of the Kardashians. On Saturday, Khlo
