Tag Archives: artists

Angelina Jolie Calls ‘Blood And Honey’ Crew A ‘Family’

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

‘We were all together presenting something that we felt represented a part of history,’ first-time director/screenwriter tells MTV News. By Kara Warner Angelina Jolie on the set of “In the Land of Blood and Honey” Photo: Ken Regan / GK Films In selecting a subject for her screenwriting and directorial debut, Angelina Jolie did not choose an easy one. While some first-time directors might have gone with a romantic comedy, small-scale film or mainstream subject to tackle, Jolie’s “In the Land of Blood and Honey” is a harrowing, unrelenting drama set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War that highlights the horrors of the ethnic conflict that has occurred far too often throughout history. The film revolves around the relationship between two Bosnians on opposite sides of the conflict, Danijel ( Goran Kostic ) and Ajla ( Zana Marjanovic ) and the devastating toll the war has on their lives. When MTV News caught up with Jolie, Kostic and Marjanovic recently, we asked what aspects they were able to enjoy during the filmmaking process, since so much of the work required of the cast and crew was intense and emotional. “When we were in New York [at the premiere], and we were all together presenting something that we felt represented a part of history and brought dialogue, we were together and we were a family, and I was extremely moved by that,” Jolie said. “That was the best moment.” Jolie tapped into “something that is very personal and very private and very fixed to the region,” said Kostic, a Bosnian Serb who experienced the conflict firsthand. “This [story] could be applied to that region, but equally can be applied worldwide.” Marjanovic, a Bosnian Muslim, recounted her favorite moment being her childhood friend’s reaction to seeing the film for the first time. “Her reaction was so interesting, because she came up and said, ‘I never really understood what it was about … it’s all so confusing, such a complicated area and region, and for the first time, I actually understood what was going on,’ ” Marjanovic recalled. Check out everything we’ve got on “In the Land of Blood and Honey.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .

More here:
Angelina Jolie Calls ‘Blood And Honey’ Crew A ‘Family’

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

LMFAO’s ‘Party Rock Anthem’ A ‘Big Thing’ In 2011

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

‘I think for some of the critics, being #1 for six weeks in a row on the Billboard, people said, ‘Now this is a real thing,’ ‘ Redfoo tells MTV News. By Christina Garibaldi LMFAO’s Redfoo Photo: MTV News To say 2011 has been a big year for LMFAO is an understatement. They released their second album, Sorry for Party Rocking, in June, and from that album came the fist-pumping megahit “Party Rock Anthem.” The #1 song, from the electro-pop duo of Redfoo and SkyBlu, got all music genres (and dancing hamsters) to band together for some excessive party rocking. “Party Rock Anthem” achieved serious success in 2011, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for six straight weeks and becoming the seventh song to spend at least 25 weeks in the top 10. It also came in at the #2 for the best-selling single of the year on iTunes, topped only by Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” The video for “Party Rock Anthem” caused a movement all its own, showing everyone how to shuffle and garnering more than 314 million YouTube views. Now they’re outdoing themselves with their latest single, “Sexy and I Know It,” which has reached #1 on the iTunes chart. MTV News caught up with Redfoo at Z100’s Jingle Ball concert on Friday, and he explained how the success of their chart-topping single has had such an impact on their career. “I think it just brought us into the households via the video, and it just got everybody more into dance music, because now they can shuffle, and so it was just a big thing.” Redfoo said. “I think for some of the critics, being #1 for six weeks in a row on the Billboard, people said, ‘Now this is a real thing.’ ” LMFAO don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. They will ring in the new year along with Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj in New York’s Times Square for the 40th annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” What did you think of LMFAO’s big year? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Lmfao

Read the original post:
LMFAO’s ‘Party Rock Anthem’ A ‘Big Thing’ In 2011

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Will ‘Star Trek’ Sequel Include Khan?

