Tag Archives: artists

Joachim Garraud Set To Bring Invasion 2011 To Coachella

David Guetta’s ex-producer also talks to MTV News about teaming up with Perry Farrell for Lollapalooza. By Adam Stewart Joachim Garraud Photo: Getty Images If you’re familiar with David Guetta , then you’re probably already familiar with Frenchman Joachim Garraud — even if you didn’t know it. In fact, Garraud’s largely responsible for what is widely considered a house music primer for today’s aficionados: Guetta’s 2002 mega-smash album, Just a Little More Love. Guetta fans also may be unaware that Garraud co-produced and wrote many of the album’s marquee tracks, including the title cut and “Love Don’t Let Me Go.” But Garraud’s hits don’t stop there. Joachim is also responsible for the ’04 club smash “The World Is Mine” and, perhaps most notably, one of the first and biggest club-friendly tracks to hit mainstream U.S. radio, 2007’s “Love Is Gone.” Now, after spending nearly a decade as a key player on Guetta’s production team, Garraud has stepped out on his own, putting out his second studio album, Invasion 2011, and heading out on a world tour. “We made tracks on production for three of David Guetta’s albums, and that was a pretty long and very cool story,” Garraud told MTV News recently in Miami. “[But] we stopped working together a few months ago, as [Guetta’s] choice was to focus more on the U.S. market by working with a lot of vocal artists. I was not very excited about this choice as a DJ. I was thinking that it’s maybe moving a little too far away from [that] area. But his choice was good. I mean, look at how successful the David Guetta project is!” That’s not to say Garraud has left behind his original style and influence. When listening to Invasion 2011, one can distinctly hear what his contributions to the various Guetta projects have been. His edgy, stab synths, the bone-crushing low ends, his superb timing and use of a wide range of effects and filters, all with the surgical precision we would expect from a producer of his ilk, bring all of the elements together for a thumping, underground, infectious set of grooves meant to take the listener back into the club. “I’m very excited about this new album, Invasion 2011, because it’s very focused on the DJ thing; it’s really for the DJ,” he said. “It’s not really [meant] to be played on the radio, because all the tracks are meant to be massive on the dance floor.” Steering clear of the mainstream-radio crossover vibe, Garraud hand-selected vocalists and collaborators who would fit his signature sound. “I worked with Roland Clark on a track called ‘Stop’ and another, ‘Bang Bang,’ [and] a girl named Ze from Kuala Lumpur [on ‘I’m Invaded’].” (Clark is known for his vocals with acts like Fatboy Slim and Prodigy.) Garraud also paired up with Black Eyed Peas super producer and touring DJ, Poet Name Life, on “Everybody Is in the Place,” which was most recently remixed by AutoErotique. The quality of Garraud’s collaborators and remixers garnishes the album with an array of future sounds. However, his reach and ability extend beyond the studio and the DJ booth. Partnering with Jane’s Addiction frontman and Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell, the duo are bringing electro to the big stage. “When Perry saw [my set] at Lollapalooza Chicago last summer, he was shocked. So [he] came to me and was like, ‘OK, I want exactly the same. You have to produce tracks for me and produce video and produce the show,’ ” he recalled. Garraud was humbled by the ask, and the wheels were soon set in motion. “We’ve produced 12 tracks together, and all the tracks are very cool, because the lyrics are so cool. He sings all of the tracks with his heart, so they’re very beautiful tracks, and on the dance floor, it’s very, very powerful.” Garraud and Farrell recently took the stage at Chile’s inaugural version of Lollapalooza, where the DJ/producer helmed Perry’s stage show, putting together the music, tracks, video and what he refers to as the overall “stage attitude.” Garraud said fans will get to see their set on the Chicago leg of his tour and, possibly, on a future iteration of the Lollapalooza festival in Europe. In the meantime, he can be seen next on Saturday at the increasingly electro-friendly Coachella music festival , alongside a flurry of other big name DJs, including Axwell, Steve Angello, Laidback Luke, Skrillex and many others. What do you think of Joachim’s Invasion 2011 album? Let us know in the comments below! Related Videos Pump Your Fist For Miami Music Week Related Photos Miami Music Week Related Artists Joachim Garraud

