Tag Archives: artists

Kanye West Drops ‘See Me Now,’ Says Only Eminem Will Top Nicki Minaj

‘Ye also reveals during Hot 97 chat that Jay-Z-featuring ‘Power’ remix is due Friday. By Shaheem Reid Kanye West Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage In an interview Wednesday (August 11) with New York hip-hop station Hot 97, Kanye West played new music, gave Nicki Minaj accolades and revealed a few nuggets of news to host Angie Martinez. The first revelation: West will put out a remix of “Power” featuring Jay-Z on Friday. He also hinted that his still-untitled upcoming LP will drop November 16, revealing a track from the album called “See Me Now,” which features Beyonce and Charlie Wilson and was produced by Lex Luger, No ID and West himself. Other producers confirmed for the album are Q-Tip, Pete Rock and the RZA. What were West’s requirements for potential producers? “People with that intangible sound. People that everybody copied. The originators. That’s what my thing is: quality. What is the best of the best?” Later in the interview, Kanye said Young Money star Nicki Minaj could be one of the greatest hip-hop stars ever. “This is gonna be such a big statement, and such a big thing to fill: The scariest artist right now is definitely Nicki Minaj. I think she has the most potential to be the number-two rapper of all time. Nobody’s gonna be bigger than Eminem.” When asked what being the “number-two rapper of all-time” meant, he said, “Everything! Having a whole network one day. Everything that comes with it.” He also confirmed that Nicki is on his album, as is G.O.O.D. Music artist Kid Cudi. The Louis Vuitton Don named Cudi, Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne as the MCs making a major impact right now. Do you agree that Eminem and Nicki Minaj could be the two biggest rappers ever? If not, who do you think could fill those slots? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related Artists Kanye West Beyonce Jay-Z Nicki Minaj

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Kanye West Drops ‘See Me Now,’ Says Only Eminem Will Top Nicki Minaj

Demi Lovato Reveals Her Tour Wardrobe Inspiration: Rihanna

‘I’m a huge Rihanna fan and I also love spikes and anything leather,’ Lovato says of her tour attire. By Jocelyn Vena Demi Lovato Photo: MTV News Demi Lovato is currently on the road with the Jonas Brothers for their “Camp Rock 2” tour, and she has one killer wardrobe, complete with bedazzled boots, lots of funky jewelry and cool, little dresses. So Lovato, who has admitted to shopping on tour, was a bit nervous when she gave MTV News a behind-the-scenes look at her outfits for the tour. Lovato said that in the weeks leading up to the trek, she really had to focus and nail down the looks she wanted for her performances, which would include sets of her singing her own tunes as well as tunes from the “Camp Rock” movies. That means she needed looks that were both Lovato and Mitchie, her character from the movies. “When it comes to picking out outfits for the tour, I had a rack that filled out an entire warehouse,” she shared. “I just went through it and it took me like six, seven hours to fit all the outfits for the tour. It was fun!” One of those looks is an edgy black and feather dress that screamed Lady Gaga. “It’s a dress and I’ve never really performed my own set in a dress before,” she shared at a rehearsal days before the tour kicked off last week. “So I’m excited.” Another look was a sparkly teal dress that included some sky-high heels. “This is for one of the ‘Camp Rock’ looks that I sing the duet [‘Wouldn’t Change a Thing’ with Joe Jonas] in, and here are the crazy shoes also,” she said. “I mean they’re not crazy like Lady Gaga, but for me they are. I’ve never performed in stilettos, so we’ll see how this goes.” Lovato also shows off a multicolored dress with a little bronze jacket that suits her “Camp Rock” alternate persona perfectly. “Here’s another ‘Camp Rock,’ dress. Not something I would typically wear, but my character would,” she explained. So, what inspires Lovato’s fashion choices for the show? “I feel like it’s more Rihanna than Lady Gaga. I’m a huge Rihanna fan and I also love spikes and anything leather,” she said, before showing off some heavy metal jewelry. “And I have this crazy jewelry. Actually this one [ring] is pretty crazy [with all its spikes], and the bracelets have twice as many spikes. Overall, I guess you can say there’s a ton of spikes in my wardrobe.” Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato

