Tag Archives: artists

Chris Brown Apologizes For Homophobic Raz-B Twitter Rant

‘Words cannot begin to express how sorry and frustrated I am over what transpired publicly on Twitter,’ singer tells TMZ. By Gil Kaufman Chris Brown Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images A day after launching a series of N-bombs and homophobic tweets in the direction of former B2K singer Raz-B , Chris Brown was feeling contrite Thursday (December 30). The singer, who recently boasted about his completion of a court-ordered, yearlong domestic-violence course as part of his sentencing for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna, told gossip site TMZ that he regretted making crude sexual comments that were considered homophobic. “Yesterday was an unfortunate lack in judgment sparked by public Twitter attacks from Raz-B, who was bent on getting attention,” Brown said of the virtual feud. “Words cannot begin to express how sorry and frustrated I am over what transpired publicly on Twitter. I have learned over the past few years to not condone or represent acts of violence against anyone.” On Wednesday, the “Deuces” singer got charged up when Raz-B tweeted a comment critical of Brown in the midst of a flurry of tweets in praise of Rihanna. “I’m just sittin here thinking how can n—as like [Eric Benet] & [Chris Brown] disrespect women as intelligent as Halle Berry, Rihanna,” Raz wrote. Brown quickly shot back, tweeting , “N—a you want attention! Grow up n—a!!! Di– in da booty ass lil boy.” The harsh comments were an apparent allusion to allegations Raz-B made (and later retracted) that B2K manager Brian Stokes had molested him. Several other homophobia-tinged responses followed, but, unlike in the past when Brown went into Internet silence after making heated statements, he vowed that this time, he would not delete his Twitter account. “I was minding my damn business and Peter pan decides to pop off!!!” Brown wrote. “I’m not mad though!!! I’m just not silent nor am i one of these scary R&B cats!!” In light of the harsh statements, Brown followed up by writing, “I’m not homophobic! He’s just disrespectful!!!” Since the Rihanna assault, Brown has made a series of outrageous or confounding statements that he quickly followed with apologies or retractions. He followed that pattern on Thursday, when he told TMZ, “Molestation and victims of such acts are not to be taken lightly; and for my comments I apologize — from the bottom of my heart.” An unnamed source connected to Brown pointed out that Raz’s allegations against Stokes were suspect, adding that regardless of their veracity, Brown’s comments were not acceptable. “I love all of my fans, gay and straight,” Brown went on to say. “I have friends from all walks of life and I am committed, with God’s help, to continue becoming a better person.” Though Brown was extending an olive branch, TMZ also noted that Raz’s brother, the singer known as Ricky Romance, posted a video threatening that if he saw Brown in Los Angeles, he would “put my mother—-ing pistol in your mouth.” A spokesperson for Raz noted that Ricky’s comments do not represent Raz’s feelings but are the result of a protective instinct among siblings. “Raz-B has already spoken to his brother and told him to chill out,” the spokesperson said. Related Artists Chris Brown

Continued here:
Chris Brown Apologizes For Homophobic Raz-B Twitter Rant

Kanye West’s Unfinished ‘Monster’ Video Leaks Online

Gory video features Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and images of decapitated women and zombies feasting on flesh. By Gil Kaufman Kanye West (file) Photo: Lester Cohen/ Getty Images The lyrics to Kanye West ‘s all-star track “Monster” are full of dark images of bloodsuckers, dead hands, the devil, sarcophagi, ghouls, goblins, murder, fangs and Chucky from “Child’s Play.” And though he’s not often one to take such a literal path in the imagery that accompanies his songs, a leaked version of the unfinished video for West’s “Monster” lives up to the gruesome, blood-drenched lyrical barbs served up in the song by Yeezy, Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj . The fuller version is in keeping with the gory glimpses seen in late November when a preview leaked online. At press time, West had not commented on the leak, but online hip-hop communities were abuzz about the transgressive nature of the images in the five-minute clip. It opens with the disturbing sight of several woman in lingerie and high heels hanging from nooses around Ross as he sits on a throne and smokes a cigar, then switches to a scene of West being groped by the hands of unseen women reaching through a metal gate. As he raps about “the best living or dead, hands down, huh?” West pops up shirtless on a bed with electric-blue sheets next to two hollow-eyed women in lingerie. They appear to be dead as he positions their limp arms around each other. What follows are scenes in which a woman in a designer dress drags a lifeless man’s body across the floor and then draws blood as she steps on his chest with her spiked heels. The clip, which borrows heavily from monster and horror movie tropes seen in such films as “Saw,” “Night of the Living Dead” and “American Psycho,” depicts Kanye in a mansion trying to hold back a horde of zombie attackers, dead women splayed out on dinner tables, a zombie couple feasting on a bloody corpse, glowing-eyed ghoulies crawling down halls, Jay-Z rapping in a crisp suit in front of a dead naked woman draped face-down on a leather couch, and West standing in cowboy gear while holding a woman’s severed head. Amidst all these graphic images of decapitated and dismembered female forms comes a scene in which Nicki, wearing black leather bondage gear and wielding a leather riding crop, engages in a psychological showdown with herself. She’s seen riding herd over a hooded figure in a white wedding dress strapped to an executioner’s chair, wielding a long, sharp sword. Once the hood is removed, it’s clear that Minaj is confronting her pink-wigged Barbie alter ego as the two sides of her personality engage in a death match that swings from a lap dance to seeming threats of murder. The flesh feast ends with glimpses of a female werewolf in black teddy and rocking bushy grey muttonchops dancing in front of a fire, West cuddling in bed with his deceased female companions and pale hands reaching out from behind a door. No release date has been announced for the official version of the “Monster” video. Related Photos Kanye West’s Amazing Year Related Artists Kanye West

