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Nas Put Amy Winehouse Song ‘In Perspective’ For Producer

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘He put that energy back into [the song], because she repped for him,’ Salaam Remi tells MTV News of ‘Like Smoke.’ By Rob Markman Nas Photo: Getty Images The late Amy Winehouse and Nas had a mutual bond that few knew about. Not only do Amy and Nas share the same September 14 birthday, but according to producer Salaam Remi, they have a number of collaborations that were left on the cutting-room floor. The recently released “Like Smoke” is the first time fans got to hear them in tandem. “Amy sang on records that we never put out with Nas,” the multiplatinum hitmaker told MTV News last month in New York’s Jungle Studios. “As far as them now getting on the same record, that was a conversation in play for the last couple of years but that just didn’t happen yet, and when I listened to that song, I was like, you know what? This makes sense, to actually make that happen as far as things that she wants to do that didn’t happen yet.” “Like Smoke” will appear on Amy’s December 6 posthumous album, Lioness: Hidden Treasures, and features Nas dropping a pair of brand-new verses in between Winehouse’s bluesy vocal. Though Amy wasn’t around to hear the rhymes Nas dropped just a couple of weeks ago, Salaam is confident that based off her admiration for the Queensbridge rapper, she would approve. Amy famously sang about Nas on “Me and Mr. Jones” from her breakout Back to Black album, and the two became acquainted through their mutual friend Salaam. “He just put it in perspective for me,” Remi said of Nas’ mind-set before writing his portion of “Like Smoke.” “I never wanted you to be my man, I just need your company,” Amy starts out singing to an unknown lover. Nas on the other hand speaks directly of his fallen friend when he spits, “I be out in London, Camden, hunting for the answers/ Why did God take away the homey,” he questions. “As far as myself, I feel like I’m repping her musically because that’s what I know of her more than anyone else,” he said. “And then as far as where [Nas is] at, he put that energy back into [the song], because she repped for him. I mean, who writes songs for people, unless you really respect them?” What do you think of “Like Smoke”? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Amy Winehouse: A Life In Photos Related Artists Nas Amy Winehouse

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Chelsea Settles Previews Episode: Workout ‘Was Insanity’

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I wanted to quit,’ reality star tells MTV News about new episode at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. By Jocelyn Vena Chelsea Settles Photo: MTV News Since Chelsea Settles launched herself as MTV’s next great reality star last month, it’s been an interesting journey for both viewers and Settles herself. In the episode airing tonight (November 8), Chelsea Settles gets her butt kicked during her first workout in the City of Angels. “I’m most nervous for the first workout with Angela. It was insanity,” she dished to MTV News. “It was nuts, nuts, nuts, nuts. I wanted to quit. I felt like I should just be fat for the rest of my life.” During the super-tough workout, she said she was thinking, ” ‘Why do I need to go through this?’ I knew that I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t know the hard work and dedication it would take to get there. I wish there was some sort of magic cure to end it all. I didn’t want to put in the hard work. I was embarrassed … so it was kind of mental.” Over the course of the season, those trying moments have helped Settles connect with the audience, and fan feedback has been incredibly positive toward her. “It’s really crazy, and I can’t believe it because we’re almost halfway there,” she said. “It’s kind of a whirlwind but I’m excited to get to interact with a lot of the viewers, and I’m glad that the response has been the way that it has. There’s such an outpouring of love and sincerity from so many people, and I just feel grateful.” While fans love watching Settles grow week after week, it’s been really overwhelming for her. “I cringe every Tuesday before the show airs,” she admitted. “I have butterflies in my stomach. I don’t know what to expect. It’s just it’s weird to see that I played the victim so much. I never realized that I did that. I blamed everything on my weight, and in a lot of the situations, it had nothing to do with my weight.” So, what does Settles blame for her early strife on the show? “It was just lack of confidence and me needing to come into my own, but I just have to accept myself as that girl and love her just as much as I love myself now,” she said. “And that’s been the process that I’ve been going through.” Don’t miss the new episode of “Chelsea Settles,” airing tonight (November 8) at 10 p.m. ET/PT (9 Central) on MTV. Related Videos Chelsea Settles | Ep. 5 | Sneak Peek

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Heavy D’s Death Hits Nicki Minaj, Usher, More Celebs

