Tag Archives: accomplishments

Mac Miller Racks Up Huge Wins In His Breakthrough Year

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Blue Slide Park MC earns a spot on MTV News’ 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC list — vote now! By Rob Markman Mac Miller showed promise when he dropped his attention-grabbing K.I.D.S. (Kickin’ Incredibly Dop Sh–) mixtape in 2010, and throughout 2011, the Pittsburgh MC has fully capitalized on his rap buzz, proving that he is a musical force to be reckoned with. Now Miller, who, as an independent artist, earned the #1 album in the country when he dropped Blue Slide Park last month, stands as one of the nominees in MTV News’ list of 2011’s Hottest Breakthrough MCs . After deciding he wanted to be an MC at 15, Mac used hip-hop influences like Big L, OutKast and A Tribe Called Quest as well as rock greats like the Beatles, Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to craft his sound. “My whole thing is being super genuine and being myself,” Mac told MTV News. “Being an MC is a huge part of who I am, but it’s also that other stuff too, like playing instruments and getting into music like that.” There was some early work as part of local group Ill Spoken, but when Miller dropped K.I.D.S. right after graduating from high school, things really began to take off. Anchored by party tracks like “Knock, Knock” and the Lord Finesse-nod “Kool-Aid & Frozen Pizza,” the Rostrum Records spitter started to rack up a series of wins, including his sold-out Incredibly Dope Tour and his appearance on XXL magazine’s 2011 Freshman cover. His next mixtape, Best Day Ever, surprised K.I.D.S. in terms of download numbers, and his first EP, On and On, proved that Mac Miller fans not only would download free projects from the 19-year-old rapper, they’ll also pay for product. Then Mac did the unthinkable when his debut album Blue Slide Park was finally released on November 8, 2011. After selling more than 144,000 copies, BSP became the first indie debut to hit #1 on the Billboard albums chart since 1995’s Dogg Food by Tha Dogg Pound. The album’s accompanying tour was a success as well, selling out every stop along the way. Yes, 2011 may have been his breakout year, but considering all of his accomplishments, Mac Miller is doing better than some vets in the industry. Still, does he have what it takes to win MTV News’ 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs contest? Only time will tell. 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 Machine Gun Kelly (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 on December 13 when the polls close at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC will be revealed during December 14’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 December 13 on “RapFix Live” — vote now! Related Videos 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs Related Artists Mac Miller

Original post:
Mac Miller Racks Up Huge Wins In His Breakthrough Year

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Katy Perry: Hosting ‘SNL’ Was ‘Cherry On Top’ Of 2011

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Saturday Night Live’ gig ‘really is [a] dream come true,’ singer says. By Jocelyn Vena Katy Perry on the set of “Saturday Night Live” Photo: MTV News On Saturday night, Katy Perry took the reins of “Saturday Night Live,” hosting the long-running sketch-comedy program. Displaying her flair for comedy and her budding acting chops, the singer shared with MTV News that she intended to celebrate her latest achievement the way hosts before her have: by attending the legendary “SNL” afterparty. “Sunday morning? … I’m still spinning ’cause I drank too much. I’m just kidding,” she joked days prior, at Thursday’s rehearsals for the show. “Sunday morning is gonna hopefully be, ‘Ahh, that was so much fun, and we had a great time, and we all danced together on a dance floor.’ … I know we’ll go till like 8 [a.m.]. I’ll be hopping on that plane [after the party] with a hat, sunglasses, like, ‘Hello! Yes! Wee!’ ” It’s been a great year for Perry: She had a hugely successful tour , tied a chart-topping singles record held by Michael Jackson, took home a number of big prizes, starred in the big-screen version of “The Smurfs” and found out she’s up for two Grammys come February. And, that’s just a few of her accomplishments. The “SNL” gig, she said, was the icing on her 2011 cake. “It’s a cherry on top,” she gushed to MTV News. “Most definitely, you hear with different monologues of different hosts every week, it sounds a bit repetitive and stereotypical about how this is their dream come true to host ‘SNL,’ but it really is each and every one of our dream come true to host ‘SNL,’ to just have fun, goof off, try and make some people laugh. And, we’ll see. Hopefully, I don’t embarrass myself ’cause if I do, I’ll stick to music.” Regardless of her future on the show (or in comedy, for that matter), Perry said the “SNL” women are truly inspiring. “I like females that are OK with making fun of themselves, and they don’t always have to have the best lighting or they can play all kinds of different characters,” she explained, owning up to a slight obsession with “SNL” star Kristen Wiig. “They don’t have to play gorgeous and serious all the time: They can play stupid and funny and self-deprecating. I love that.” On the episode, for which Perry explained she got some advice from hubby and previous “SNL” host Russell Brand , she was joined by former tourmate Robyn as the night’s musical guest. Share your review of Katy Perry’s “SNL” appearance in the comments below!