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Demi Lovato Reveals Her Tour Wardrobe Inspiration: Rihanna

M.I.A.’s ‘XXXO’ Video Hits The Web

Hype Williams-directed clip is much tamer than her controversial ‘Born Free’ video. By Nuzhat Naoreen M.I.A. Photo: Roger Kisby/ Getty Images When it comes to M.I.A., we expect a certain degree of controversy. After all, the singer is no stranger to releasing songs and videos packaged with a message. So when her “XXXO” video hit the Net on Wednesday (August 11), we were understandably surprised. The Hype Williams-directed clip for “XXXO,” which, as the title implies, is about being in love (although not necessarily happily), is a marked departure from her “Born Free” video. While “Born Free” set off a firestorm of criticism for its violence, “XXXO” is much tamer in nature and much more hypnotic in style. M.I.A. is front and center in the video, which has an ’80s feel and relies heavily on graphics of hearts and flowers. In fact, the video appears to put M.I.A. inside a digital greeting card — although her look in the video is much more seductive, as she wears her hair loose and wavy and packs on the thick red lipstick. Of course, the video is not completely without political symbolism. The artist, who previously showed her support for the Tamil Tigers with her song “Paper Planes,” also features two tigers. While the video for “XXXO” only premiered Wednesday, M.I.A.’s fans are likely already familiar with the song. A remix of the song featuring Jay-Z was released back in June, and the artist herself put out the original track (along with the rest of her album ) on her MySpace page in July. Have you seen the “XXXO” clip? What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists M.I.A.

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M.I.A.’s ‘XXXO’ Video Hits The Web

What’s Next For Fantasia After Overdose? PR Expert Weighs In

‘I don’t think this is a career-breaker,’ Howard Bragman tells MTV News of apparent suicide attempt. By James Montgomery Fantasia Barrino Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images In the day since former “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino was rushed to a North Carolina hospital after an apparent suicide attempt, reaction from her fans has been mixed. Some have expressed their support for the singer, while others have criticized her for being “selfish,” given that she is the mother of a 9-year-old girl. While that criticism might seem harsh, it’s certainly par for the course, according to public-relations executive Howard Bragman, who has overseen the career rehabilitations of Isaiah Washington and Naomi Campbell. Barrino can’t worry about what some of her fans might think of her right now, he said, because she has to focus on her own health. And no matter how bad things seem right now, the forgiveness will come. “I think the number-one thing Fantasia has to do is heal. I think she has to get some psychological help, find out what brought her to this moment, and make sure it doesn’t happen again … that is number one,” Bragman told MTV News. “And once that’s under control, then you start to look at your projects on the horizon. You don’t give yourself this timetable. But assuming she’s well enough in a matter of weeks or months to promote her album or her projects, well, the reality is, we live in a very forgiving society. “We like rehab, we like rebirth, we like reconnecting with people,” he continued. “We’re willing to give people a second chance if they look us in the eye and [tell us] why they’re going on with their lives and why they deserve a second chance. I don’t think this is a career-breaker.” Speaking of that career, Barrino will eventually have to return her focus to upcoming projects, including a second season of her VH1 reality show “Fantasia for Real” in September and a new album, Back to Me, which is due August 24. When she finally does, she needs to prepare herself for an onslaught of questions about just what happened Monday. So the best possible strategy, according to Bragman, is to be proactive about things. “I think she’s certainly going to get asked the question about what happened. And if she were my client, I would do one or two very well-orchestrated interviews, possibly a print interview, a People magazine, and then a broadcast interview … and get it out there,” he said. “And then if you’re asked about it again, you say, ‘You know, I’ve really talked about that a lot, and I feel comfortable with what I said, and I’m here to promote my album’ to change the focus a little.” Bragman added that Barrino needs to take time for herself and only come back when she feels strong enough to do so. And when she does, he expects that her fans will welcome her back with open arms. “I think we go back to talent, and I think she’s got great talent, she’s got great heart and great spirit, and I think we want her to succeed,” he said. “I don’t think she’s one of those people we don’t want to see do well. … We’re on her side, and I think she’s going to feel the love when she goes back out there.” Where should Fantasia go from here? Share your thoughts in the comments. Related Photos Fantasia’s Career In Photos Related Artists Fantasia