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Truly gone too soon,’ Usher tweets Tuesday. By James Dinh Heavy D Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images Hip-hop lost a rap icon when Heavy D died Tuesday afternoon (November 8) at age 44, and the music industry is clearly mourning the loss. A string of stars, including Usher , Timbaland and Nicki Minaj , have shared their memories of the late MC on Twitter. Usher offered his sympathy to the family of the Jamaican-born rap heavyweight, tweeting , “This is too heavy, I can’t believe it. HEAVY D was just here. Truly gone too soon. My heart and support goes out to his family. R.I.P HEAVY.” Mega-producer Timbaland couldn’t even process the announcement, writing , “I’m at a loss for words rip heavy d.” After re-tweeting the late-MC’s last message (“BE INSPIRED”), hip-hop’s Harajuku Barbie also weighed in on the news. “We’ll never forget you babe! #hiphopelite #RIPHeavyD,” Nicki wrote . From one raptress to the next, Missy Elliott shared her thoughts: “U will be missed Heavy D so many laughs we’ve shared but your Music is Timeless and will Always be Around 4ever Love u Heav…” Ciara described the MC as “a really nice man. Sending my condolences to him and his family!” DJ Drama and Nick Cannon reflected on the icon’s impact. “Heavy D ‘Who’s The Man’ was one of my 1st pieces of vinyl when I first started djayin,” DJ Drama wrote . “Def 1 of the first 5 records I spent $ on. RIP.” Cannon said he had “just talked” to Heavy D, adding , “He was just encouraging me about life.” “RIP TO A REAL HIP HOP LEGEND HEAVY D!” Nas chimed in. Juelz Santana recalled the rapper/actor’s recent BET Hip Hop Awards performance. “RIP Heavy D. He was a Hip Hop Legend,” he shared. “Crazy how sh– happens. I was late 2 da BET Awards & Heavy D’s Performance was 1 of da only 2 I got 2 see. Blessed 4 dat opportunity. RIP.” Boyz II Men, who shared the ’90s spotlight with the MC, sent condolences to his family, writing, “UGH…heavy d..always cool as hell with us..just a sick feeling….praying for his little daughter and family.” Share your memories of Heavy D on Facebook. Related Videos Remembering Heavy D Related Photos Heavy D: Life, Music And Friends Related Artists Heavy D Nicki Minaj Usher Timbaland

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Theophilus London Goes ‘Super-Emo’ On ‘Breaking Dawn’ Soundtrack

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I’m just so stoked that all these cute girls that like vampires hear my song,’ London says. By Jocelyn Vena Theophilus London Photo: MTV News The soundtrack for “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” drops this week, 10 days before the fourth film in the “Twilight Saga” hits theaters. Chock-full of tracks by artists like Bruno Mars (“It Will Rain”) and Christina Perri (“A Thousand Years”) , the emotions on the album mirror the action the Bill Condon-directed flick. For his track, up-and-coming MC Theophilus London wanted to embrace another side of his musical persona. “It was very unusual to do the soundtrack. But as I progress more with my career, I want to do more stuff like that, soundtrack stuff,” he told MTV News at the Glamour Women of the Year event in New York City. “So when they asked me do it, I was very privileged and pleased. I wanted to do a super-emo song about neighbors and how neighbors are very important. A lot of people are freaking out, but it’s a whole new fanbase for me. I’m just so stoked that all these cute girls that like vampires hear my song.” London wrote the track specifically for the flick, which opens November 18, however, he admitted that he hasn’t even seen a moment of any “Twilight” flick. “I wrote the song specifically for the movie without even seeing the movie,” he explained. “I’m happy. I’m sure a lot of musicians and writers want to be a part of the soundtrack. I’m just happy that I got picked over all those other acts. I appreciate it and there’s a lot more to come.” Don’t fret, Twilighters. London has every intention of seeing this next film. “I haven’t seen any of the movies, but I swear when this ‘Twilight’ movie comes out, I’m going to the regular movie theater in a black tie with my friends,” he joked. “And we’ll have a small little red carpet; just stand up in the theater and take our photos.” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos Get Inside Christina Perri’s ‘Breaking Dawn’ Video MTV First: ‘Breaking Dawn’ Related Artists Theophilus London

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Justin Bieber Tourmate Weighs In On Paternity Suit