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

Actor Simon Pegg and producer Bryan Burk talk to MTV News about the infamous villain and other details. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz J.J. Abrams and the cast of “Star Trek” Photo: Zade Rosenthal The dedicated fan following of J.J. Abrams knows that the talented writer/director is great at keeping secrets — particularly when those secrets revolve around the highly anticipated and heavily guarded “Star Trek” sequel. And while a few details have started to emerge about the 2013 release, including cast additions ( like Alice Eve ) and villain speculation, we don’t know much. When MTV News caught up with Simon Pegg and producer Bryan Burk when they were promoting “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” we asked what they know so far and if they’d seen or heard any official talk about Khan, the rumored fan-favorite villain. Pegg swore he doesn’t know anything about new characters that have joined the story, but he does know that his Scotty will have a particularly creative sex scene. “There is a large group sex scene with Scotty and some green chicks. That’s all I know; that’s all I’ve been told. It was a sweetener,” he joked. “That was my condition for doing the film.” While Pegg assured us that what he had read of the script is, in fact, really “good,” he knows nothing about Khan. “I haven’t heard the name Khan come up. Not to say it won’t come up, but I have heard no mention of him whatsoever,” he said. “He is a great villain. I don’t want to say too much and then have to eat my words as I often do, but we’ve seen Khan [in a ‘Trek’ movie before]. To see him again, how much value is there in that? I don’t know.” Burk was equally coy about the superhuman tyrant’s place in “Trek 2.” “There are amazing villains all throughout the ‘Star Trek’ universe as well as new villains,” he said when asked for his thoughts on whether Khan belongs in the new film. “As we did in the last film, there’s a lot of directions you can go with the film. In this case, we chose to do something we thought would be original and unique and different, and I think on paper, we made the right choice. Now we have to go shoot.” Burk also promised that the second film will pick up where things left off. “Unlike the last film, where we were restarting and setting up the characters … we’re going to jump right back in, and we don’t have to set up everybody and we can go right in it,” he explained. “We’re kind of in a mad dash at the beginning of the film. In all of our conversation, we reference a lot of our favorite films and how ‘Empire Strikes Back’ was spectacular and how they were able to pick up and keep going.” Abrams’ “Star Trek” sequel starts shooting in 3-D in January and is scheduled to be released May 17, 2013. Check out everything we’ve got on “Star Trek 2.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’

More here:
Will ‘Star Trek’ Sequel Include Khan?

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

Selena Gomez, Mac Miller To Ring In New Year On MTV

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

Demi Lovato will host ‘NYE in NYC 2012,’ also featuring performances from J. Cole and Jason Derulo. By Gil Kaufman Selena Gomez Photo: Getty Images MTV will ring in the new year with a little help from our friends, including Mac Miller , J. Cole and Jason Derulo . “NYE in NYC 2012” will air live at 11 p.m. ET on December 31 from Times Square and also will boast performances from Selena Gomez and co-host Demi Lovato . “Teen Wolf” star Tyler Posey will be on hand to help Lovato count down the minutes to midnight on the show, which will also feature special appearances from Vanessa Marano and Katie Leclerc of “Switched at Birth.” The night’s ultimate dance party will be beamed out from MTV’s Times Square studio, and we’re preparing fans for the big party with the launch of a “NYE in NYC 2012” page looking back at blasts from the past featuring photos, special moments, performances and other highlights. For the first time ever, staffers from MTV News, MTV.com and MTV Music & Talent will collaborate on three different year-end lists. Beginning Monday (December 12), from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET, during MTV’s morning music hours, editors will take part in a spirited debate, where they will reveal their collective choices for best EDM (Electronic Dance Music Artist of the Year), joined by MTV Iggy. On Wednesday, we’ll unveil the Song of the Year, and on Thursday, we’ll name our Artist of the Year. The panel will count down their selections from #10 to #3. Each day at 4:59 p.m. ET, MTV News’ Sway Calloway will reveal the top choices and present the award to the #1 pick. The winners’ acceptance speeches will air during MTV’s primetime hours. The debates will also be featured on mtvU and MTV Hits, and stories will be featured on MTV News and various MTV.com sites. Beginning Wednesday, fans can get in on the action by heading over to our “NYE in NYC 2012” page to cast their votes for their favorite songs of 2011, which “America’s Best Dance Crew” winners the Jabbawockeez will perform to during the show. Voting continues through December 29. Also, viewers have until Sunday to bid on exclusive items and experiences brought together by MTV Act, including two tickets to “NYE in NYC 2012.” Proceeds will benefit the FWD Campaign, an East Africa relief effort. Related Artists Selena Gomez Mac Miller Demi Lovato Jason Derulo

Read more from the original source:
Selena Gomez, Mac Miller To Ring In New Year On MTV

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Justin Bieber Special Takes Fans ‘Home For The Holidays’