See more here:
Joachim Garraud Set To Bring Invasion 2011 To Coachella

Ice Cube Says The New West Isn’t ‘Just One Flavor’

‘It ain’t just a whole city of gang-banging,’ the gangsta rap pioneer tells MTV News of burgeoning L.A. hip-hop scene. By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Ade Mangum Ice Cube Photo: MTV News is an accomplished actor and director who regularly brings cash to the box office via family-friendly fair like “Are We There Yet?” and comedies like the “Friday” series. The Hollywood savvy Cube may be years removed from his ascent as a gangsta rap pioneer with N.W.A and as a soloist with albums like AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, but he’s still a menace on the mic, releasing his ninth solo album, I Am the West, last year. But when we asked about the chances of a new generation of L.A. rappers breaking through like he did in the late 1980s and early ’90s as we gear up for MTV News’ New West Week , Cube said he thought a lack of airplay was a potential obstacle — but one that is being overcome. “I’m not really happy with radio out in L.A.,” Ice Cube told MTV News recently. “I think they turned their back on the hip-hop scene out there. Not stations like KDAY, they still play the hits. But some stations that got a little more wattage, they’re not bumping the hip-hop like they’re supposed to. “I think if you really focus too much on radio, you’ll be lost as an artist anyway,” he continued. “I think radio is very deceptive. It’s kind of fool’s gold ’cause you always chasing your last radio hit instead of just going and doing hip-hop like you supposed to, you worrying about spins, stuff like that. To me, radio has messed up a lot of artists.” While some of the MCs set to be featured during our New West Week — Nipsey Hussle, Pac Div, Odd Future — have turned to the Internet when radio and other traditional outlets weren’t as welcoming, Cube called it a double-edged sword since file-sharing has affected the music business’ bottom line. And although Cube admitted he isn’t up on too many of the up-and-comers primed to re-establish L.A. as a hip-hop superpower (apart from his sons OMG and Doughboy), he’s proud of the movement’s variety. “I think people just got caught in a trick bag. L.A. has always been full of all kind of different talent, different styles,” Cube said. “It ain’t just a whole city of gang-banging. The Black Eyed Peas is a great example of how creative that region is, so I’m happy that it ain’t all just one flavor now. That a lot of different flavors are getting out there. Leave the gangsta sh– to me and everybody else can do whatever they do.” The multitalented rapper has been cast in the upcoming “21 Jump Street” film adaptation. And although executive-producing his TBS sitcom “Are We There Yet?” keeps him busy, Cube currently has his sights set on bringing the N.W.A story to theaters. “We’re in the process of writing the script,” Cube said. “Hopefully, everything will come out perfect. To me, it’s an interesting story because the neighborhood we came from created N.W.A. And N.W.A also impacted the neighborhood we came from. It’s an interesting movie that needs to be told.” Starting Monday, stick with us as MTV News turns the spotlight on the New West, the next wave of hip-hop acts helping to restore faith in the L.A. rap scene. From groups like Odd Future to rising MCs like Dom Kennedy, we’ll bring you up close and personal to these artists as they carve their own lanes in the post-gangsta rap era. Keep it locked here for the next week for more on the West Coast up-and-comers!- Related Videos The New West: An In-Depth Look At L.A. Hip-Hop Related Artists Ice Cube

See original here:
Ice Cube Says The New West Isn’t ‘Just One Flavor’