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What’s Next For Fantasia After Overdose? PR Expert Weighs In

Young Jeezy Made ‘Jizzle’ ‘For My Fans’

‘Lil Jon was the extra spice to give it a different feel,’ he says of TM103 first single. By Jayson Rodriguez Young Jeezy Photo: Prince Williams/Getty Images Young Jeezy is set to release TM103 in September, and while the Atlanta rapper said he plans to step out of his usual box on the LP, for the first official single, “Jizzle,” he kept to his comfort zone. ” ‘Jizzle’ was my formula,” Jeezy told MTV News about the Lil Jon-featured track. “It’s like the music that I wanna hear when I’m in the club. I did that for my fans, before I even step out of my box, which I will for this album, as far as singles I wanted to do what I do. What comes to heart to me. And when I hear that [song], that’s Jeezy, that’s ‘Jizzle.’ Lil Jon was just the extra spice to give it a little different feel so it wouldn’t just be a Jeezy record. Jeezy is scheduled to deliver at least one mixtape before his album arrives: 1,000 Grams, Vol. 1, with DJ Scream, will drop online on Thursday. The first track from that collection, “Death B4 Dishonor,” arrived earlier this week and led to speculation the rapper was attacking labelmate Rick Ross in rhyme. On the song, Jeezy appears to be taking offense at Ross’ single “(B.M.F.) Blowin’ Money Fast,” on which the Miami rapper shouts out a notorious criminal organization that Jeezy has had some association with. While the lyrics appear to be directed at Ross, Jeezy spoke to MTV News on Tuesday and refuted the rumblings. “It’s not a dis,” Jizzle told us. “First of all, I’m not gonna get nothing out of dissing that guy. That’s one. What am I gonna get out of dissing him? I think sometimes people can read into things too deep. They trippin’, man. They crazy out there. Basically, if homie takes that as a dis, he’s insecure.” Are you excited to hear the rest of Jeezy’s mixtape this week? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Young Jeezy

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Young Jeezy Made ‘Jizzle’ ‘For My Fans’