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

Bieber’s holiday special airs December 22 and will raise money for his Believe charity drive. By Jocelyn Vena Justin Bieber Photo: WireImage Justin Bieber has helped light the tree in New York’s Rockefeller Plaza and sang Christmas carols with the president . Now, MTV News has confirmed that the pop star will celebrate the season once more with his very own special, “Justin Bieber: Home for the Holidays.” Bieber will tape the fundraising special at a secret Toronto location before it airs December 22 on MuchMusic and CTV. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Bieber said, “The holidays are a very special time of the year for me and I’m looking forward to coming home and ringing them in with my friends and family.” Funds raised at the show will benefit Bieber’s Believe charity . Portions of the proceeds raised by his holiday album, Under the Mistletoe, also went to the nonprofit. Believe raises money for organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Pencils of Promise, Musicians on Call, Project Medishare for Haiti, City of Hope, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Grammy Foundation. “I am launching the Believe Charity Drive because I know firsthand that if you believe in your dreams, everything is possible,” Bieber said in a statement about the initiative. “The Believe Charity Drive directly benefits charities that are making a difference in the world. You can … donate as little as one dollar, or even donate your time, because everything will make a difference. Please join me in our quest to raise millions of dollars by the release of my new 2012 album, Believe. I know that with your help, we can make a change.” On Monday (December 12), in addition to announcing the holiday special, Bieber’s manager Scooter Braun also tweeted about the overwhelming success Under the Mistletoe has had since its November debut. “@JustinBieber’s christmas album ‘Under The Mistletoe’ is the biggest selling International Christmas album for UMG in a decade!!” he tweeted. “That makes it the biggest selling holiday album on Universal in the last decade moving ahead of Andrea Bocelli. very proud and at this rate by Christmas @justinbieber’s ‘Under The Mistletoe’ will be the biggest 4th qtr album release of the entire UMG-EMI system!” Bieber recorded several classic tunes for the album, as well as original songs, including lead single “Mistletoe.” He worked with artists like Mariah Carey, Usher, the Band Perry, Busta Rhymes and Boyz II Men on the project. “Thank u to everyone supporting this incredible album,” Braun added. “All the stats are amazing but what Im most proud of is the music. REALLY GREAT MUSIC.” Related Videos MTV First: Justin Bieber Related Photos Justin Bieber, President Obama And More Celebrate ‘Christmas In Washington’ Related Artists Justin Bieber

See the original post here:
Justin Bieber Special Takes Fans ‘Home For The Holidays’

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

Skrillex Is MTV’s EDM Artist Of 2011!

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

DJ/producer cements his breakthrough year with five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. By Akshay Bhansali Skrillex Photo: Getty Images Back in late 2010, EDM superstar DJ/producer deadmau5 told MTV News a star was on the rise. He said his friend and former post-hardcore/emo rocker Sonny Moore — producing and performing under the name Skrillex — was going to be a force to be reckoned with. “He’s taking over — I think he’s going to outdo me,” deadmau5 told MTV News at the time. “I think he’s going to be the first artist on Beatport to eat my lunch and take over the top 10. I don’t think anyone in Beatport history has ever done it, but if he does it, I’ll be so proud of him, the little goblin!” Now, the ever-prophetic ‘mau5 has more to be proud of. A lot more. In our Best Electronic Dance Music Artists of 2011 coverage, MTV’s roundtable has named Skrillex the #1 EDM Artist of 2011, underscored by his most recent series of accolades: He scored a whopping five Grammy nominations, including being the first DJ to land a Best New Artist nod. Indeed, Moore’s musical background — both on his own and as a member of his former group, From First to Last — has carried over into Skrillex’s brand of fiery electronica. Skrillex has garnered an audience the world over that includes ravers, house heads and rockers alike. In today’s laptop generation of music, Skrillex is the new “rock.” From his remix of Benny Benassi and Gary Go’s “Cinema” to the recent Avicii pop song “Le7els” (not officially released yet), Skrillex dropped massive re-workings in ’11, in addition to his More Monsters and Sprites EP. He scored video games, produced records for Korn, launched his own OWSLA label and hit almost every major festival in the States, including Coachella and Lollapalooza. An exceptional catalog of releases coupled with an incessant touring schedule has made Skrillex the biggest EDM star of the year. In 2012, he plans to tour 322 of the 365 days. While he didn’t expect to become recognized as this year’s biggest success story, Skrillex’s peers say the swell of critical and fan support is fitting. “He definitely deserves it,” former OWSLA tourmate, DJ/producer Porter Robinson, told MTV News. “I’ve been saying it all year: He’s the most influential musician of this year, in any genre. Incredible sound designer. Incredible songwriter. Amazing performer.” “He’s been in bands before,” EDM artist and collaborator Sofi told us. “He’s an excellent songwriter. He can sing. He’s just so versatile that I think that comes through in his music. He kind of brought this ‘rock,’ ‘raw’ element into electronic music. He’s the punk rock of the new generation.” Even industry veteran David Guetta, who lands at #2 on our list of the Best EDM Artists of 2011, agreed with all the praise heaped on Skrillex. “He’s extremely talented, and I’m very happy for him,” Guetta said of Skrill’s Grammy noms. “It’s a statement: I think it’s really good that an artist from our community is nominated just as ‘an artist.’ Not as a ‘dance’ artist, you know? I think that it’s good that [our] music is now getting the attention and the respect that all the other styles of music, like hip-hop, are getting.” MTV will reveal the best artists, songs and movies of the year. Come to MTV News each day to see more big reveals and check out more of MTV’s Best of 2011 music, TV, movies and news coverage. Related Videos Best EDM Artist Of 2011 Debate

