Tag Archives: artists

Jay-Z Joins Chicken Venture After Dropping ‘H.A.M.’

The hip-hop mogul is now an investor in his cousin’s Buffalo Boss restaurant in Brooklyn. By D.L. Chandler Jay-Z (file) Photo: Eugene Gologursky/ WireImage After amassing a huge fortune last year via record sales, book sales and several key investments, rap and entertainment mogul Jay-Z is winging it — literally. Just as his “H.A.M.” collaboration with Kanye West was dropping on Facebook, news broke that the 41-year-old Brookynite has invested in the Brooklyn-based chicken wing restaurant Buffalo Boss, teaming up with his mother, Gloria, and sister, Andrea in the new venture. Keeping things within the family, the fast food joint is currently co-owned by the rapper’s cousin Jamar White. “Yes, it’s all true,” White told MTV News confirming the news. “Jay supports us in all we do, that’s my big cousin right there.” The eatery does more than dole out saucy wings, fries, salads and soft drinks. According to TMZ , Jay-Z and Buffalo Boss recently teamed up to reward exceptional students at a nearby middle school with free eats. (However, a glance at the Buffalo Boss menu doesn’t exactly bode well for children and adults looking for healthy options.) The news that Jigga is investing in a chicken restaurant will come as a mild surprise to some fans as the rapper revealed to Oprah in 2009 that he doesn’t eat much in the way of the largely affordable meat as it reminded him of his former poverty. “We ate a lot of chicken, you know, because chicken’s cheap,” he said. “We had so much chicken — chicken backs, chicken everything … to this day, I can only eat small pieces or else I feel funny.” Related Photos Kanye West And Jay-Z: History In The Making Related Artists Jay-Z

Visit link:
Jay-Z Joins Chicken Venture After Dropping ‘H.A.M.’

No Justin Bieber-Centric ‘Glee’ Episode Planned

‘Those [tributes] are reserved for artists with big catalogs,’ co-creator Ryan Murphy explains. By Mawuse Ziegbe Justin Bieber Photo: George Pimentel/ WireImage Bad news for Beliebers: A Justin Bieber “Glee” tribute episode isn’t happening anytime soon. After rumors began to swirl that Bieber Fever was slated to sweep McKinley High, Ryan Murphy, the co-creator of the Fox hit cleared up the role of the teen star’s music in an upcoming episode. Murphy maintained that unlike other superstars whose repertories have received “Glee” overhauls — like Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Madonna — Bieber’s current list of hits isn’t long enough to sustain an entire hour of New Directions-helmed numbers. “Those [tributes] are reserved for artists with big catalogs,” he told Entertainment Weekly. However, this season of “Glee” won’t be completely Bieber-free: “Bieber comes up in episode 13 as a small plot point. Sam [Chord Overstreet] sings a JB song to win Quinn’s [Dianna Agron] approval.” Murphy has recently been giving up more details about some of the storylines and smash hits set to turn up on “Glee.” Gwyneth Paltrow will return to reprise her role as feisty substitute teacher Holly Holliday for a two-episode arc that includes dating glee-club leader Will Schuester. The hit show will also take a chance on Gaga’s soon-to-be released single “Born This Way,” which will serve as inspiration for an episode airing in either March or April. “I love that that song is [an] anthem,” Murphy explained of giving the track major “Glee” love. “This show is by nature optimistic and I think a character like Karofsky could turn to booze or pills or alcohol and kill themselves or do something dark. But I also love Max and I love that character and I sorta want that character to have a happy ending. So I don’t really know what that’s going to be, but I do know we’re going to do a whole episode that’s about that song.” Are you bummed there is no Justin Bieber “Glee” episode? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Musical ‘Glee-Caps’ Of Season Two Related Artists Justin Bieber

See more here:
No Justin Bieber-Centric ‘Glee’ Episode Planned

Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’: Radio Programmers Weigh In

