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Nas’ Child, Spousal Support To Kelis Slashed In Half

Rapper is now obligated to fork over $25,000 a month to his ex-wife. By Mawuse Ziegbe Nas and Kelis in 2008 Photo: Steve Granitz / Getty Images Nas is kicking off 2011 with some thicker pockets. According to TMZ , the Queens rapper’s spousal and child support payments to ex-wife Kelis have been reduced by half. The MC is required to pay the “Milkshake” songstress $20,000 in spousal support and just over $5,000 in child support every month. The MC reportedly convinced the judge that the soft economy has hurt his ability to pull in cash. Nas was previously ordered in December 2009 to hand over $51,000 for monthly child and spousal payments — a total of over $600,000 a year. The figure was bumped up from a court-mandated amount of $40,000 per month in July 2009 after they announced their split in April of that year. The Distant Relatives MC has had trouble paying his ex-wife in a timely fashion in the past and once faced a civil contempt charge after owing over $350,000 in back support. In addition to having more spending money at his disposal, Nas has said he’s ready to release more solo material after dedicating his time to his joint hip-hop and reggae project with Damian Marley, Distant Relatives. “I been so caught up into me and [Damian’s] thing that I started to get used to it,” Esco recently told MTV News . “Like, I didn’t want to do the solo thing for a while. Me and D have just been doing our thing, reaching millions of people, but it’s that time.” Nas also dished that fans can expect a brand-new persona on his new material, as he plans to flex his creative skills on his forthcoming project. “Sometimes, you can approach a record and can think, ‘I got to take care of this person and I got to take care of that person,’ but you really got to take care of you,” he said. “I look at Michael Jackson, and before he passed away, I can only imagine the pressure he had to live up to for the next moonwalk,” he continued. “And the reality is, physically, he wasn’t able to live up to that. I would have loved to see him come up with the next level, without even dancing, just using his creativity. It’s all about evolving and that’s what I want to do: evolve.” Related Artists Kelis Nas

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Nas’ Child, Spousal Support To Kelis Slashed In Half

Are Miley Cyrus And Nick Jonas Recording A Duet Album?

Cyrus producer Shakur Green reportedly tweets that the exes are working on a joint LP. By Jocelyn Vena Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas Photo: Rob Hoffman/JBE/Getty Images In 2009, Nick Jonas and Miley Cyrus released the breakup ballad “Before the Storm.” The track, which was recorded after the two had split and right before they briefly reconciled, was featured on the Jonas Brothers album Lines, Vines and Trying Times. Now, it seems that the duo might be trying to make that magic happen again. Music producer Shakur Green, who worked with Cyrus on her Time of Our Lives EP, tweeted that he’s heading into the studio to work with the teen stars. “Returning to the studio w/ Miley Cyrus & Nick Jonas on 1/14,” he wrote in tweets posted on the AnythingDisney blog , which gained access to the producer’s protected Twitter account. “Can’t release any additional information about the project other then it’s going to be one of the top albums of 2011,” he added. “We’re only recording 7-10 records. She has other producers she working with besides myself!” Although he kept the details somewhat scarce, he did reveal one major piece to the puzzle: “I will share this info: It’s going to be a double disk duet album!” A rep for the stars hadn’t responded to MTV News’ request for comment by press time. Cyrus did join the boys onstage for one show in June 2009 to play “Before the Storm.” At the time, when MTV News caught up with Nick, he expressed how much he really loved the song. ” ‘Before the Storm’ is probably one of my favorite songs on the record,” Nick said. “I think it’s probably one of my favorite songs because it has a great story to it. It’s a duet with Miley, which is great.” What do you think about Miley and Nick possibly teaming up for a whole album? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Miley Cyrus Jonas Brothers

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Are Miley Cyrus And Nick Jonas Recording A Duet Album?