Read the original:
Skrillex Is MTV’s EDM Artist Of 2011!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

A$AP Rocky Keeps It ‘Trill’ As Hottest Breakthrough MC Contender

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

Drake hit the road with the ‘Purple Swag’ MC, but it took more than a co-sign to land him on MTV News’ 2011 list — vote now! By Rebecca Thomas A$AP Rocky Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News Is Harlem catching wreck still? A$AP Rocky thinks so. And now the 23-year-old MC and his lean-loving, Always Strive And Prosper crew are angling for the baton that was carved and chiseled by Uptown captains the Diplomats. Truth be told, Dipset boss Jim Jones did as much for the rap relay when he briefly ceded the stage to the upstart and his team at the Dips’ October reunion in New York. But while Rocky reps for the 1-2-5, his outlook is as much NY as it is TX. His chopped-and-screwed flow propelled this summer’s Deep Purple mixtape, a woozy piece of work that had the temerity to ride the Verve’s indie staple on “New York Bittersweet Symphony.” Of course, that tape also gave us the inescapable “Purple Swag” and helped A$AP Rocky earn a shot at MTV News’ 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC title. “It came so natural, the Southern flow,” the rapper said of his penchant for blurring borders, on Shade 45 . Midwest ’90s rap outfit Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Houston heroes like UGK are clear influences. “I just made my own lane.” His haze-inducing, Mixtape Daily Award-winning project, Live.Love.A$AP follows in the Houston-by-way-of-Harlem vein, as the “pretty” MC with the fat plaits gets a major assist from beatsmith Clams Casino on tracks like the rock-hard “Palace.” (Schoolboy Q and A$AP associates Twelvy and Ferg also drop memorable features) But don’t let the syrup fool you, A$AP (born name: Rakim Mayers) is very much a product of his Harlem ‘hood, and he pays tribute in his “Peso” video: bodega windows papered with lottery scratch-off tickets, malt liquor bottles at a dice game and rolling MTA buses all make for a familiar backdrop. Next up for Rocky is a compilation LP, Long.Live.A$AP, due spring 2012, and work on his solo album for RCA/ Polo Grounds, where the rap rookie was drafted for a cool $3 million. Oh, did we forget to mention that Drake recruited him and fellow Hottest Breakthrough nominee Kendrick Lamar for his Club Paradise Tour? “I’m trying to earn the right to call myself A$AP Drizzy one day,” the YMCMB spitter joked in backstage footage. How trill is that? Hottest Breakthrough MCs was established in 2010 by MTV News 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. This year, you can vote for A$AP (or your favorite up-and-comer) over at RapFix.MTV.com , and be sure to check back for daily updates and poll results. Each day, we’ll spotlight a new Hottest Breakthrough MC before we conclude Tuesday when the polls close at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC will be revealed during Wednesday’s “RapFix Live,” during which the winner will appear as our in-studio guest. There will also be a special announcement about MTV News’ upcoming Hottest MCs in the Game list and debate. To be considered a Hottest Breakthrough MC, an artist cannot have released a major-label full-length album. Finalists from 2010’s Hottest Breakthrough MCs poll are not eligible for 2011 consideration. Who do you think should be 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC? Share your picks in the comments! Stick with MTV News as we profile the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs before announcing the winner this Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on “RapFix Live” — vote now! Related Videos 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs ‘RapFix Live’ With Young Jeezy And Big K.R.I.T. Related Artists A$AP Rocky