Read the rest here:
Kanye West’s Unfinished ‘Monster’ Video Leaks Online

Michael Jackson Doctor To Claim Singer Killed Himself

Prosecutor thinks Dr. Conrad Murray’s lawyers will say Jackson self-administered lethal dose of propofol. By Gil Kaufman Michael Jackson Photo: Sony/ AEG More than 19 months after Michael Jackson’s shocking death at the age of 50, the only person charged in the case, the singer’s former personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray, is due in court next week. And, according to a Reuters report, Murray’s lawyers plan to defend Murray against a charge of involuntary manslaughter by claiming that the pop icon killed himself when he self-administered a large dose of propofol, a surgical anesthetic Jackson used as a sleep aid to combat chronic insomnia. Murray has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter and has admitted to giving Jackson propofol. Murray’s lawyers have said the physician did not administer any drugs that “should have” caused Jackson’s death. The investigation into his death was lengthy, lasting more than eight months, after which Los Angeles prosecutors charged that Murray gave the King of Pop a lethal combination of propofol and other painkillers and sedatives in the hours before the singer was found dead in his rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25, 2009. Murray faces up to four years in prison if convicted. Reuters reported that in a Wednesday court session to discuss evidence in the case against Murray, Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said he thinks that the doctor’s attorneys appear to be preparing a defense claiming that Jackson self-administered the lethal dose while Murray was out of the room. Murray’s attorney would not respond to questions about Walgren’s statements. Murray’s trial is slated to begin on January 4 with a preliminary hearing that will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to a full trial. Prosecutors and defense attorneys said they expect the preliminary hearing to take around two weeks. Related Photos Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos Related Artists Michael Jackson

Read more:
Michael Jackson Doctor To Claim Singer Killed Himself

Justin Bieber’s Early Drummer Days Featured In ‘Never Say Never’

Friends and family talk about Bieber’s evolution as a drummer in new clip from upcoming 3-D film By Terri Schwartz Justin Bieber in “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” Photo: Paramount Pictures The February 11 release of John Chu’s 3-D doc, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” is fast approaching, and in addition to the Beebs’ many tweets about the flick, we now have another glimpse at what it has in store for eager fans. A new clip from the film shows how Bieber’s talent for drums that surfaced at a young age. It’s also full of more cute Bieber baby videos . “He never had any lessons or anything. I just never thought of it being anything other than for fun,” Bieber’s mother Pattie Malette says in the clip. Bieber’s drum collection quickly expanded from a handheld drum to a mini drum kit, and eventually, his family friends held a benefit concert and raised enough money to buy the young prodigy his own set of Pearl drums. The 16-year-old pop star made waves at the 2010 VMAs when he rocked out on the drums during his amplified set. He also showed off his skills on the skins at the 2009 Jingle Ball in Sacramento , where he played an impressive drum solo during Cobra Starship’s performance. Starship frontman Gabe Saporta, who had been trying to challenge Bieber to a dance off, tweeted after the fact, “Justin Bieber smoked me hard tonight. He couldn’t win the dance off. But he shredded a gnarly drum solo. I back this kid on the real. Legit.” Bieber wouldn’t be the first artist to start out behind the kit before his vocal capabilities propelled him to the spotlight. He joins the powerful ranks of drummers-turned-singers such as Dave Grohl, Phil Collins, Karen Carpenter, Ringo Starr and Tommy Lee. Related Videos ‘Justin Bieber: Never Say Never’ Trailer Related Artists Justin Bieber