Demi Lovato Tells Teens That ‘Love Is Louder’ Than Pressure

Star opens up about eating disorder while teaming up with Seventeen to help others. By James Dinh Demi Lovato Photo: Hearst Communications/The Jed Foundation After her sudden exit from her tour with the Jonas Brothers and a three-month stay at a treatment center , Demi Lovato is looking to use her own personal struggles to help other troubled teens. Earlier this week, she announced she was teaming up with Jed Foundation’s Love Is Louder Than the Pressure to Be Perfect campaign and Seventeen magazine, and in a PSA for the campaign released Thursday (April 14), the 18-year-old singer/actress opens up about the movement and advises others where they should turn to when feeling burdened. “There’s a ton of pressure out there to meet impossible standards,” Lovato says sitting before a white backdrop. “To look right, be smart, be thin, talented and popular. And many of us feel like we have to be everything to everyone, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When the pressure to be perfect is overwhelming, find an outlet. I love to paint, but there are also other ways to relieve that pressure. You can sing, dance, act, draw, shoot photos, write or run.” Lovato, who admitted in the upcoming issue of Seventeen that she does in fact struggle with an eating disorder, explains in the video that there are many people who deal with the same issues and advises fans to spread the Love Is Louder message. “If you’re going through a dark period, remember that you’re not alone,” she continues. “You can get help and you can feel better, so join me in spreading this message by snapping a photo of yourself with the message love is louder and the pressure to be perfect.” Courtney Knowles, executive director of the Jed Foundation, spoke to MTV News about why he believed the teen star was the perfect candidate to represent the Love Is Louder movement. (MTV teamed up with the Jed Foundation and actress Brittany Snow last fall to launch Love Is Louder in response to teen suicides connected to bullying.) “I think her story really resonates with a lot of girls. I think it already did,” Knowles said. “There had been a lot of speculation about what she had been through and … the fact that she’s so brave, that she’s willing to talk about these sensitive issues openly is really important, because part of the problem is so many teenagers don’t want to seem like they’re failing at anything, so they don’t talk about this. And without addressing the problem, you can never feel better.” As for whether Lovato will participate in any future Love Is Louder campaigning, Knowles revealed that the he and her team are still working out the details. “We don’t have a specific schedule yet, but she certainly is onboard to spread the message and for it to reach more teenage girls and young women,” he said. Lovato is also serving as a contributing editor for Seventeen, where she’s expected to write bi-monthly posts on Seventeen.com and contribute to the magazine’s coverage of issues facing teen girls. Knowles told MTV News that Lovato and Seventeen approached the organization about teaming up to create “something bigger than just the story.” In the May issue of the mag, which hits news stands April 19, the Disney starlet opened up about her battle with an eating disorder and what she’s learned since her days leaving treatment. Asked whether she ever felt pressure to pick up old habits, the star admitted “there have been times” when she was tempted to get rid of her dinner. “But I will deal with it for the rest of my life because it’s a life-long disease,” said the teen star. “I don’t think there’s going to be a day when I don’t think about food or my body, but I’m living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place and stay with it.” Since leaving treatment for “emotional and physical issues” in late January, Lovato confessed that she has given herself “a lot of freedom.” “I have come to realize that just making yourself happy is most important,” she continued. “Never be ashamed of what you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion that you want, and to do what makes you happy. That’s my life motto.” Related Artists Demi Lovato

Original post:
Demi Lovato Tells Teens That ‘Love Is Louder’ Than Pressure

Lady Gaga To Perform At MTV Video Music Aid Japan Show

Singer is the first performer announced for the June 25 event, which will help victims of Japan’s recent earthquakes and tsunamis. By James Dinh Lady Gaga Photo: Getty Images Just a few weeks after the May 23 release of her highly anticipated new album, Born This Way, Lady Gaga will take the stage to perform at the MTV Video Music Aid Japan on June 25. According to a press release, Gaga is the first performer to be announced for the 10th annual MTV Video Music Awards Japan, which is being dubbed the Video Music Aid Japan this year in order to raise awareness about the recent natural disasters that hit the country and benefit the Japanese Red Cross. The international event will be hosted by Japanese pop sensation AKB48 and feature a string of performances from international, regional and Japanese artists. The broadcast will be a highlight of MTV Japan’s Music of Hope campaign, which is the channel’s multiplatform response to the tragic March 11 earthquake and tsunami. In addition to the usual award-show traditions, the program is expected to feature news about the artists and youths who have been impacted by the country’s natural disasters. MTV Video Music Aid Japan will broadcast live from the Makuhari Messe convention center near Tokyo on MTV Japan, MTV Korea, MTV China and MTV Southeast Asia. In addition, a special one-hour version of the event will air on MTV channels worldwide as an installment of the network’s weekly live music series. Mother Monster’s performance at the VMAJ is just another attempt for the pop superstar to assist in the Japan relief efforts. On the very same day that the earthquake hit, Lady Gaga announced that she had designed a special prayer wristband with all of the proceeds from sales going to benefit those affected by the disaster. After two days of sales, Gaga revealed that her fans had raised $250,000 for the victims, tweeting, “Monsters: in just 48 hrs you’ve raised a quarter of a million dollars for Japan Relief.” Are you looking forward to Lady Gaga’s Video Music Aid Japan performance? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Lady Gaga