Read this article:
Katy Perry: Hosting ‘SNL’ Was ‘Cherry On Top’ Of 2011

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jay-Z Vows To Be Hands-On Dad, In GQ

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Hov named King of the Year in mag’s upcoming ‘Men of the Year’ issue. By Rob Markman Jay-Z in the December issue of GQ Photo: Nathaniel Goldberg/GQ Jay-Z seems to excel at everything he tries. As a rapper, Jigga’s track record is impeccable and his accomplishments as a businessman have kept Hov hovering around the top of various Forbes lists for almost 10 years now. But how will Jay, who seems to do so many things so well fare at fatherhood? It’s a topic the mogul tackles in a cover story in GQ magazine’s “Men of the Year” issue. “Providing — that’s not love,” Jay says. ” Being there — that’s more important. I mean, we see that. We see that with all these rich socialites. They’re crying out for attention; they’re hurting for love. I’m not being judgmental — I’m just making an observation,” Jay, who was anointed the mag’s King of the Year, tells writer Alex Pappademas. “They’re crying out for the love that maybe they didn’t get at home, and they got everything, all the material things that they need and want. So we know that’s not the key.” The soon to be 42-year-old rapper graces the cover of the December issue, which hit newsstands on November 22, wearing a black suit, a matching skinny tie and sporting a grin. It’s a familiar look for Jigga, but the feature story reveals someone new: Big Poppa Jay. The Roc Nation boss’ complex relationship with his absentee dad factors into his own views on becoming a papi, and it’s a topic he tackled on his 2000 The Dynasty album (“Where Have You Been”), his ’03 “retirement” LP The Black Album (“December 4” and “Moment of Clarity”) and, most recently, on “New Day,” a standout track off of his and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne. On “New Day,” the duo rap hypothetically about fatherhood, except that now for Jay, life will imitate art. When the Throne wrote the song, Jay explains to GQ that he and wife Beyonc

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Jay-Z Congratulates J. Cole On #1 Album

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

‘J. Cole’s success is testament to amazing artist development and Cole’s hard work,’ Roc Nation boss says in statement to MTV News. By Rob Markman J. Cole Photo: C Brandon/ Redferns Cole’s world just got a lot brighter. After news officially broke that J. Cole ‘s Cole World: The Sideline Story snagged the #1 spot on this week’s Billboard 200, his Roc nation boss, Jay-Z , gave the rookie MC a big pat on the back. “J. Cole’s success is testament to amazing artist development and Cole’s hard work,” Hov said in a press release issued to MTV News. “I want to congratulate him on a #1 album and more importantly a great body of work.” The Fayetteville, North Carolina, MC/producer moved more than 217,000 copies of his debut in its first week of release, beating out Blink 182’s long-awaited Neighborhoods album. “J. Cole personifies humility and grace with edge and depth. As an MC, his point of view speaks to and represents me. I’m proud and blessed to be a part of his journey!” Mark Pitts, president of urban music at Sony /JIVE and CEO of Bystorm Entertainment, said in the statement. Cole first attracted a buzz in 2007 with The Come Up mixtape. In 2009, he quietly signed to Jay-Z’s label before releasing his Warm Up tape. The rapper is a former XXL Freshmen cover subject, and along with appearing on his boss Hov’s Blueprint III, he also toured with Rihanna this year. But even with all of his accomplishments, Cole’s debut went through a series of starts and stops before dropping on September 27. On the strength of his singles “Work Out,” “Can’t Get Enough” (with Trey Songz) and “In the Morning” (with Drake), Cole built anticipation for his first album. In an interview with MTV2’s Sucker Free, Cole spoke about the excitement he would feel to have his LP in stores: “I can remember going to get so many albums and just the fact that mines is one of those. Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ With J. Cole Related Artists Jay-Z J. Cole