Kanye West’s Twitter: Social Media Experts Weigh In

‘The greatest thing about Kanye’s use of Twitter is that it is really him,’ says the founder of Social Media Club. By Eric Ditzian Kanye West Photo: Theo Wargo/ WireImage For anyone who thought Kanye West might slow down his giddy Twitter pace since signing on to the social networking site last month, you thought wrong. In the last 24 hours alone, the hip-hop superstar has pounded out 23 tweets, ranging from the existentially vague (“Curate your life”) to the excessively bland (“I love the Summer but I can’t wait for Fall”) to the predictably boastful (“Ima make a book of my tweets”). And just as ‘Ye can’t get enough of Twitter, neither can his fans. He’s already reeled in over 570,000 followers, a number that should only rise as he continues to engage his audience. Last week, we checked in with some social media experts to get their takes on West’s embrace of Twitter , and in the days since, Web authorities have continued to send in their commentary to MTV News. Some are supportive of the “Power” singer’s style, while others are less than impressed. But one thing is clear: These days, no one involved in pop culture or social media can stop talking about Kanye West. “The greatest thing about Kanye’s use of Twitter is that it is really him,” said Chris Heuer, the founder of Social Media Club . “It’s not some PR flack’s idea of what he should be saying or what he should be doing with this — he is personally and directly connecting with his fans and his fans are going to love him even more because of it. In politics, they say go to the base — Kanye is doing this brilliantly.” Of course, not everyone agrees that he’s connecting in a Twitter-friendly manner. Dave Malby , a social media whiz with over 100,000 Twitter followers, maintains that Kanye is missing the point of Twitter, since he currently doesn’t follow anyone and rarely tweets back to his followers. “I find that he is not engaging with his fans. This is not what Twitter is about. Twitter is about engagement and interaction,” Malby said. “Twitter is two-way communication. Kanye would make a much bigger impact if he did what other celebrities won’t do: interact with their fans.” But perhaps West is starting to understand these fundamentals. Though he unfollowed his lone follower after giving the guy some unwanted attention, in recent days West has stepped up his re-tweeting of his followers. And, even more importantly, he’s kept up a steady stream of random, wacky and utterly Kanye-esque missives. “His posts are entertaining and yet they contain an unexpected depth and substance,” said Kim Sherrell , a new-media-savvy filmmaker with over 70,000 Twitter followers. “Like George Carlin or Larry David, Kanye excels at creating humor by examining the different ways in which our world is messed up. He is pretty good at observing contradictions.” “Kanye’s ability to reflect on his situation while tossing punches at some embarrassing realities the way he does, well, these are some of the reasons why I think he is a force to be reckoned with,” she added. “He comes across as a very rich, but deep and somewhat sincere guy who is just going through his day and learning how to get his tweet on.” Yet as he continues to get his tweet on, there’s always the chance that Kanye — a public figure who hasn’t always exercised good judgment in the public sphere — will once again get himself into trouble. Here again, however, the very social media instrument that lands him in hot water could prove to be the key to making amends. “An increase in message volume could certainly get you in trouble, just as an increase in Courvoisier consumption can,” said Heuer. “That said, in the modern social-networking-enabled world, the most important thing isn’t necessarily that we do something wrong or say something stupid, it’s how we respond afterwards that shows the true measure of the man. Is the person able to admit they made a mistake? Can they apologize sincerely and honestly? As more and more celebrities come online, more and more of the pop culture audience will see their true selves and realize they are only human, just like we are.” Related Photos What Has Kanye West Been Up To This Past Year? Related Artists Kanye West

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Kanye West’s Twitter: Social Media Experts Weigh In