See the original post here:
Lady Gaga To Perform At MTV Video Music Aid Japan Show

Snoop Dogg Salutes The New West For ‘Taking Chances’

‘I keep my ear glued to the street when it comes to these new acts from the West,’ veteran Cali rapper tells MTV News. By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Rahman Dukes Snoop Dogg Photo: MTV News MTV News’ New West Week might be shining a spotlight on L.A. newcomers, but the rapper any rising Cali MC must pay homage to is Snopp Dogg . Since his debut on “Deep Cover” with Dr. Dre, Snoop has achieved multiplatinum success and status as a hip-hop icon, utilizing his talents off the mic as an actor and executive too. The man born Calvin Broadus has always lent a helping hand to MCs making their way in the rap game, especially those hailing from his home coast. “As far as the New West or the young MCs out here on the West Coast, I’m very familiar with them because they call me Uncle Snoop,” Snoop told MTV News. “So more than likely, they come get my blessings on a record, or through mutual friends we connect with each other, because I always keep my ear to the streets and I always love being a part of what’s new and fly representing the West Coast. I’ve always been one to try to put that on the forefront, so I keep my ear glued to the street when it comes to these new acts from the West. I try to be a part of their projects and a part of blowing them up.” Not all the L.A. or Cali rap legends have been as welcoming to new talent as Snoop Dogg. Nevertheless, this new crop of MCs take cues from their rap elders but still manage to carve out unique lanes for themselves. Getting a featured verse from Snoop may give relatively unknown rappers a dose of visibility, but they don’t come cheap, easily running into six figures. The West Coast rap legend is willing to give new jacks with minimal recording budgets a deep discount, if he respects their music and hustle. “When you doing those types of situations, you building relationships and you building trust in a community that doesn’t have no trust right now,” said Snoop, who in some cases has waived his fee for a hot 16 bars entirely. “To me, that means more to me to be able to go back and give these artists a shot and not overcharge them and try to rob the bank and say, ‘Give me what I’m worth.’ Nah, let me give you a shot, because if we playing team ball and I’m from the West, you guys are a part of my team.” Snoop’s dedication to maintaining strong relationships with his peers — veterans and rookies — has paid off, since he has managed to remain relevant in a fickle hip-hop industry throughout a career that spans almost 20 years. While the last major MC to break through from Los Angeles is the Game, Snoop has also appeared on songs from local up-and-comers like Glasses Malone, Nipsey Hussle and YG, to name a few. “The artists are more courageous and more death-defying. They like taking chances,” Snoop said of the recent surge in Cali-repping artists, who MTV will be featuring throughout the next week. “In the past, we would wait for radio and wait for other labels to get behind us and support us. But now you got artists being individually strong on they own and going straight to the Internet, creating songs and dealing with the fans one on one, cutting the middleman out. When you get those views on the Internet, sometimes to me that means way more than a record sale. Because you got people stopping they day to pay attention to you and see you do their thing in a real way.” Stick with us all week as MTV News turns the spotlight on the New West, the next wave of hip-hop acts helping to restore faith in the L.A. rap scene. From groups like Odd Future to rising MCs like Dom Kennedy, we’ll bring you up close and personal to these artists as they carve their own lanes in the post-gansgta rap era. Keep it locked here for the next week for more on the West Coast up-and-comers! Related Videos The New West: An In-Depth Look At L.A. Hip-Hop Related Artists Snoop Dogg