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘It wouldn’t even be possible for her to get backstage,’ Cobra Starship’s Gabe Saporta tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Justin Bieber Photo: WireImage Justin Bieber recently told the “Today” show that it’s impossible he fathered Mariah Yeater’s baby, as claimed in a headline-making paternity suit . Why? The minute he finishes a show, he promptly makes his way from the stage to an awaiting car, so there’s no time for backstage trysts. Cobra Starship frontman Gabe Saporta, Bieber’s onetime tourmate , confirmed the teen star’s story. “It wouldn’t even be possible for her to get backstage,” he told MTV News on the red carpet at the Glamour Women of the Year event in New York on Monday. “The security is so crazy there, you can’t get backstage. And even if you got backstage, first of all, he leaves the show as soon as he’s offstage, which is pretty cool. He runs offstage, gets in a car and jets, because the whole city turns into chaos.” Before the My World Tour wrapped up last month, the band experienced that craziness firsthand, likening it to something straight out of the movies. “There’s a really cool video of us online get mobbed at the airport,” Saporta recalled. “It’s like zombie apocalypse; it’s awesome.” Speaking of awesome, 2011 has been a pretty great year for Cobra Starship. Their infectious, Sabi-featuring track “You Make Me Feel” has been burning up radio, but that Bieber tour is pretty much the highlight of the year for Saporta. “We were playing, like, 50,000-people stadiums,” Saporta said of the South American jaunt. “It was insane, and I’m from South America too, so for me, it was especially satisfying. I gotta say, for being the most famous kid in the universe, he’s remarkably well-adjusted, and … there’s like 75 people traveling with him. It feels like a family, and it was really nice to be a part of that family for a bit of time.” Related Artists Cobra Starship Justin Bieber

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Rihanna Confirms Jay-Z Talk That Talk Cameo

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Yes sir! Jigga man is on the title track,’ Rihanna tweets Tuesday. By Jocelyn Vena Rihanna and Jay-Z Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images It’s been a while since Jay-Z and Rihanna have collaborated, and the release of her new album Talk That Talk on November 21 seems like as good a time as any. Norwegian production team Stargate spilled the beans that Hova will appear on Ri’s next album. In an interview posted on Complex.com , Stargate member Tor Erik Hermansen described the track as a “midtempo banger with hard drums, dirty synths, and Rihanna and Jay at their best. “We are very happy with the song, and Jay’s verse is crazy — same with Rihanna’s part,” he told the mag. Rihanna took to Twitter on Tuesday (November 8) to confirm that her mentor will appear on the song “Talk That Talk”: “Yes sir! Jigga man is on the title track #TTT.” Rihanna and Jay have memorably collaborated in the past on her mega-hit “Umbrella” and his Blueprint 3 track “Run This Town.” The collabo news comes just days after Rihanna released the Talk That Talk track list . Fourteen songs made the final cut; 11 will be featured on the standard version, and the additional three on the deluxe version. For those wondering just what the TTT era of Rihanna will look and sound like, her “We Found Love” video director, Melina Matsoukas , told us it will match vibe of that clip. “I think it sets up definitely the imagery for the album, and it’s in line with what they’re doing,” she said. “So that’s good, and I’m sure there’s plenty more, hopefully.” What are you expecting from the next Rihanna/Jay-Z collabo? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Rihanna Jay-Z

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Jay-Z, Kanye West Throne Show At MSG ‘Unreal’