Fantasia’s Life Is Still No ‘Fairy Tale’: A Timeline

Following the singer’s hospitalization after an apparent overdose, we look back at her ups and downs since winning ‘American Idol.’ By Jim Cantiello Fantasia Barrino performs on “American Idol” in May, 2004 Photo: Ray Mickshaw/WireImage Catapulted to superstar “American Idol” status in a few short months, then distracted by men, family trouble and alleged money problems ever since (culminating in an apparent suicide attempt Monday), Fantasia Barrino could easily be the subject of more than one “Behind the Music” episodes at the young age of 26. Let’s take a look at the highs and lows of Fantasia’s career. January 19, 2004: “American Idol” season three premieres, and 19-year-old single mother Fantasia Barrino quickly emerges as an early fave with her unique, high-pitched, gospel-tinged voice and sassy attitude. April 14, 2004: Fantasia’s gut-wrenching performance of “Summertime” ends with the young singer in tears from “feeling the song.” Randy Jackson calls it the best performance in “Idol” history. Guest judge Quentin Tarantino is equally impressed. Simon Cowell calls her the best contestant any incarnation of “Idol” has ever seen. May 25, 2004: Fantasia is crowned the “American Idol” winner , defeating 16-year-old Diana DeGarmo by 1.3 million votes. Her first words upon hearing the news? “I broke my shoe!” June 29, 2004: Fantasia’s first single, “I Believe,” debuts at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a first for a new solo artist. November 23, 2004: Fantasia releases her full-length debut, Free Yourself. The album spawns several hit singles on the R&B charts. (She has less success on Top 40 radio.) Free Yourself is later nominated for four Grammys, and the album is certified platinum. October 2005: She earns new fans with a jaw-dropping opening set on Kanye West’s fall tour. August 26, 2006: Fantasia plays herself in a wildly popular Lifetime TV-movie, “The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Not A Fairy Tale,” based on her best-selling 2005 autobiography. The film paints Fantasia’s childhood as one filled with sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, illiteracy and self-esteem issues. (Her father later files a $10 million libel lawsuit against the publisher of the book.) The inspirational film is Lifetime’s second-most-watched TV-movie in the network’s history. December 12, 2006: Her sophomore album, Fantasia, is released. Despite big hits on urban radio (including the Big Boi-assisted “Hood Boy” and the inescapable midtempo jam “When I See U”), Fantasia fails to match the sales of her debut album. February 22, 2007: Fantasia returns to “American Idol” to announce that she’ll be starring on Broadway as Celie in “The Color Purple,” produced by Oprah Winfrey. (A sit-down with Oprah also followed.) April 10, 2007: Fantasia’s Broadway debut earns rave reviews across the board, but the New York press reports that Fantasia missed over 50 performances during her nine-month run, forcing producers to refund disappointed fans. (Fantasia later blames her no-shows on vocal cysts.) May 14, 2008: Fantasia leaves “Idol” viewers (and Simon Cowell) slack-jawed with an over-the-top results-show performance that included playful choreography and bright-red hair. June 11, 2008: Rumors spread that Fantasia and her boyfriend, rapper Young Dro, are engaged. (The two never wed, and in 2010, Fantasia told MTV News that she broke things off with Dro because he was distracting her from her music career.) June 26, 2008: 19 Entertainment (“Idol” guru Simon Fuller’s management company) drops Fantasia from their roster. September 13, 2008: Inspired to prove naysayers wrong as her career struggled, Fantasia steals the show at a “UNCF’s An Evening of Stars Tribute to Patti LaBelle.” (The show is eventually broadcast on TV the following January.) December 9, 2008: A North Carolina newspaper reports that one of Fantasia’s homes is in foreclosure and will be up for public auction. Eventually, a deal is reached and Fantasia did not lose her property. (It’s rumored that Simon Cowell stepped in to help with the “Idol’s” mortgage payments.) November 2009: Fantasia is spotted with a new “Cook” tattoo. But it’s not a reference to fellow “Idol” champ David Cook, but rather Antwaun Cook, Fantasia’s new beau. Gossip blogs quickly report that he’s married with children. January 11, 2010: VH1 airs the premiere episode of “Fantasia for Real,” a reality show focusing on the pressure Fantasia is under as her family’s sole bread-winner. (Her relationship with Cook is not featured.) Fantasia tells MTV News she hopes the show helps her “rebuild her empire.” May 11, 2010: ‘Tasia’s latest single, “Bittersweet,” premieres. August 4, 2010: Cook’s estranged wife, Paula, files a complaint with the North Carolina courts, claiming Fantasia and Antwaun have been in a “covert adulterous affair” since August 2009. The paperwork lists a sex tape Fantasia made with Antwaun as proof of their illicit activity. August 9, 2010: Police respond to a 911 call from Fantasia’s manager . Officers find the singer in a closet. The former “Idol” champ was immediately taken to Mercy South Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center in Pineville, North Carolina. August 10, 2010: Fantasia’s manager confirms that the singer is recovering after overdosing on aspirin and a sleeping aid. He cites the increased media attention and lawsuit as being “overwhelming” for the “heartbroken” singer. VH1 also issues a statement showing their support for the ailing singer and that they have no plans on shelving the second season of her reality show. August 24, 2010: Fantasia’s third album, Back to Me, is scheduled to hit stores, as confirmed by her manager. Related Photos Fantasia’s Career In Photos Related Artists Fantasia