View original post here:
Snoop Dogg Salutes The New West For ‘Taking Chances’

Snoop Dogg Salutes The New West For ‘Taking Chances’

‘I keep my ear glued to the street when it comes to these new acts from the West,’ veteran Cali rapper tells MTV News. By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Rahman Dukes Snoop Dogg Photo: MTV News MTV News’ New West Week might be shining a spotlight on L.A. newcomers, but the rapper any rising Cali MC must pay homage to is Snopp Dogg . Since his debut on “Deep Cover” with Dr. Dre, Snoop has achieved multiplatinum success and status as a hip-hop icon, utilizing his talents off the mic as an actor and executive too. The man born Calvin Broadus has always lent a helping hand to MCs making their way in the rap game, especially those hailing from his home coast. “As far as the New West or the young MCs out here on the West Coast, I’m very familiar with them because they call me Uncle Snoop,” Snoop told MTV News. “So more than likely, they come get my blessings on a record, or through mutual friends we connect with each other, because I always keep my ear to the streets and I always love being a part of what’s new and fly representing the West Coast. I’ve always been one to try to put that on the forefront, so I keep my ear glued to the street when it comes to these new acts from the West. I try to be a part of their projects and a part of blowing them up.” Not all the L.A. or Cali rap legends have been as welcoming to new talent as Snoop Dogg. Nevertheless, this new crop of MCs take cues from their rap elders but still manage to carve out unique lanes for themselves. Getting a featured verse from Snoop may give relatively unknown rappers a dose of visibility, but they don’t come cheap, easily running into six figures. The West Coast rap legend is willing to give new jacks with minimal recording budgets a deep discount, if he respects their music and hustle. “When you doing those types of situations, you building relationships and you building trust in a community that doesn’t have no trust right now,” said Snoop, who in some cases has waived his fee for a hot 16 bars entirely. “To me, that means more to me to be able to go back and give these artists a shot and not overcharge them and try to rob the bank and say, ‘Give me what I’m worth.’ Nah, let me give you a shot, because if we playing team ball and I’m from the West, you guys are a part of my team.” Snoop’s dedication to maintaining strong relationships with his peers — veterans and rookies — has paid off, since he has managed to remain relevant in a fickle hip-hop industry throughout a career that spans almost 20 years. While the last major MC to break through from Los Angeles is the Game, Snoop has also appeared on songs from local up-and-comers like Glasses Malone, Nipsey Hussle and YG, to name a few. “The artists are more courageous and more death-defying. They like taking chances,” Snoop said of the recent surge in Cali-repping artists, who MTV will be featuring throughout the next week. “In the past, we would wait for radio and wait for other labels to get behind us and support us. But now you got artists being individually strong on they own and going straight to the Internet, creating songs and dealing with the fans one on one, cutting the middleman out. When you get those views on the Internet, sometimes to me that means way more than a record sale. Because you got people stopping they day to pay attention to you and see you do their thing in a real way.” Stick with us all week as MTV News turns the spotlight on the New West, the next wave of hip-hop acts helping to restore faith in the L.A. rap scene. From groups like Odd Future to rising MCs like Dom Kennedy, we’ll bring you up close and personal to these artists as they carve their own lanes in the post-gansgta rap era. Keep it locked here for the next week for more on the West Coast up-and-comers! Related Videos The New West: An In-Depth Look At L.A. Hip-Hop Related Artists Snoop Dogg

Go here to see the original:
Snoop Dogg Salutes The New West For ‘Taking Chances’