More here:
Jay-Z Congratulates J. Cole On #1 Album

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Kristin Cavallari Sizes Up ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Rivals

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘No one’s bad!’ reality star tells MTV News at ‘DWTS’ rehearsal. By Kelley L. Carter, with reporting by Matt Elias Mark Ballas and Kristin Cavallari Photo: MTV News Kristin Cavallari knows she has her work cut out for her on “Dancing With the Stars,” but it sounds like she’s up for the challenge. On Monday’s show, Cavallari vamped it up in her Hollywood-glam interpretation of the quickstep. Dressed in a sexy, long and flowy white gown — reminiscent of siren Marilyn Monroe — the reality star made a tremendous improvement from her first week’s performance, the judges enthused. In her rehearsal for this week’s dance, MTV News caught up with Cavallari and her partner, Mark Ballas, who sized up their competition. They both said everyone brought their own talents to the table and they are on the lookout for them all. “No one’s bad!” Cavallari said. “That’s the thing. I think it’s going to be a tough season.” Last week, the 24-year-old former “Hills” and “Laguna Beach” star wowed the judges when she shook her way through the cha-cha. This week, she earned 22 out of 30 points — the second-highest score behind Ricki Lake — in addition to some pretty meaty praise from the trio of judges. “I’ve been bedazzled by the blond bombshell! I love old, Hollywood glamour! This performance was twinkling with pleasure,” Bruno Tonioli gushed. Carrie Ann Inaba added: “Last week, nervous; this week, stunning! You kept your hold, you kept your frame. I thought it was gorgeous!” Who do you think is Kristin’s toughest competition on “Dancing With the Stars”? Let us know in the comments!

View post:
Kristin Cavallari Sizes Up ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Rivals

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

J. Cole Gets Off Rap’s Sidelines With Cole World

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Emotional’ Roc Nation rapper will head to the store today to buy his debut album. By Rob Markman, with reporting by MTV’s Sucker Free J. Cole Photo: C Brandon/ Redferns On Tuesday (September 27), J. Cole finally got up off the bench. The Roc Nation rapper has presented each of his mixtapes — The Come Up, The Warm Up, and Friday Night Lights — with a sports analogy, and his major label debut is no different. Cole World: The Sideline Story, in stores today, tells the story of a young star yearning to get his shot at the big time. “I’m pretty sure we’re gonna celebrate somewhere,” Cole told MTV2’s Sucker Free of his release-day plans. “But to me, I think the real satisfaction and joy will come from when I go to the actual store and see that physical CD right there in my hands and I can look at it and go up and pay for it.” It’s been a long road for the Jay-Z prot

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Heartfelt Hall Of Fame Speech of the Day: Rather than tout his…

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

http://www.youtube.com/v/NQQu-JWzBug

Continued here:

Heartfelt Hall Of Fame Speech of the Day: Rather than tout his accomplishments or settle old scores, Dennis Rodman used his Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech to thank the people who made it possible, apologize for his many character flaws, and promise to try harder to be a better person. [ guyism .] Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : The Daily What Discovery Date : 13/08/2011 19:56 Number of articles : 2

Heartfelt Hall Of Fame Speech of the Day: Rather than tout his…

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hot Stuff, TV, Videos

Tagged , , , , , , ,

James Franco May Be Worried, But ‘Apes’ Director Isn’t

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Rupert Wyatt doesn’t share Franco’s concern that ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ will suffer because of his involvement. By Eric Ditzian Freida Pinto and James Franco in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” Photo: Twentieth Century Fox Film James Franco is worried. Is the what’s-that-dude’s-deal backlash going to follow him into the multiplex? There’s the Oscar debacle and the dozen or so degrees he’s pursuing and the “Three’s Company” performance-art installation and any number of other accomplishments and interests that get on some people’s nerves, and Franco is fearful his newest movie, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” is going to suffer because of it all. “Critics will be out to kill this movie and blame me for it just because they are out to kill me,” he said in a July Playboy interview. “Last year people were pretty nice. This is the year when people are going to have fun going after me.” One person who isn’t concerned is “Apes” director Rupert Wyatt. “I think people are going to see this film, hopefully, for the film,” the British filmmaker told MTV News at San Diego Comic-Con . “Those that will go see this film for James Franco will still see the film for James Franco. I totally understand where he’s coming from. Obviously he took a bit of a knock with the Oscars, but at the end of the day, he’s an actor and that’s his job.” Likely helping matters, from critical reviews to box-office pop, is that “Apes” is a first-rate piece of popcorn entertainment. And, honestly, we’re kind of surprised to say that. But after checking out an early screening, we can say the story is engrossing, the CG apes look amazing, and Andy Serkis, as the lead ape, delivers one heck of an emotional performance. Seriously! The humans, even Franco himself, take a backseat to Serkis’ motion-captured performance as Caesar, the super-smart simian who leads his fellow creatures in their San Francisco-trashing uprising. For his part, Serkis credits his co-star with helping create a believable relationship between Caesar and Franco’s kindhearted but misguided scientist. “It was amazing working with him,” Serkis told us. “It really is a testament if they can truly believe the person opposite them — who is wearing a performance-capture suit with a head-mounted camera — actually go full-on and have a relationship with them. It’s all about believability. All credit to him that he bought into the whole process.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos ‘Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes’ ‘Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Premiere