Britney Spears Has A History Of Song Leaks

The ‘Hold It Against Me’ demo making the rounds certainly isn’t Brit’s first leaked track! By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Eric Charbonneau/ Le Studio/ Wireimage On Thursday, a demo version of Britney Spears’ new single, “Hold It Against Me,” hit the Web. The track, which is set for official release on Tuesday, isn’t the first Britney song to leak before the singer was ready to share it for public consumption. Brit made headlines last year, when a leaked demo of her version of Gaga’s “Telephone” was made public. Producer Rodney Jerkins confirmed that the song was real, but that it was never intended for anyone outside of Brit’s camp to hear. That same year, previously unreleased songs like “When I Say So,” “Mad Love” and “Am I a Sinner” also hit the Web. In 2008, around the release of her comeback album Circus, snippets of the song’s lead single, “Womanizer,” were leaked by Nashville radio station 107.5 FM The River. The station quickly removed the audio from its website, but it was too late, and the song had already made its way around the Internet. Multiple Circus tracks also got some attention earlier than the singer had intended. “Circus” and “If You Seek Amy,” both of which would later become singles off the album, hit blogs weeks prior to the album’s December 2008 release. In August 2007, weeks before it was officially released, Blackout ‘s lead single, “Gimme More,” found its way online. Other songs recorded around that time also leaked, including “Everybody,” “Your…,” “What You Sippin’ On” and “Cold as Fire.” Does hearing Britney Spears’ leaked tracks make you less likely to buy them later, or more excited for their official release? Sound off in the comments. Related Artists Britney Spears

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Britney Spears Has A History Of Song Leaks

Rihanna To Launch Reb’l Fleur Fragrance In Spring

‘This fragrance is about my passion for individuality,’ singer says in a statement. By James Dinh Rihanna Photo: David Becker/Getty Images Rihanna is following the pop star-turned-mogul trend by launching her debut signature fragrance. Teaming up with Parlux Fragrances Inc. , the songstress is set to release the new scent called Reb’l Fleur in department stores this spring. In a press release, the Loud singer said she hoped to make a one-of-a-kind perfume, from the aroma to the design of the bottle. “I believe a woman should dare to be different — willing to live her life for herself and not for other people,” Rihanna said in the release. “This fragrance is about my passion for individuality — being expressive and empowering, yes, but also emotional and intriguing. I promise you Reb’l Fleur will not be easily forgotten.” Reminiscent of the singer’s native land of Barbados, the scent combines the impressions of delicious fruits and sumptuous florals, as well as a musky blend of vanilla, patchouli and amber. Rihanna fans can begin purchasing the fragrance at department stores in the spring, with prices ranging from $49 (1.7 oz. bottle) to $59 (3.4 oz. bottle). While the perfume recalls Rihanna’s early life, the bottle for Reb’l Fleur captures an element of her current lifestyle, since it was inspired by the shape of a stiletto heel. Photographed by music-video director Anthony Mandler, a graphic advertisement for the scent shows a red-headed Rihanna leaning against a wall in a blouse. Holding a white rose to her mouth, the singer appears coy as she looks into the distance. In addition to the ad, Parlux’s Lori Zelenko revealed to MTV News that the singer has also shot a 30-second “hip, edgy” viral video for Reb’l Fleur. News of a Rihanna fragrance first surfaced back in 2009, when Parlux Fragrances announced that the singer and frequent collaborator Kanye West inked a deal with the beauty company via Jay-Z’s Iconic Fragrance. Are you excited for Rihanna’s new fragrance? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Celebrities And Their Fragrances Related Artists Rihanna

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Rihanna To Launch Reb’l Fleur Fragrance In Spring

Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’ Demo Lyrics

The single is set for official release on Tuesday. By Jocelyn Vena over art for Britney Spears’ single “Hold It Against Me” Photo: Jive Britney is almost back! Fans are super excited over a leaked demo version of Spears’ news single, “Hold It Against Me,” set for official release on Tuesday. While the vocals on the demo come courtesy of songwriter Bonnie McKee, Ryan Seacrest and Perez Hilton have assured us that the final cut of the song is bound to be a hit. Here are the lyrics to the demo, which may have changed in the final version, which was produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin. Hey, over there Please forgive me If I’m coming on too strong. Hate to stare But you’re winning And they’re playing my favorite song. So come ‘ere, little closer Wanna whisper in your ear. Say it clear, little question Wanna note how you just feel. If I feel my heart was beating loud, If we could escape the crowd some how, If I said I want your body now, Would you hold it against me? ‘Cause you feel like paradise And I need a vacation tonight. So if I said I want your body now, Would you hold it against me? Hey, you might think That I’m crazy, But I think you’re just my type. I may be little hazy, But you just cannot deny There’s a spark in between us. When we’re dancin’ on the floor I want more, wanna see it, So I’m askin’ you tonight If I feel my heart was beating loud, If we could escape the crowd some how, If I said I want your body now, Would you hold it against me? ‘Cause you feel like paradise And I need a vacation tonight. So if I said I want your body now, Would you hold it against me? What do you think of the lyrics? Tell us in the comments! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Britney Spears Related Artists Britney Spears

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Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’ Demo Lyrics