Read the original here:
Justin Bieber’s Early Drummer Days Featured In ‘Never Say Never’

Justin Bieber’s Early Drummer Days Featured In ‘Never Say Never’

Friends and family talk about Bieber’s evolution as a drummer in new clip from upcoming 3-D film By Terri Schwartz Justin Bieber in “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” Photo: Paramount Pictures The February 11 release of John Chu’s 3-D doc, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” is fast approaching, and in addition to the Beebs’ many tweets about the flick, we now have another glimpse at what it has in store for eager fans. A new clip from the film shows how Bieber’s talent for drums that surfaced at a young age. It’s also full of more cute Bieber baby videos . “He never had any lessons or anything. I just never thought of it being anything other than for fun,” Bieber’s mother Pattie Malette says in the clip. Bieber’s drum collection quickly expanded from a handheld drum to a mini drum kit, and eventually, his family friends held a benefit concert and raised enough money to buy the young prodigy his own set of Pearl drums. The 16-year-old pop star made waves at the 2010 VMAs when he rocked out on the drums during his amplified set. He also showed off his skills on the skins at the 2009 Jingle Ball in Sacramento , where he played an impressive drum solo during Cobra Starship’s performance. Starship frontman Gabe Saporta, who had been trying to challenge Bieber to a dance off, tweeted after the fact, “Justin Bieber smoked me hard tonight. He couldn’t win the dance off. But he shredded a gnarly drum solo. I back this kid on the real. Legit.” Bieber wouldn’t be the first artist to start out behind the kit before his vocal capabilities propelled him to the spotlight. He joins the powerful ranks of drummers-turned-singers such as Dave Grohl, Phil Collins, Karen Carpenter, Ringo Starr and Tommy Lee. Related Videos ‘Justin Bieber: Never Say Never’ Trailer Related Artists Justin Bieber

Here is the original post:
Justin Bieber’s Early Drummer Days Featured In ‘Never Say Never’

Kanye West Turned Defiance Into Victory In 2010

Via Twitter, G.O.O.D. Fridays and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy ‘Ye came out on top this year. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts Kanye West performs at the 2010 Video Music Awards Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images So, this Kanye West fella, you might have heard of him. He basically Swift-boated his career at the 2009 VMAs, went into a self-imposed exile and then triumphantly returned nearly a year later with what many have called the best album of 2010. Huh? In just over 12 months, West baffled critics by going from zero to hero, while still lashing out at the media and, with stunts like his #kanyeshrug hashtag, essentially proving he’s the same guy he always was. “I think the thing with Kanye, he really just stuck to the same script, which is basically, Iove me or hate me but the music is gonna be so great you have to deal with me,” Complex editor-in-chief Noah Callahan-Bever told MTV News. “And that’s been the story of his career since the beginning. I think this year, he happened to be loved or hated in such extremes at the end of 2009, going on a self-imposed exile in Hawaii, he really created a currency in the intrigue with what he was doing.” What he was doing was assembling a barrage of hip-hop’s best producers — including Q-Tip, the RZA, Pete Rock and more — and a diverse range of collaborators to help put together his artistic denouement: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The collection was bombastic musically and browbeating lyrically. The first shot, “Power,” was a sonic middle finger to his detractors. ‘Ye looked at his life and career and took stock of his place in the pop-culture ranks. It was a manifesto, of sorts, in which West declared that he was aware of his flaws and mistakes but everyone else can take them or leave them. “He really figured that great music will change things,” RapRadar and RESPECT. magazine’s Elliot Wilson explained. It wasn’t just the music, though, that helped Kanye come back into people’s good graces once again. He took to Twitter to voice this thoughts, sometimes in amusing non sequiturs, sometimes in revealing bunches of dispatches came in bunches, like when he addressed, once and for all, the Taylor Swift incident. In words that he couldn’t seem to put to melody or properly convey to a talk-show host, West simply took responsibility, apologized and moved on to the next track. And then he proceeded to change the subject with his string of G.O.O.D. Friday releases online. “He did select press but he made a lot of noise online,” New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. “I think he understood quickly how to make the best use of that medium.” But what the critics and everyone who catches themselves constantly humming songs from Fantasy agree on is that “he really brought it all back to the music,” as Callahan-Bever put it. “At the end of the day no Taylor Swift incident or ‘Today’ show appearance can take away from [that].” Related Videos Stories Of 2010 Related Photos Kanye West’s Amazing Year Related Artists Kanye West