See the article here:
James Franco May Be Worried, But ‘Apes’ Director Isn’t

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

NY-26 Ad Watch: Corwin, 3; Hochul, 0

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

http://www.youtube.com/v/MrOT-B4l0UM

Read this article:

Assemblywoman Jane Corwin has launched her third TV ad, this time returning to her positive approach of showcasing her accomplishments as a small businesswoman instead of attacking her Democatic opponent, Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul. The 30-second ad started airing this morning. Here’s the script: “New York’s biggest export is our children, who can’t find Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Capitol confidential Discovery Date : 25/03/2011 16:23 Number of articles : 2

NY-26 Ad Watch: Corwin, 3; Hochul, 0

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hot Stuff, TV, Videos

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ashthon Jones Says She Couldn’t Shake ‘Diva’ Label On ‘American Idol’

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘America didn’t think that,’ latest castoff tells MTV News of Jennifer Lopez calling her the ‘D’ word. By Jim Cantiello Ashthon Jones Photo: MTV News If there’s one thing Ashthon Jones learned from her brief-but-memorable journey on “American Idol,” it’s that America does not take kindly to the word “diva.” “Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez called Ashthon the “D” word while raving about her semifinal performance, Monica’s “Love All Over Me,” but the Nashville native quickly realized that the term carries some negative connotations. “When J.Lo said it, I understood what she was talking about. You know how Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Whitney were divas but they were divas in a positive way? They were sweet and humble backstage, but when they got on the stage, they [showed] the world that they could do it,” Jones told MTV News on Monday (March 14). “America didn’t think that,” she laughed before sassily snapping her fingers. ” ‘Diva! Diva alert! … She thinks she’s all that!’ I was like, ‘Noooo!’ Nobody ever got to know the real me.” Ironically, Ashthon first made an impression on “Idol” for being anything but a diva. Jones lent her support to Hollywood Week group member Ashley Sullivan, who cracked under the pressure and threatened to walk off the show. In fact, Jones’ patience and positivity in Hollywood was in sharp contrast to other “Idol” singers’ backstabbing and whining. “That’s how we were. We prayed together. We grabbed each other, ‘Come on let’s pray.’ I’m a firm believer of spirituality and faith, and that’s how I live my life,” she said. Apparently, “Idol” fans have a very short memory. Jones acknowledges that picking a lesser-known Diana Ross song didn’t do her any favors, but she suggested the diva label may have been the big thing that kept viewers from getting to know the real Ashthon Jones With a Silent H (which might as well stand for “humble”). “When I get on the stage, I have to ask God for confidence,” she admitted. “You can’t be timid on ‘American Idol,’ because you’re gonna go home. I went home, but I went home top 13,” she said, proud of her accomplishments. Jones is champing at the bit to put more music out and hopes the connections made on “Idol” won’t go to waste. “Oh my goodness, if [Jimmy Iovine’s producers] call me? I can’t wait to see who I’m going to work with. I don’t know what the opportunities are, but I have a good feeling in my spirit that something’s gonna happen. This can’t be it.” Catch more of Ashthon’s interview with MTV News “American Idol” expert Jim Cantiello on “Idol Party Live,” following Thursday’s results show on MTV.com! Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty ! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances

Original post:
Ashthon Jones Says She Couldn’t Shake ‘Diva’ Label On ‘American Idol’

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,