Kanye, Jay-Z Single ‘H.A.M.’ To Drop Tuesday

Song is first offering from upcoming joint album, Watch the Throne. By Jayson Rodriguez Kanye West Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images It seems that in the midst of partying in Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve, Kanye West got a bit ahead of himself. ‘Ye announced that his joint album with Jay-Z, Watch the Throne, would be coming in one week, leaving plenty of folks puzzled as to how a high-powered collaboration could arrive with so little marketing. But on Thursday night, West set the record straight: “1.11.11,” he tweeted in a message that was accompanied by a promotional picture for his and Hov’s single “H.A.M.” The track is the first offering — scheduled for Tuesday, January 11 — from the pair’s highly touted project, which originated as an EP but quickly expanded into a full album of material from the two. “H.A.M.” is rumored to include production by Lex Luger , the upstart beatsmith who was responsible for some of 2010’s biggest anthems, from Rick Ross’ “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” to Waka Flocka Flame’s “Hard in Da Paint.” Although the artwork for the single doesn’t suggest it, there’s speculation that “H.A.M.” is an acronym for “Hatin’ Ass Muthaf—as.” The “H.A.M.” artwork (designed by Riccardo Tisci) features images of crowns mixed with barking dogs and a simple message: “Kanye. Jay-Z. Watch the Throne. Coming soon.” As of press time, no date for Watch the Throne has been slated, but sources close to the project have informed MTV News of a tentative March release. Related Photos Kanye West’s New Style Related Artists Kanye West Jay-Z

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Kanye, Jay-Z Single ‘H.A.M.’ To Drop Tuesday

Pauly D Says Britney Spears Album Is ‘Amazing’

‘This is gonna be one of her greatest albums,’ ‘Jersey Shore’ star raves. By Jocelyn Vena Pauly D Photo: Bobby Bank/ WireImage Perez Hilton loves Britney Spears’ new single, “Hold It Against Me,” and now it seems that she’s getting some love from “Jersey Shore” star DJ Pauly D. Pauly got to hear some of Brit’s new tunes because he and the pop star have the same management team. “Her album is amazing — like, I can’t even believe it,” he told Billboard.com about the March release. “I will be playing her tracks in the club, they’re so good. I think this is gonna be one of her greatest albums. … Britney’s awesome. We have the same management, and that’s how we meet a lot.” Brit’s “Hold It Against Me,” set to drop Tuesday , is certainly a club banger, and Pauly believes that these days, with so much pop going dance , the singer is right on the cutting edge. “Everyone’s steering towards dance and everything like that, and she’s right there,” he explained. “That’s how I judge good music, is where I’m gonna play it. Like, ‘alright, I’ll play that in the car or I can play that in the club.’ You can definitely play her stuff in the club.” So is it all dance, or is Brit also slowing things down a bit? “She has some tracks you can play in the car, too,” Pauly said, so we’ll take that as a yes. Pauly’s not the only one who’s heard some other new Britney tracks. Ryan Seacrest revealed that he’s heard another song, “I I I Wanna Go,” describing it as a “powerhouse single.” As for “Hold It Against Me,” Seacrest raved about the song’s final cut. “WOW. The demo doesn’t even compare!” he teased. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Britney Spears Related Artists Britney Spears

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Pauly D Says Britney Spears Album Is ‘Amazing’

Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’ Drops On Tuesday

Pop superstar has been rehearsing choreography for a month for the clip, which will be shot in two weeks. By James Dinh Britney Spears Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images After days of speculation and a churning rumor mill, Britney Spears has come forth to set the record straight about her upcoming single, “Hold It Against Me.” Produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin, the high-energy tune, a demo of which surfaced on the Internet on Thursday, is set to hit airwaves on Tuesday, she tweeted. “Heard an early demo of my new single leaked. If u think that’s good, wait til you hear the real one Tuesday,” Spears wrote on Twitter Thursday night. She also posted the track’s artwork , a close-up of the pop princess’ face partially covered by her blond locks. “Hold It Against Me” is the lead single from Britney’s currently untitled new album , dropping in March. In the leaked demo of the scorching club track, singer/songwriter Bonnie McKee sings Spears’ part. She proclaims her lust for a person while surrounded by a crowd of people. “If I feel my heart was beating loud/ If we could escape the crowd somehow/ If I said I want your body now/ Would you hold it against me?/ ‘Cause you feel like paradise/ And I need a vacation tonight/ If I said I want your body now/ Would you hold it against me?” she sings over a pulsating bass. The track’s producer cautioned that the demo is a very early version of the song. “That version of hold it against me is really really old… it don’t sound like that anymore… it’s WAY better :-p,” Dr. Luke tweeted . What do you think about the demo for “Hold It Against Me?” Share your reviews in the comments below! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Britney Spears Related Artists Britney Spears