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Fantasia’s Life Is Still No ‘Fairy Tale’: A Timeline

Mariah Carey ‘Talks About’ Being An ‘American Idol,’ Nick Cannon Says

‘She is one of the greatest singers of our time; she would be great,’ Cannon says of his wife. By Jocelyn Vena Mariah Carey Photo: Theo Wargo/ Getty Images It’s been an interesting month or so for “American Idol” fans. Ellen DeGeneres walked away from the program after just one season, Kara DioGuardi is rumored to be out, and speculation is rampant that Mariah, who guest-mentored “Idol” contestants back in 2008. “I don’t know if she has enough time, though, but if they could work with her schedule, I know she would love to do ‘Idol.’ Let’s start the campaign!” Cannon also commented on how the absence of Simon Cowell will affect “Idol.” “Simon Cowell was the anchor of the show. And when he stepped out, it’s like, now what?” he observed. “But as long as Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson stick around, I’m watching.” Speaking of TV-hosting rumors, Cannon weighed in on the gossip that British “America’s Got Talent” judge Piers Morgan may replace Larry King on CNN. “We joke about it all the time. I tell him, ‘You ain’t got the suspenders yet, playa, calm down. You ain’t got the gig yet, so don’t get in here trying to act like you’re Mr. Larry King.’ But in all seriousness, he would be perfect for the job,” he said. “He’s been in journalism for decades. He’s extremely intelligent, and he’s not afraid to go at anyone.” Do you think Mariah Carey would be a good fit for “Idol?” Tell us in the comments! Related Photos Who Should Be The Next ‘American Idol’ Judge? Related Artists Mariah Carey Nick Cannon

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Mariah Carey ‘Talks About’ Being An ‘American Idol,’ Nick Cannon Says

Tony Yayo Says He ‘Could See’ Lil B Joining G-Unit

MC tells Mixtape Daily that he’s collaborating with the Pack member on a tape. By Shaheem Reid Tony Yayo Photo: Rahman Dukes/MTV News Celebrity Favorites: Tony Yayo Tony Yayo said he has the most eclectic musical taste in G-Unit. He listens to J. Cole, Lady Gaga, The-Dream and the Pack’s Lil B, who is on a few tracks from Yayo’s new mixtape, along with prot

Fantasia Overdosed On Aspirin And Sleep Aid, Manager Says

Season-three ‘American Idol’ winner’s dad says she’s ‘doing fine’ after apparent suicide attempt. By Kara Warner Hours after reports surfaced that former “American Idol” champ Fantasia Barrino was admitted to a North Carolina hospital for a drug overdose after an apparent suicide attempt, Barrino’s father and manager have said the singer is already on the road to recovery. “She’s doing fine,” Joseph Barrino told RadarOnline.com from his home in Greensboro, North Carolina. Manager Brian Dickens confirmed reports that the cause of Barrino’s overdose was due to her ingesting too much medication, a combination of aspirin and a sleep aid. “Her injuries are not life-threatening. She was dehydrated and exhausted at the time,” Dickens told People magazine. “Fantasia is stable now. She will be released from the hospital soon.” The incident is said to be part of an ongoing investigation, and it comes just after Barrino was named in a court filing alleging that she was having an affair with Antwaun Cook, a married man. Last week, Cook’s wife Paula filed court documents that allege that her husband and Barrino began a “covert adulterous affair” in August 2009 and that the two made a sex tape, which led to the couple’s divorce. Barrino denied that she was responsible. Late Monday evening, local authorities were called to a home in the Glynmoor Lakes neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina, after Dickens reported that something was wrong with the former Broadway star. According to police sources, the officers who arrived on the scene found Barrino in a closet. The fomer “Idol” champ was immediately taken to Mercy South Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center in Pineville, North Carolina. Share your well-wishes for Fantasia and her family in the comments. Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World’ Related Artists Fantasia

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Fantasia Overdosed On Aspirin And Sleep Aid, Manager Says