Excerpt from:
A$AP Rocky Keeps It ‘Trill’ As Hottest Breakthrough MC Contender

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

Mac Miller Is Wiz Khalifa’s Hottest Breakthrough MC

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

‘Mac gotta win that for sure,’ Wiz tells ‘RapFix Live’ of fellow Pittsburgh rapper. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway Wiz Khalifa Photo: Al Pereira/ WireImage Wiz Khalifa knows a thing or two about breaking through to the mainstream. In 2010, the Taylor Gang general was voted by fans as MTV News’ Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010. He beat out J. Cole and Nicki Minaj and went on to release his debut album, Rolling Papers, then had rap fans across the word singing his hits “Black and Yellow” and “On My Level.” When it comes to the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC competition, Wiz is in support of all 10 of the nominees, but he does have his favorite. In a pool that includes A$AP Rocky, Future, Freddie Gibbs, French Montana, Kendrick Lamar , Machine Gun Kelly , Meek Mill , Lil Twist and Roscoe Dash, Khalifa is picking his Rostrum Records labelmate and fellow Pittsburgh MC to take it all: Mac Miller . “Those are all great names, and I’ve met all of those kids — well, some of them aren’t kids,” Wiz told “RapFix Live” on Wednesday. “But I gotta go with the hometown, Mac.” Mac Miller, like Khalifa , hails from Pittsburgh. He made a name for himself with his 2010 mixtape K.I.D.S. and its 2011 follow-up, Best Day Ever. In 2011, Mac toured the country, sold out shows and saw his “Donald Trump” single chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Miller pulled off his biggest feat, however, when his independent debut, Blue Slide Park, became the #1 album in the country. “Mac gotta win that for sure, ’cause he did the numbers, he did the tour, he got the fans, he’s got the merch,” Khalifa said. “All those guys that you named definitely had successful and fun years, but I gotta go with my hometown, Malcolm.” Each day, we’ll spotlight a new Hottest Breakthrough MC before concluding Tuesday 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 December 13 on “RapFix Live” — vote now! Related Videos 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs ‘RapFix Live’ With Machine Gun Kelly And Kendrick Lamar Related Artists Wiz Khalifa Mac Miller

Follow this link:
Mac Miller Is Wiz Khalifa’s Hottest Breakthrough MC

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

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 , , , , , , , , , , ,

Justin Bieber Joins President Obama For ‘Christmas In Washington’

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

Cee Lo Green, the Band Perry and Jennifer Hudson also performed at concert, which airs Friday on TNT. By Jocelyn Vena Justin Bieber (file) Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images Despite feeling a little under the weather, Justin Bieber performed for President Obama and his family at the 30th annual Christmas in Washington concert on Sunday, the Press Association reports. The show, which benefits the Children’s National Medical Center, also featured performances by Jennifer Hudson, the Band Perry, “Victorious” star Victoria Justice and Cee Lo Green. According to Aceshowbiz.com , Bieber performed his track “Mistletoe” — off his holiday album, Under the Mistletoe — during the annual event. This marks the second time the teen star has appeared on the show. He performed two years ago. “Waking up with a bad cold … weather change. but will be ready tonight for CHRISTMAS in WASHINGTON. #resting,” he tweeted in the hours leading up to the show, later adding, “Feeling good. Just had some fun at rehearsals and now we r ready. Time to sing for the President. #canadianrepresenter. Seeing the fans … being here again 2 years later. Feeling very #blessed and #grateful. Thank U! Great night! President Obama is one cool Prez. He told me he was ‘chillin.’ #PresidentialSWAG.” During the event, a number of Christmas classics like “This Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Let It Snow” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” were performed. The night ended with all of the performers, as well as the Obamas and host Conan O’Brien, taking the stage for “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” While the night was all about the holidays, O’Brien did manage to poke a little fun at Bieber during the show. “It’s especially exciting to be here during this joyous season, when we celebrate the arrival of a miracle child, worshiped by millions around the world,” he said. “Of course I’m talking about Justin Bieber.” The full concert is set to air Friday on TNT. Related Videos MTV First: Justin Bieber Related Artists Justin Bieber

View post:
Justin Bieber Joins President Obama For ‘Christmas In Washington’

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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