‘I can see it being another huge hit for her,’ Z100 program director tells MTV News. By James Montgomery Britney Spears Photo: Kevin Mazur/Wire Images You’ve already heard the likes of Perez Hilton and “Jersey Shore” star Pauly D extol its virtues, but with the Monday (January 10) premiere of Britney Spears’ “Hold It Against Me,” we figured it was time to let program directors at radio stations around the country weigh in on the track too. After all, not only are they the ones responsible for putting the song on the air, but they’re the kind of folks who know a hit the second they hear it. So do they think Brit has another smash on her hands? Not surprisingly, the answer appears to be “yes.” “When I originally heard it in December, it blew me away from the first listen, and the same thing happened when we played it on Elvis Duran’s morning show [Monday]; our Facebook and Twitter pages exploded, ” Sharon Dastur, program director at New York’s Z100 , told MTV News. “People are going crazy for it. They heard the leaked version and loved it, and now they’re loving the official version too. I can see it being another huge hit for her.” “We’re playing it at the top of every hour, and the reaction has been great,” Tommy Chuck, program director at Tampa, Florida, station 93.3 WFLZ added. “Both on Facebook and Twitter, people are glad Britney’s back; [they’re] thanking us for playing the song, telling us how amazing she is, and all the air staff loved it. It’s a solid single, and it’ll be a big hit for her.” And while that initial wave of fan enthusiasm was to be expected, what both Dastur and Chuck said would put “Hold It Against Me” over the top is the song itself, a master-class in of-the-moment pop, courtesy of the world’s foremost experts on the subject, Max Martin and Dr. Luke. “Pop radio is a tough business, and if the song is no good, it wouldn’t make it beyond the initial airplay,” Chuck said. “People are really responding to this song, though, commenting on the ‘dub-step’ element of it. It definitely sounds similar to a lot of the dance tracks you hear [on the radio by] Taio Cruz and Usher and Chris Brown. It continues that whole trend.” “[Britney’s] got a great team around her, and with Dr. Luke and Max Martin, you can’t go wrong,” Dastur said. “The reaction [to the song] this morning was outstanding. I asked some producers about it, because sometimes, we’ll play a song, and the reaction is a little one-way or the other. But this one was through-the-roof positive.” What do you think of “Hold It Against Me”? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Britney Spears Related Artists Britney Spears

Continue reading here:
Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’: Radio Programmers Weigh In

Has Cake-less Cassie Cultivated A Crazy Cult Congregation?

Cassandra Ventura has been the subject of a polarizing debate since her debut on the music scene in 2006 with her smash Myspace-turned-radio hit “Me and U”. Some love her because she’s fine as f*ck, others for her fashion sense, and some people just love to hate her. If everyone else, (besides the UK’s top rated newspaper The Guardian) had as much appreciation for non-sanging pretty ’singers’ like Cassie, she’d be a much bigger entity by now. Although Cassie doesn’t have the vocal chops comparative to your Beyonce’s and Jennifer Hudson’s, her vocals are not the worst and they work well on kinetic, infectious club beats. I’m actually shocked that the 24-year-old has a growing cult of hardcore supporters, but that would be down to the singer impacting the dance and electronic world. Apparently, a tribute mixtape was put together which involved several underground artists remixing and re-producing many of her tracks. Tri Angle Records boss Robin Carolan celebrated the new year by getting the words ‘Me & U’ tattooed on his arm. He states: “In her vocals, there’s a lot of space; from a producer’s point of view that’s what you want, you can completely mash it up and reconstruct it”. The Cassie appreciation was evident when last year, English DJ-producer Deadboy released ‘Cash Antics Vol. 1′. The compilation remixed her vocals, and the ‘Skydiver’ compilation involved dubstep producers Brackles and Jacques Greene reworking her tunes. Carolan continues: “For my artists, such as oOoOO and How to Dress Well—the idea of Cassie singing on their tracks is a dream. Others might view her as a has-been, but in this world she’s a legend. It sounds like she’s trapped in ice. There’s this stillness to [her voice]. Even though she’s not forcefully singing she still demands your attention”. However you feel about Cassie is your business. Does she have a lil hoe swag? Maybe. Is she EVER going to have a song that matters again? Ehhhh, probably not. But will she always have your attention for one reason or another? Damn skippy! Source

Read more:
Has Cake-less Cassie Cultivated A Crazy Cult Congregation?

‘Paramore: The Last Word’ Interview: Traduzido No Portugues

Read MTV News’ full transcript of the interview following the departure of Josh and Zac Farro. By James Montgomery Paramore Photo: MTV News FRANKLIN, Tennessee — No dia 30 de dezembro, MTV Not