Continued here:
Kanye West Turned Defiance Into Victory In 2010

Kanye West Turned Defiance Into Victory In 2010

Via Twitter, G.O.O.D. Fridays and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy ‘Ye came out on top this year. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts Kanye West performs at the 2010 Video Music Awards Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images So, this Kanye West fella, you might have heard of him. He basically Swift-boated his career at the 2009 VMAs, went into a self-imposed exile and then triumphantly returned nearly a year later with what many have called the best album of 2010. Huh? In just over 12 months, West baffled critics by going from zero to hero, while still lashing out at the media and, with stunts like his #kanyeshrug hashtag, essentially proving he’s the same guy he always was. “I think the thing with Kanye, he really just stuck to the same script, which is basically, Iove me or hate me but the music is gonna be so great you have to deal with me,” Complex editor-in-chief Noah Callahan-Bever told MTV News. “And that’s been the story of his career since the beginning. I think this year, he happened to be loved or hated in such extremes at the end of 2009, going on a self-imposed exile in Hawaii, he really created a currency in the intrigue with what he was doing.” What he was doing was assembling a barrage of hip-hop’s best producers — including Q-Tip, the RZA, Pete Rock and more — and a diverse range of collaborators to help put together his artistic denouement: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The collection was bombastic musically and browbeating lyrically. The first shot, “Power,” was a sonic middle finger to his detractors. ‘Ye looked at his life and career and took stock of his place in the pop-culture ranks. It was a manifesto, of sorts, in which West declared that he was aware of his flaws and mistakes but everyone else can take them or leave them. “He really figured that great music will change things,” RapRadar and RESPECT. magazine’s Elliot Wilson explained. It wasn’t just the music, though, that helped Kanye come back into people’s good graces once again. He took to Twitter to voice this thoughts, sometimes in amusing non sequiturs, sometimes in revealing bunches of dispatches came in bunches, like when he addressed, once and for all, the Taylor Swift incident. In words that he couldn’t seem to put to melody or properly convey to a talk-show host, West simply took responsibility, apologized and moved on to the next track. And then he proceeded to change the subject with his string of G.O.O.D. Friday releases online. “He did select press but he made a lot of noise online,” New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. “I think he understood quickly how to make the best use of that medium.” But what the critics and everyone who catches themselves constantly humming songs from Fantasy agree on is that “he really brought it all back to the music,” as Callahan-Bever put it. “At the end of the day no Taylor Swift incident or ‘Today’ show appearance can take away from [that].” Related Videos Stories Of 2010 Related Photos Kanye West’s Amazing Year Related Artists Kanye West

Read more here:
Kanye West Turned Defiance Into Victory In 2010

Katy Perry’s ‘Part Of Me’ Leaks Online

Uptempo pop-rock tune is reportedly lifted from singer’s Teenage Dream recording sessions. By James Dinh Katy Perry Photo: lai seng sin/ AFP/ Getty Images Just a few weeks ago, Katy Perry confessed that she was ready to take her relationship with Russell Brand to the next level by taking his last name. Despite the amorous stage in her life, the pop star appears strong, bold and just a tad resentful after a breakup on the previously unheard pop-rock song “Part of Me,” which surfaced on the Internet on Wednesday. With reported production by pop mastermind Dr. Luke, the song has Perry declaring herself unbreakable after an ugly breakup, singing , “Days like this I want to drive away/ Pack my bags and watch your shadow fade/ ‘Cause you chewed me up and spit me out/ Like I was poison in your mouth/ You took my light, you drink me down/ That was then and this is now, now look at me.” Similar to the pop star’s hit single “California Gurls,” the tune’s steady beat amplifies as the chorus opens. “This is the part of me/ That you’re never gonna ever take away from me/ Throw your sticks in the stones/ Throw your palms in your clothes/ But you’re not gonna break my soul/ This is the part of me that you’re never gonna ever take away from me,” she sings. “Part of Me” is rumored to be a leftover cut from the singer’s Teenage Dream recording sessions. However, fans have speculated that the track may be included in a yet-to-be-confirmed re-release of the Grammy-nominated LP. In addition to the new material, fans can rejoice in yet another Perry tune, “E.T.,” as online reports have indicated that the futuristic song has been selected as the pop star’s next single. Despite multiple live performances of the song, Perry took to Twitter to ask her legion of fans which track they’d like the singer to release next. “Thanks for all your great suggestions for the next single today!” she tweeted on December 13. “Your voice has been heard! We’re on the same page…” What do you think of Katy’s latest song? Share your reviews in the comments! Related Photos Katy Perry’s Amazing Year Related Artists Katy Perry