James Durbin Wails On ‘American Idol’ Movie Night

Rocker was joined by legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde for heavy metal performance judges called ‘outstanding.’ By Kara Warner James Durbin performs on “American Idol” Wednesday Photo: Fox The buzz surrounding this week’s episode of “American Idol” was especially high, given the major elimination shocker of assumed front-runner Pia Toscano last week. And while the contestants are always dealing with the looming pressure of elimination, there seemed to be an extra sense of anxiety coming from the eight remaining “Idol” hopefuls. Nevertheless, there were a few standout performers who sang their hearts out during the always-interesting Songs of Cinema theme week. One in particular was heavy metal enthusiast and all-around rocker James Durbin . Durbin made “Idol” history earlier this season when he sang the first Judas Priest track “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” marking the first time Priest was ever performed on the main stage. On Wednesday night (April 13), he went raw rocker again and, against the recommendations of mentors Jimmy Iovine and wil.i.am, performed Sammy Hagar’s “Heavy Metal,” from the ’80s movie of the same name. “Give metal a chance!” Durbin said to the camera in the preview package that aired before his performance. Joining Durbin onstage for his loud, energetic and guitar-solo-heavy performance was legendary Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, who said afterward that Durbin “sang his ass off.” “That felt really, really real!” a very excited Jennifer Lopez exclaimed. “I really loved that. I don’t know what these are sounding like at home but here they are killing it dead,” she said. “Who would have ever thought that on ‘Idol’ we would have heavy metal?” Fellow judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler were equally impressed. “My God, you guys were just at a James Durbin concert, at a Zakk Wylde concert,” Jackson told the audience. “I’m happy you stuck to your guns,” he told Durbin of going against mentor Iovine’s wishes. “We always tell contestants to ‘do you’ and tonight you did you. … I can see you onstage with Ozzy at the next Ozzfest! Durbin rocks!” “Outstanding, Durbin,” Tyler said. “I’m glad you went with your feelings. … Nice lip to Jimmy, man.” Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday at noon on MTV.com 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 ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Top 24 Related Artists Jennifer Lopez Steven Tyler

Originally posted here:
James Durbin Wails On ‘American Idol’ Movie Night

New West Week Kicks Off With Odd Future, Casey Veggies, More

We take you inside the re-emerging L.A. hip-hop scene, including exclusive interviews with Dom Kennedy, Nipsey Hussle, Tyga and more. By Steven Roberts Odd Future’s Tyler, the Creator Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images In recent years, Los Angeles hip-hop has lost its place at the top of the rap game. Dr. Dre’s once ubiquitous G-Funk sound has largely disappeared thanks in part to the emergence of other super-producers, the growing dominance of southern hip-hop and the good doctor’s own absence from the scene. As a result (with the exception of the likes of Game and Snoop Dogg), the region has been mostly dormant on a national scale — until now. In recent years, a new wave of hip-hop acts has emerged, awakening a newfound interest in L.A. hip-hop culture. These artists have each individually carved their own lane without the help of their rap forefathers, creating a sound in contrast to the G-Funk/ gangsta rap sensibility. Beginning Monday, April 18, MTV News will be highlighting some of the best of L.A.’s talented and diverse acts with our weeklong coverage of the New West. The week kicks off with a mixtape double-feature highlighting Nipsey Hussle’s The Marathon and Casey Veggies’ Sleeping in Class. The up-and-coming Casey Veggies has made a lot of noise in the last few months — all while trying to graduate high school. Our second piece is on rising star Nipsey Hussle, who many fans once hoped would singlehandedly bring back the West. Nips’ momentum has slowed a bit in recent months, but the MC won’t be deterred. Nipsey has since embarked on his own marathon, planning to take his career to the next level. One crew that has been pegged as “the next big thing” is the much-hyped Odd Future . OF have made waves in recent months, though, the question remains whether the 10-man collective can take the next step to the mainstream. Then there’s the four-man group known as Black Hippy, made up of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and School Boy Q. The foursome have made quite a bit of noise on the underground and it they seem to have already caught the attention of some important people in the industry. But it’s not just the MCs that have been making noise in L.A.; the city’s party and dance scene has also been the focus of hip-hop fans and spawned nationwide trends. The Jerk, the Dougie and Cat Daddy (all dances, of course) have not only brought about new crazes, but they’ve helped to shed light on how L.A. youth are reviving the culture. Finally, can Dom Kennedy, Pac Div and Young Money MC Tyga overcome their underdog status and make their mark outside of L.A.? Each act has been grinding for years, but can they defy the naysayers and prove they’re the cream of the crop? Before the New West Week kicks off, MTV News will be gearing up by talking to a few heavy hitters about the scene. The Doggfather Snoop Dogg talks to us about how the New West MCs have made a name for themselves without a co-sign from the old guard and also shares a little bit about his new artist, Pilot. And Renaissance man Chris Brown opens up to us on Friday about how he got inspiration from L.A.’s party and dance scene while rejuvenating his career. All week, we’ll be bringing you interviews with these artists to watch, breaking it down into four categories: the Black Hippy, the Future, Up and Coming, the Party and the Underdog. Each day, MTV News’ Sway and our hip-hop beat team will focus on a theme and recap the following day. Starting Monday, stick with us all week as MTV News turns the spotlight on the New West, the next wave of hip-hop acts helping to restore faith in the L.A. rap scene. From groups like Odd Future to rising MCs like Dom Kennedy, we’ll bring you up close and personal to these artists as they carve their own lanes in the post-gangsta rap era. Keep it locked here for the next week for more on the West Coast up-and-comers!- Related Videos The New West: An In-Depth Look At L.A. Hip-Hop Related Artists Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All Nipsey Hussle