Rihanna Makes U.K. Chart History

Pop star is first female solo artist to score five #1 singles in consecutive years in the U.K. By James Dinh Rihanna Photo: Evan Agostini/AP Photo That Rihanna reign just won’t let up as the redheaded pop darling has set a new chart record in the United Kingdom. With her Drake-assisted “What’s My Name?” rising to the top spot, the singer, who recently filmed a video for her Nicki Minaj collabo “Fly,” has become the first female solo artist in U.K. chart history to score five #1 singles in consecutive years. According to the Official Charts Company , the pop star’s “What’s My Name?” nabbed the honorary position on the Official Singles Chart after its runner-up spot last week. Elvis Presley was the last solo act to achieve this record with #1 hits spanning from 1957 to 1963. And it doesn’t stop there as Rihanna is garnering some serious British sales for her latest album. Loud also holds on to the #1 spot on the Official Albums Chart this week, giving the pop princess the second U.K. chart double of her career. Back in 2007, Good Girl Gone Bad and her smash single “Umbrella” topped the chart simultaneously. Since its November release, Loud has sold nearly 900,000 copies in the U.K. RiRi took to Twitter to thank her legion of overseas fans. “Another week! LOUD and What’s my Name are the #1 ALBUM and SINGLE respectively!!! UK you are on FYAH!!! Rah Rah! THANK U! Where my #UKNavy,” she tweeted. In addition to the chart’s top honors, the Barbadian beauty has two other songs in the top 10, including her dance number “Only Girl (In the World)” and David Guetta collaboration “Who’s That Chick?” Music isn’t her only forte: The singer is expanding her empire with the launch of her first signature fragrance, called Reb’l Fleur , and her feature film debut in “Battleship,” hitting theaters in 2012. What’s your favorite song off Loud? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Rihanna Related Artists Rihanna

Read more here:
Rihanna Makes U.K. Chart History

Rihanna, Nicki Minaj Get Flirty On ‘Fly’ Video Set

‘If we’re gonna liv 2gthr and hook up u gotta learn how 2 spell my name!’ Minaj jokes to Rihanna on Twitter. By Mawuse Ziegbe Nicki Minaj and Rihanna (file) Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage Nicki Minaj and Rihanna prove that girls will be girls — even if they are platinum-selling, chart-topping megastar girls. The hitmaking ladies were filming the visual for the MC’s next single “Fly” over the weekend, and on Saturday the Barbadian-born songstress tweeted a photo of the two on set making sassy faces in full “Fly” girl regalia. In the picture Rihanna sports pin-straight, shoulder-length, crimson-and-burgundy locks, smoky eye makeup and a low-cut, black top as she leans on Nick’s shoulder. Minaj mugs for the camera rocking super-long false eyelashes with a swipe emerald-colored glitter on her lower lids and a pink bustier adorned with silvery spikes. “Me and Nikki in our new crib, lol! Gettin busy on set of FLY!!!” Rihanna wrote. “Its so hard to keep my hands off!” About an hour later Minaj laid down some guidelines for her new pretend paramour and roommate. “Lol. If we’re gonna liv 2gthr and hook up u gotta learn how 2 spell my name! Lmaooooooo,” she wrote . The Young Money raptress followed up with sly a disclaimer, lifting a line from her beastly Kanye West collabo “Monster,” writing, “Gossip Gossip ni#@a just stop it! :p.” Minaj spoke last week about teaming up with her “Fly” collaborator on the video set, and while she remained tight-lipped about the concept, she maintained that fans can expect a major clip to accompany the Pink Friday cut. “We’re shooting the video with Rihanna for ‘Fly’ this weekend,” Nicki told E! News on Thursday. “We’re going to save the world in more ways than one with the video, and that’s all I can say about that.” Perhaps Minaj was ready for any fresh remarks from Rihanna, as she playfully conceded the Loud songstress can get a little touchy-feely. “I love Ri Ri!” she gushed. “I mean, when she’s not grabbing my ass, she’s a sweet girl.” Are you excited to see Nicki Minaj and Rihanna in the “Fly” video? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Rihanna Nicki Minaj

Here is the original post:
Rihanna, Nicki Minaj Get Flirty On ‘Fly’ Video Set

‘True Grit’ Flexes Box-Office Muscle

Coen brothers Western hauls in $4.5 million on Friday. By Mawuse Ziegbe Matt Damon in “True Grit” Photo: Paramount Pictures “True Grit” fended off “Fockers” and took names at the Friday box office. The Coen brothers’ critically acclaimed, dust-kicking adventure scored the top spot at the start of its third weekend in theaters, pulling in $4.5 million. The figure nudges the total estimated haul of the rollicking Western drama — which features performances from Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges and newcomer Hailee Steinfield — to just under $100 million. “Grit” star Barry Pepper has attributed to the filmmakers’ stunning attention to detail, explaining to MTV News why the film stands out from modern Wild West fare. “So many of them have so many anachronisms that kind of ruin it for me and pull me out of the period, whereas the Coen brothers are so authentic and they have such a precise vision,” he told MTV News at the film’s premiere. “And the dialogue [in ‘True Grit’] is extraordinary, which is plucked straight from the source of Charles Portis’ novel. So, yeah, this one’s a very special one for me.” Hot on the heels of “Grit” is the familial laugh-getter “Little Fockers,” which raked in $4.2 million for a second-place finish. The latest installment in the Fockers saga — the all-star gang of Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand returns for more awkward fun — has snapped up $114 million since its holiday release. The Nicholas Cage-starring, witch-battling, ghoul-dodging romp “Season of the Witch” — which was ushered into theaters with a flurry of less-than-encouraging reviews — debuted in third place. The flick snagged $3.7 million at the Friday box office. The Disney digital adventure “Tron Legacy” continues to maintain a presence in the box-office top five. The sci-fi sequel added $2.7 million to its total haul, which now stands at around $140 million. Gwyneth Paltrow’s onscreen turn at the mic, “Country Strong,” kicked off the weekend in fifth place. The flick, which also stars Garrett Hedlund and fellow music and Hollywood double-dippers Leighton Meester and Tim McGraw, made $2.5 million. Check out everything we’ve got on “True Grit,” “Little Fockers” and “Season of the Witch.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘True Grit’