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘There’s no other experience,’ one fan tells MTV News of the Throne’s first stop in Jay’s hometown New York City. By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Rahman Dukes Kanye West and Jay-Z in “Watch The Throne” tour (file) Photo: The Washington Post/Getty Images Jay-Z and Kanye West brought their much-heralded Watch the Throne Tour to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Monday night after two shows at New Jersey’s IZOD Center over the weekend. After kicking off the eagerly anticipated jaunt last week in Atlanta, the Throne began their trek north, stopping in North Carolina, and now they’ll stay put for one additional show at the Garden on Tuesday night (November 8). MTV News headed to the show on Monday, where the allure of seeing Jay and Kanye run through their catalog of hits at the World’s Most Famous Arena wasn’t lost on fans who filed into the newly renovated stadium for a 9:30 p.m. start time. Sticking to the script of their previous shows, the duo opened up with the WTT bonus track “H.A.M,” but “Welcome to the Jungle” hit a soft spot when Jay-Z spit his line, “Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5.” The reference was especially touching just hours after the guilty verdict in the Michael Jackson manslaughter case was finally passed down. As expected, Jay and ‘Ye performed their #1 single “Ni–as in Paris” multiple times during the show’s final minutes, adding in a mix of Jay-Z’s early hits like “Lucifer” and “Money Ain’t a Thing,” along with Kanye’s “Get Em High” and “All Falls Down.” And post-show, fans who spoke to MTV News were still brimming with excitement. “This is where it all started,” said one excited fan, referring to Jay-Z’s first hometown stop on the tour. “This is where he’s gonna start, this is where he’s gonna finish, so this is the best feeling ever. If you’re a Jay-Z fan — or anybody’s fan for that matter — you’ve gotta see them in the Garden. There’s no other experience.” “It was unreal to watch them together, feeding off each other’s chemistry,” another fan added, after watching Jay and ‘Ye throw it down. “Watching them own the stage like they did — it was ridiculous.” The Throne will perform one additional show at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night before they head to Florida. Share your reviews of the Throne tour in the comments! Related Videos Welcome To Jay-Z And Kanye West’s ‘Watch The Throne’ Week Jay-Z, Kanye Enlist Lucky Few Producers For Watch The Throne Related Photos Jay-Z And Kanye West ‘Watch The Throne’ Listening Related Artists Kanye West Jay-Z

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Jay-Z, Kanye West Throne Show At MSG ‘Unreal’

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘There’s no other experience,’ one fan tells MTV News of the Throne’s first stop in Jay’s hometown New York City. By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Rahman Dukes Kanye West and Jay-Z in “Watch The Throne” tour (file) Photo: The Washington Post/Getty Images Jay-Z and Kanye West brought their much-heralded Watch the Throne Tour to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Monday night after two shows at New Jersey’s IZOD Center over the weekend. After kicking off the eagerly anticipated jaunt last week in Atlanta, the Throne began their trek north, stopping in North Carolina, and now they’ll stay put for one additional show at the Garden on Tuesday night (November 8). MTV News headed to the show on Monday, where the allure of seeing Jay and Kanye run through their catalog of hits at the World’s Most Famous Arena wasn’t lost on fans who filed into the newly renovated stadium for a 9:30 p.m. start time. Sticking to the script of their previous shows, the duo opened up with the WTT bonus track “H.A.M,” but “Welcome to the Jungle” hit a soft spot when Jay-Z spit his line, “Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5.” The reference was especially touching just hours after the guilty verdict in the Michael Jackson manslaughter case was finally passed down. As expected, Jay and ‘Ye performed their #1 single “Ni–as in Paris” multiple times during the show’s final minutes, adding in a mix of Jay-Z’s early hits like “Lucifer” and “Money Ain’t a Thing,” along with Kanye’s “Get Em High” and “All Falls Down.” And post-show, fans who spoke to MTV News were still brimming with excitement. “This is where it all started,” said one excited fan, referring to Jay-Z’s first hometown stop on the tour. “This is where he’s gonna start, this is where he’s gonna finish, so this is the best feeling ever. If you’re a Jay-Z fan — or anybody’s fan for that matter — you’ve gotta see them in the Garden. There’s no other experience.” “It was unreal to watch them together, feeding off each other’s chemistry,” another fan added, after watching Jay and ‘Ye throw it down. “Watching them own the stage like they did — it was ridiculous.” The Throne will perform one additional show at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night before they head to Florida. Share your reviews of the Throne tour in the comments! Related Videos Welcome To Jay-Z And Kanye West’s ‘Watch The Throne’ Week Jay-Z, Kanye Enlist Lucky Few Producers For Watch The Throne Related Photos Jay-Z And Kanye West ‘Watch The Throne’ Listening Related Artists Kanye West Jay-Z

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Jennifer Lopez, Chelsea Handler Honored At Glamour Event

