Tag Archives: steven-roberts

Drake And The Weeknd Work Like ‘Family’

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Producer 40 says Drake’s ‘Crew Love’ was ‘an important record for him to make, and the Weeknd was someone that he wanted to include on that.’ By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts The Weeknd and Drake Photo: Getty Images To his fans, the Weeknd is quite mysterious. Though the Toronto singer/songwriter stayed plenty busy putting out three free albums online last year, he has shied away from the spotlight, making very few public appearances and doing only a small number of interviews. While he remains an enigma to fans, to Drake, Noah “40” Shebib and the entire October’s Very Own team, the Weeknd (real name: Abel Tesfaye) is family. “Weeknd is obviously someone very close to us and our family. He’s from Toronto and someone we’ve been associated with and working with for quite some time,” Shebib told MTV News when we visited Toronto in December. “So that’s close to home, that’s easy. He’s in and out of the studio whatever the case is — that’s family.” Weeknd released his first album House of Balloons in March, then its follow-up Thursday in August and then completed the trilogy with Echoes of Silence in December. His music has no doubt caused a stir, and he was most recently tapped to perform at the upcoming Coachella music festival. Two key appearances on Drake’s Take Care also did a lot to raise the Weeknd’s musical profile. His soulful wails drive Drizzy’s pulsating hometown dedication “Crew Love.” Even to the unfamiliar, it’s impossible not to notice Tesfaye’s key contribution. ” ‘Crew Love’ was just a moment for Drake, as far as the content of the record and what was going on around him in his life and his people and his team and how much he cares for them,” 40 explained. “That was just an important record for him to make, and the Weeknd was someone that he wanted to include on that, and that made sense.” On “The Ride,” the Weeknd contributes in a different way, blending his vocals into the background of the track while Drake raps throughout. It’s almost as if the emerging vocalist is an instrument, rather than a guest on the track. ” ‘The Ride’ was really just a vibe, it was a vibe that the Weeknd caught, and it was just so crazy that Drake wanted to rap on it,” Shebib said. “On ‘The Ride,’ he’s definitely an instrument, and he’s singing all through Drake’s vocals.” It is all a great introduction for an artist with a ton of potential, but as for what the Weeknd has planned next, no one really knows. “He’s not interested in playing the game right now,” Shebib said. “He wants to put out his music, and I think when he’s finished putting out his music, he’ll reassess his feelings on the game.” After our interview with 40, the Weeknd released the third mixtape in his trilogy ( Echoes of Silence ), and now we wait to see what’s next. Miss any of our exclusive interview with Noah “40” Shebib? Check out his track-by-track breakdown of Take Care, his thoughts on the Rihanna-featuring title track and why he isn’t competing with Kanye West . Related Photos ’40’ Making ‘Take Care’ Related Artists Drake

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Jay-Z And Beyonce’s Blue Ivy: Behind The Name

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Photo: FilmMagic Related Artists Beyonc

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Beyonce And Jay-Z’s Baby ‘Will Be Loved,’ Fans Say

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I have a cousin who’s named Indigo, so Blue Ivy sounds pretty cool,’ one NYC fan tells MTV News about the baby’s name. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Steven Roberts Jay-Z and Beyonc

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Kelly Clarkson To Drop iTunes EP

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Nine-track EP includes tracks from Stronger and revamped versions of older songs. By Jocelyn Vena Kelly Clarkson Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Kelly Clarkson is reimagining some of her songs for a special iTunes sessions album. The nine-track EP will drop December 27, with pre-orders kicking off Tuesday (December 13). According to a press release, the album will include three songs from Clarkson’s latest album, Stronger, including its lead single, “Mr. Know It All,” along with “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” and “You Can’t Win.” She will also kick it old-school with revamped versions of “Never Again,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Why Don’t You Try” and “My Life Would Suck Without You.” The final two tracks include the holiday classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and an interview with the star. Clarkson’s Stronger 2012 world tour is slated to kick off January 13. She will start in Connecticut at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods before making her way around North America, with stops in New York, Austin, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The tour will end April 10 in San Diego. Stronger, Clarkson’s fifth studio album, dropped in October and debuted at #2, right behind Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto. Clarkson is readying the release of her next single, “What Doesn’t Kill You.” “There were a few different titles that were going around, and I think the reason why we came up with Stronger was just because every song was about empowerment and almost, like, overcoming stuff,” Clarkson told MTV News about the album title. “So, even if it was a bad situation and a sad song, it was about overcoming that. … So I think that’s why [we named it that], and I think after 10 years of doing it, you feel a little stronger personally and musically. People know you better. It’s just easier, I think.” Is your favorite Kelly Clarkson hit included on the new iTunes album? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Kelly Clarkson Related Artists Kelly Clarkson

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‘First Date’ With Outasight: The Pepsi Connection

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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

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Steven Spielberg Talks ‘Indy 5’ And ‘Crystal Skull’ Backlash

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘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’

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Roscoe Dash Brings The ‘Awesome’ To Hottest Breakthrough Race

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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