See the rest here:
New West Week Kicks Off With Odd Future, Casey Veggies, More

Beyonce Waves Her ‘B’ Flag In New Video Set Photos

Leaked pictures show diva in an elaborate headdress, surrounded by female ‘soldiers.’ By James Montgomery Beyonc

Taylor Momsen Calls Pretty Reckless’ Light Me Up ‘Honest’

‘I would consider myself a musician that also acts,’ the ‘Gossip Girl’ star tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Taylor Momsen Photo: MTV News Taylor Momsen has been teasing fans for quite some time now about her debut album . This week, she and the Pretty Reckless finally dropped Light Me Up, a searing rock album that features the “Gossip Girl” star growling over guitars. Momsen said she’s been talking about it so much that finally having it out is still kind of unbelievable. “It doesn’t exactly feel real yet. I’ve been talking about it for a long time,” she told MTV News. “I’m very excited for people to hear it.” Momsen has had a big task as she pushes to get people to hear the album. She needs to somehow convince the world that she isn’t just another starlet thinking it might be cool to release an album. For her, music is what it’s really all about. “It’s still something I have to overcome,” she explained. “I don’t think it’s fully transitioned. I would consider myself a musician that also acts. I’ve been writing songs since I was 5. It’s the thing that I chose for myself. I wasn’t put into it. I made the decision and couldn’t live without it, and hopefully people will give the record a chance and they’ll hear that. They’ll hear that it’s not some side vanity project [but] that I really, really worked on it for a long time, really my whole life.” While many of her peers in La La Land have opted to release more top 40-friendly tunes, Momsen has embraced grunge alt. “I wouldn’t have ever put out a dance record and probably never will,” she said. “I think there’s a place for all types of music, but it’s not my cup of tea. “I love classic rock,” she continued. “What I love about music is I love playing. That’s what I loved about music to begin with; that’s what I fell in love with. It was the rawness and hearing the imperfections and having the imperfections be what makes it so unique and honest. I really wanted to make an honest record. That was the outlook that kept me sane and honest.” Out of the 11 tracks on the record, Momsen said she can’t really nail down her favorite. “I think there’s something for everyone on the record,” she said. “There was no real formula to the way that we wrote. It’s hard to define that, but ‘Make Me Wanna Die’ [is my favorite song] if I had to pick one. It was the first song written for the record, so it kind of defined the direction.” Related Artists Taylor Momsen

See the original post:
Taylor Momsen Calls Pretty Reckless’ Light Me Up ‘Honest’