Read this article:
‘True Grit’ Flexes Box-Office Muscle

Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ Single To Get ‘Glee’ Treatment

Guest star Gwyneth Paltrow’s character will also hook up romantically with Mr. Schuester. By Mawuse Ziegbe Lady Gaga Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” single isn’t available for public consumption yet but the track is already slated to be covered by the McKinley High crooners on “Glee.” Co-creator Ryan Murphy told Entertainment Weekly that the song will be featured in an episode set to air in either March or April. The storyline will focus on gay bully Karofsky, played by Max Adler, who is in the closet. Murphy said he chose to revamp the track because of its inspirational vibe; a theme he plans to thread throughout the episode. “I love that that song is [an] anthem,” Murphy said. “This show is by nature optimistic and I think a character like Karofsky could turn to booze or pills or alcohol and kill themselves or do something dark. But I also love Max and I love that character and I sorta want that character to have a happy ending. So I don’t really know what that’s going to be, but I do know we’re going to do a whole episode that’s about that song.” The episode will likely be bookended by the release of Gaga’s single in February, and the drop date of her Born This Way album, which is set to hit shelves in May. Gleeks will not only get more Gaga, but Gwyneth Paltrow will also return as saucy substitute teacher Holly Holliday, and this time she gets to heat things up with faculty heartthrob Mr. Schuester. “Gwyneth is coming back for two episodes. She’s coming back specifically to date Will [Matthew Morrison],” Murphy confirmed. “Those two have become really good friends in real life and had really good chemistry. She’s coming back as a sex education teacher. Gwyneth and I are emailing, talking every week: What are we gonna sing? We’re trying to do something fantastic. So she’ll be [in episodes] 15 and 16. She comes back [to film] in January and she’s with us for three and a half weeks I think.” Are you looking forward to more Gaga and Gwyneth-packed “Glee”? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Lady Gaga Related Artists Lady Gaga

View original post here:
Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ Single To Get ‘Glee’ Treatment

Coldplay’s New Album About ‘Addiction,’ ‘OCD’

Frontman Chris Martin tells the BBC that fifth album is ‘thinly veiled account of what happens within the group.’ By Mawuse Ziegbe Coldplay Photo: Eamonn McCormack/ WireImage Coldplay may just bust apart their image as sensitive, hipster-dad rock gods with their fifth LP. Frontman Chris Martin recently told BBC’s Radio 1 that the platinum-selling collective’s follow-up to the 2008 smash Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends is inspired by the band’s brushes with personal vices and industry drama. The singer and pianist said the record’s content touches on “love, addiction, OCD, escape and working for someone you don’t like.” Martin also described the project as a “thinly veiled account of what happens within the group.” However, Coldplay fans needn’t fret that the upcoming untitled effort — which Martin denied is a concept album as he previously asserted — is an express ticket to Bummerville. The “Clocks” crooner maintained the album “also has a lot of uplifting stuff. It’s supposed to be about life, the good stuff and the bad stuff. Everything.” The band’s drummer Will Champion backed up Martin’s description, aptly using a marital anecdote to explain the emotional complexity of the record. “There’s a phrase which my wife told me from a book, I can’t remember which book, but a man is asked, ‘Are you married?’ And he says, ‘Yes, of course I’m married. I have a wife, kids, the whole catastrophe,’ ” he said.”Catastrophe just means something big and seismic but not necessarily bad. It’s all about embracing the whole thing. Appreciating the good and bad and realising it’s all part of life.” The group are once again teaming up Markus Dravs and Roxy Music legend Brian Eno, who produced Viva, for the project. The album currently has no release date. Are you looking forward to Coldplay’s new album? Let us know in the comments. Related Artists Coldplay

View post:
Coldplay’s New Album About ‘Addiction,’ ‘OCD’