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Theophilus London joins Deborah Harry for performance during magazine’s ‘Women of the Year’ celebration at Carnegie Hall. By Jocelyn Vena Chelsea Handler Photo: Getty Images NEW YORK — On Monday night, some of the most prestigious and glamorous women in the world gathered at Carnegie Hall to celebrate the Women of the Year as chosen by Glamour magazine. Jennifer Lopez was the night’s top honoree, and props were also given to everyone from Laura, Barbara, and Jenna Bush to Chelsea Handler and “Glee” star Lea Michele. “I’m pretty excited,” Handler dished to MTV News on the red carpet. “I’m happy. It’s fun,” she added, before explaining what makes her feel glamorous. “Nice clothes make you feel glamorous; getting dressed up for the night. I’ve never really been one to care that much about clothing, if you haven’t been able to notice. I’m always about your mind and being and clever and smart, so it’s cool to kind of get dressed up and wear cool things.” One of the night’s performers, Theophilus London, was pretty stoked to be in the same room as some of the world’s most beautiful people. He even had the perfect outfit to wear when he hit the stage. “I woke up this morning [and] I kind of wanted to wear leather, but I want to wear something shiny and soft. I don’t want to be too hot in Carnegie, so I found something. Shout out to Lanvin. I feel very privileged because they’re very good designers,” he said. London also shared his opinions on who he thinks deserves Women of the Year honors. “I think Michelle Obama is pretty hot and sexy. Actually, I think Debbie Harry is really hot and sexy. I’m doing a duet with her tonight. I’m pretty privileged, but I think J.Lo deserves it. She’s from New York. She’s always reinventing herself. She’s hot and cute.” Fashion designer extraordinaire Marc Jacobs explained that true glamour comes from the inside. “I think self-confidence makes a woman glamorous,” he explained. “I think living by one’s own rules makes anyone glamorous; living life to the fullest, enjoying and appreciating all the things that life has to offer, enjoying one’s life,” he added. LaLa Vasquez had a similar take on the art of being glamorous. “I think it’s confidence. It’s all about how you feel on the inside,” she said. “If you feel confident, you can make anything look good, so definitely confidence.” Cobra Starship frontman Gabe Saporta later joked, “Obviously reading Glamour magazine makes women glamorous, but I think glamour is about a girl who understands herself and has her own sense of style.” Related Photos 21st Annual Glamour Women Of The Year Awards Related Artists Jennifer Lopez

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Adele Undergoes Vocal Cord Surgery

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Singer went under the knife in Boston for vocal cord microsurgery By Gil Kaufman Adele Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage In an effort to repair her strained voice, Adele underwent microsurgery for a benign polyp on her vocal cords in Boston and doctor’s said her prognosis is good. “Adele underwent vocal cord microsurgery by Dr. Steven Zeitels to stop recurrent vocal cord hemorrhage (bleeding) from a benign polyp,” read a statement from Massachusetts General Hospital where the surgery took place. “This condition is typically the result of unstable blood vessels in the vocal cord that can rupture. Based on the advice of her doctor and voice therapist in the United Kingdom, Adele came to Boston to consult and undergo corrective voice surgery with Dr. Zeitels, the Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Voice Center. … Dr. Zeitels expects Adele to make a full recovery from her laser microsurgery.” According to The Los Angeles Times , the surgery uses special lasers to stop the vocal cord bleeding and has successfully been performed on other singers in the past, including Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler in 2006. The surgery came after the “Rolling in the Deep” singer scrapped all remaining performances and appearances in 2011 on doctor’s orders. “It is with deep regret that Adele has been forced to cancel her remaining live dates and promotional appearances in 2011,” read a statement posted on her website last month. “She is to undergo surgery to alleviate the current issues with her throat, and a full recovery is expected. As a result, doctors have ordered her to rest her voice and completely recuperate before looking to schedule any work commitments.” The vocal problems were the latest hiccup in the 23-year-old singer’s plans to tour the U.S., which were previously derailed when she had to call off a string of gigs due to a bout of laryngitis. “Singing is literally my life … I have great confidence in believing you know how much this upsets me, how seriously I take it. Wanting to do something so bad and not being able to is the most frustrating thing as I’m sure you know,” she wrote in a message to her fans explaining the latest setback, which was caused by a vocal hemorrhage. “My voice is weak and I need to build it back up. I’m gonna be starting up vocal rehab [soon] and start building my overall stamina in my voice, body and mind.” When MTV News contacted an independent expert prior to the surgery, he said that recovery from such a procedure could take one to two months and that Adele’s voice should be fine in the long run. Related Artists Adele

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