The rest is here:
Katy Perry’s ‘Part Of Me’ Leaks Online

Britney Spears To Premiere ‘Hold It Against Me’ On January 7

Radio program director says the track produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin has a ‘really unique’ beat. By James Dinh Britney Spears Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage Britney Spears is making sure to start the year off right with new music. As speculated, the pop princess is set to premiere her brand-new track called “Hold It Against Me” late next week, according to Entertainment Weekly. In the latest issue of the magazine, Sharon Dastur, program director for New York’s Z100, dished a few details about the pop star’s anticipated new single. “It’s produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin,” Dastur revealed. “And the beat that they give her is really unique compared to other artists — this infectious bass beat beneath the song. Plus, the hook is just amazing. It will be out on January 7.” Rumored lyrics to “Hold It Against Me” circulated on the Internet earlier this week, but Britney’s camp has yet to confirm whether they are real or not. And while details about the track remain scarce, a tweet from Dr. Luke indicated that it will feature a guitar. Fans began speculating about Britney’s new single when PopJustice.com reported on the song earlier this month. Dr. Luke also began to tease fans about the tune, tweeting, “I/we never wrote a song called ‘don’t hold it against me’…. BewaRe of InaccuraTe info kids 😉 We did write ‘hold it against me’ but those lyrics are NOT the lyrics ….” Swedish producer Shellback recently spoke about Spears’ work ethic and professionalism while working on her new LP, which drops in March. “[Britney]’s actually damn professional. You read a lot on the Internet that Britney is not singing and mimes, but she is actually damn professional,” he said. “She’s done it since she was 16. And just rhythmic way, she is f—ing awesome! And you do not have to go through and talk about the rhythms and stuff that you sometimes have to do. She’s very easy in the studio.” The “3” singer has already begun casting dancers for a new music video. Just last week, the fansite BreatheHeavy.com posted a notice sent out by Britney’s team announcing auditions for a video shooting in January. In a video purported to be shot during auditions, which were coordinated by choreographer and former Britney collaborator Brian Friedman, dancers are seen learning a routine to “Criminal Intent” by Swedish songstress Robyn. Are you excited for Britney’s new single? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Britney Spears Related Artists Britney Spears

Read the original here:
Britney Spears To Premiere ‘Hold It Against Me’ On January 7

Lindsay Lohan Looks To Expand Fashion Line Post-Rehab

Actress will add ‘classic, glamorous’ footwear to her 6126 fashion line. By Jocelyn Vena Lindsay Lohan Photo: Jeff Vespa/ WireImage Lindsay Lohan is days away from being released from the rehab facility she’s been receiving treatment in for the past few months, and it seems that the troubled starlet is already plotting out her post-rehab future. According to E! News , Lohan is looking to expand her fashion brand. The website reports that through her 6126 fashion line, which now predominately sells leggings, Lohan wants to start designing footwear. A rep for the fashion line told the site, “She’ll finalize everything when she’s out.” The rep added that the shoes Lohan was mulling over for the line would be “classic, glamorous, timeless with a sexy flair.” An announcement is expected to be made early next year, and the line is expected to debut next fall. A 6126 rep did not respond to MTV News’ requests for further information about the report. Lohan recently found herself in trouble after a worker at the Betty Ford rehab facility pressed charges against the actress for allegedly assaulting her earlier this month. After being fired from her job at the facility, the technician dropped charges against Lohan, saying she does not want “in any way, shape or form to do anything that would violate Lindsay’s probation or cause an arrest.” In November, Lohan was let go from an upcoming film project, “Inferno,” after she became too much of a liability. “We are withdrawing our offer from Lindsay Lohan,” director Matthew Wilder said. “We are currently in negotiations [with another actress] and working out the legalities of bringing her onboard.” Related Photos The Highs And Lows Of Lindsay Lohan Related Artists Lindsay Lohan

See the original post:
Lindsay Lohan Looks To Expand Fashion Line Post-Rehab