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B.o.B, Lil Wayne Rhyme Beneath ‘Strange Clouds’ In Video

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Song ‘really [lets] people know we’re back,’ Bobby Ray says of title track off upcoming LP. By Steven Roberts B.o.B. Photo: MTV News The video for B.o.B ‘s “Strange Clouds” dropped Monday (December 5) morning; the Motion Family-directed clip features Bobby Ray and Weezy F. rhyming in a field beneath a sky of — you guessed it — strange clouds. The song serves as the first single off B.o.B’s sophomore effort of the same name. But when MTV News recently caught up with B.o.B, he revealed that the Dr. Luke track was originally just something he wanted to rhyme on. “I was actually in mixtape mode when I heard it, so I just really wanted to go in on the beat. A hook came to me, and it kind of started to stick out to me the more and more I listened to it, and it ended up being the title track for the album,” said B.o.B. “I wanted to get an artist on it who could really bring it even more to life, the whole concept of ‘Strange Clouds.’ ” He said that “Strange Clouds” could mean a variety of things from lacunosus clouds to unidentified flying objects to puffs of the most exotic of plants. He wanted to get an artist on it who could really bring that idea to life, and who better than Lil Wayne? “We brought the record to him, we turned it around real quick, and when we put our final ears to it, we were like, ‘Yeah, this is the first one to come out and really let people know we’re back.’ ” B.o.B said the album’s sound was a fusion of a lot of different things. He said his music has danced around in a lot of genres, whether pop, rock or hip-hop, but ultimately he wants listeners to feel good about it. “Really, at the end of the day, music is supposed to make you feel good, and at the same time, I’m an MC at the end of the day also, so there’s a lot more of that in the album,” he said. Related Artists B.o.B

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Eminem Critiques B.o.B’s Strange Clouds

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Bobby Ray calls working with Slim Shady, featured on his new E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial) mixtape, ‘a dream come true.’ By Steven Roberts B.o.B Photo: MTV News B.o.B ‘s first album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, featured plenty of guest appearances, but arguably the biggest was Eminem ‘s feature on “Airplanes Part II.” Em is not exactly ubiquitous, but he found his way onto the up-and-comer’s track. So, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that they’d team up again. When Bobby Ray dropped his newest mixtape, E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial), seemingly out of nowhere Monday, it featured an older track with Eminem, titled “Things Get Worse.” Though the track leaked in February, B.o.B decided to not let it go to waste. When MTV News caught up with Bob on Tuesday evening, he said the track was recorded in Detroit around the same time as the “Airplanes” sequel. He also said he relished the opportunity to work so closely with two artists — B.o.B is signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle — that were already legends. “Working with artists like Tip and Eminem, you really learn a lot from people who have put out countless albums,” he said. “Being that I’m fresh in the industry and really eager to learn and really show people everything I can do musically, they kind of help me. I remember Tip telling me, ‘I’m with you. I support everything you do.’ ” B.o.B revealed that he and Em have been in touch, and he had a chance to play Slim Shady his new record, Strange Clouds. Bobby Ray said it was still surreal to sit down with Em and have the rapper critique his work, especially since Em has been supportive of what he’s already done. “I grew up listening to Eminem, so to be able to work and get advice on your music from him is a dream come true,” he said. “It was free, a free environment. It really wasn’t rigid, just real free with the music, no ego.” Share your review of B.o.B’s E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial) mixtape in the comments below! Related Artists Eminem B.o.B

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Yelawolf Promises ‘Let’s Roll’ Video Will Be ‘Magic’

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Radioactive MC recruits Kid Rock and DJ Kool Herc for clip. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts Yelawolf on the set of his “Let’s Roll” video Photo: MTV News Yelawolf might rep Gadsden, Alabama, to the fullest, but for his next music video, Catfish Billy takes a pilgrimage to hip-hop’s birthplace. For “Let’s Roll,” the next single off his debut LP, Radioactive , Yela hooks up with Kid Rock and hip-hop’s inventor DJ Kool Herc for a ride through the Bronx, New York. “We had the godfather, Kool Herc, come out and do a cameo — it’s pretty incredible,” Yela told MTV News while on set last week. “The director had the brilliant idea of bringing us to the Bronx, the home of hip-hop, where it was born, and it just made it mean so much more to me. I was like, ‘Ahh, that’s perfect.’ ” While coming up in the rap game, Wolf has differentiated himself, playing up not only his southern roots, but the fact that he’s a white rapper who at times looks more punk rock than hip-hop. But being from Gadsden doesn’t make him any less authentic. In fact, in the “Let’s Roll” clip, Wolf brings a trailer-park vibe to the Boogie Down Bronx. “For me, being from Alabama, what hip-hop has given to me, bringing it back here and the blessing of it and just having Kool Herc out here, it’s magic,” Yela reflected. When it’s all said and done, Yelawolf expects the video will help define his career. “It’s just one of those days that things came together the way they came together, and it’ll be a pivotal video in my career,” he said. “I know it’s gonna really open up a huge door and open a lot of people up to the music.” Related Artists YelaWolf

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