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Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’ Drops On Tuesday

Lady Gaga Unveils Polaroid Camera Sunglasses

Mother Monster also shows off portable photo printer and other gadgets from her ‘Grey Label’ collaboration during electronics fest. By Mawuse Ziegbe Lady Gaga at CES 2011 in Las Vegas Photo: Steven Lawton/FilmMagic She’s adorned her shades with lit cigarettes and covered her peepers with jewel-encrusted spheres , but Lady Gaga’s latest pair of sunglasses has taken eyewear to stylish and tech-savvy new heights. The influential songstress revealed her yearlong “Grey Label” collaboration with Polaroid to a packed room and thousands of fans who tuned into the event via Ustream at the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, in Las Vegas on Thursday (January 6), and among the spankin’ new products is a pair of shades with cameras embedded in the lenses. Gaga, who took the stage nearly an hour after the publicized start time in a black corseted gown and wispy veil, showed off the innovative specs perched on a bronzed mannequin. Once turned on, tiny twin screens appeared in each lens, and Gaga explained that the futuristic accessories can snap photos and capture video, and are equipped with Bluetooth capabilities and a USB connector. Mother Monster also showed off a sleek, portable photo printer about the size of a clock radio that allows users to instantly print physical copies of smartphone pics using Bluetooth technology — although the device isn’t iPhone compatible. Gaga said the invention was inspired by seeing the legions of concertgoers thrusting camera phones in the air at her shows. She then demonstrated the nifty printer by snapping a picture of the assembled crowd of Gaga-ites and gadget heads — playfully barking, “Smile! You’re so f—ing famous! — and brandishing a glossy image minutes later from the mini-machine. According to a Polaroid executive, the product should be available in May. Gaga also introduced a suitably stylish and social media-friendly revamp of the classic Polaroid instant camera that she said would eventually allow photogs to directly share images on Facebook and Twitter. The product is slated to hit shelves around Christmas. The Gaga-approved gadgets cap off a year of tinkering at Polaroid, which began when the “Bad Romance” belter was announced as a creative director in January 2010. “I love the products, I’m so proud to be here,” Gaga gushed about developing the gadgets with Polaroid. “They honored me as a woman, as a creative director and they really let me [put my] hands in there and design this sh– myself.” What do you think of Gaga’s Polaroid “Grey Label” gadgets? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Lady Gaga At CES 2011 In Las Vegas Related Artists Lady Gaga

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Lady Gaga Unveils Polaroid Camera Sunglasses

Aretha Franklin Says She Is ‘Feeling Great’

Iconic singer refuses to reveal ailment but says ‘the problem has been resolved.’ By Mawuse Ziegbe Aretha Franklin Photo: Bill McCay/WireImage Aretha Franklin may not be forthcoming about her recent health issues, but she has assured fans that she is doing well. In an interview with Jet magazine, the legendary songstress, who is reportedly battling cancer and underwent surgery in December , declined to disclose her specific ailment but maintained that her health drama has subsided. “I am not going to even deal with that,” she said in response to reports that she is battling cancer. “I don’t have to talk about my health with anybody other than my doctors. The problem has been resolved.” The “Respect” singer explained that her unwillingness to reveal her mystery illness stems from a preference to preserve her privacy. “I am not one to do a lot of talking about my personal health or business. Not too much, not too much,” she said. “There are a lot of people who will talk about anything, as long as there is somebody listening. But I am not one of those people. That’s not Aretha.” While she chooses to remain protective of her health issues, the Queen of Soul did reveal how she discovered something was wrong, recalling “a very hard pain in my side” during a performance in Toronto last year that led her to check in with her doctor. “I had a colonoscopy and it showed nothing was wrong. I associated the pain in my side with the colonoscopy that I had within a day or two before. I got up at 2 o’clock in the morning and called the doctor who did the colonoscopy and told him what was happening. He said, ‘Miss Franklin, whatever it is, it is not from the colonoscopy. You need to come home and have a CAT-scan.’ Thank God he said that, because that unfolded everything, what the problem was and everything,” she said. Franklin also explained that she decided to open up about her experience and her current condition so fans won’t fret about the soul diva. “I know my fans are concerned,” she said. “Let them know I am feeling great and coming along.” Send your well-wishes for Aretha Franklin in the comments below. Related Artists Aretha Franklin

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Aretha Franklin Says She Is ‘Feeling Great’