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Noreaga Hopes ‘Nut Cracker’ Will Be A Summer ‘Club Banger’

‘I didn’t want the summer to leave without me having a club banger,’ he tells MTV News. By Jayson Rodriguez N.O.R.E. Photo: MTV News Although Capone-N-Noreaga released The War Report 2, the sequel to their debut album , earlier this summer, one-half of the Queens duo wanted to make sure he snuck in another project before flip-flops get exchanged for Timberlands. “I kind of miss going to the clubs, so I immediately wanted to drop a club banger,” Nore told MTV News of his single “Nut Cracker.” “I didn’t want the summer to leave without me having a club banger. So that’s what I wanted to do.” The Scoop DeVille-produced knocker is the first effort from Nore’s forthcoming solo album, which he hopes to release with a major label. The rapper is finalizing a director to work on the visual for “Nut Cracker,” which he hopes will either be a spoof of the movie “House Party” or a take on “Flavor of Love,” featuring Public Enemy hype man Flavor Flav in the clip. In the meantime, Nore is finishing up his album and hoping to add a few more features once he signs a new deal. For now, he’s enjoying the success of “Nut Cracker.” “Big-up to my man Scoop DeVille tearing it up, man,” Nore said. “I couldn’t let the summer leave. I needed one of those club bangers. I was a big fan of [Scoop] from the work he’s done with Snoop, [Fat] Joe and now Nore. And hopefully we’ll have a smash as well.” What’s your take on “Nut Cracker”? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists N.O.R.E.

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Noreaga Hopes ‘Nut Cracker’ Will Be A Summer ‘Club Banger’

Flo Rida ‘Looks Forward’ To David Guetta Bringing Home A VMA

Guetta is up against Lady Gaga, Usher and others for Best Dance Music Video at the 2010 Video Music Awards. By Akshay Bhansali David Guetta Photo: Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images As if working with the Black Eyed Peas, Akon and Rihanna weren’t enough of a signal of international dance music’s crossover star David Guetta ‘s two-year ascension to the top of the American urban pop-music scene, the French house-music producer is up for a Moonman at this year’s Video Music Awards . Nominated for Best Dance Music Video for his hit single “Sexy Chick,” featuring Akon, Guetta is up against some stiff competition for his big night in L.A. on September 12. His fellow nominees include Usher for “OMG,” German dance group Cascada (remember “Everytime We Touch”?) for “Evacuate the Dancefloor” and Enrique Iglesias’ “I Like It,” featuring Snooki, the Situation and company. And let’s not forget the biggest of elephants in the room, Lady Gaga for “Bad Romance.” Still, DGuetta’s boy, rapper Flo Rida, with whom he currently has a top 10 hit in Europe with “Club Can’t Handle Me,” thinks his chances of winning are rather good. “My reaction to David Guetta being nominated for ‘Best Dance Video’? Well, he’s definitely a household name,” Flo told MTV UK today in London. “Not just nationally, but he’s internationally known. He’s a passionate dude about his music and he gets the party crunk. I look forward to him taking that home.” “The genius of him is the fact that he is a perfectionist. He strives to make sure that a record has the right gumbo,” Flo said using the analogy of the Southern dish of random ingredients that somehow just tastes right. “It moves you — having you bob your head. If you are a dancer, it will make you try some new moves. David Guetta has that work ethic and that drive to make sure he has the #1 party record, like we do right now with ‘Club Can’t Handle Me.’ ” And while fans will have to wait till the big night to find out if Guetta proves the victor, Flo Rida has a special message for all you David Guetta fans out there. “To David Guetta and his fans, y’all make sure and support him,” Flo said. “David, you know you work hard. You grind. Win or lose, I feel like you are still the winner because you have fans that are very loyal to you. So do your thing. Keep your head up.” The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners in general categories, including Best New Artist, from Tuesday (August 3) through September 12. Related Videos Go Gaga Over The 2010 VMA Nominees Related Artists David Guetta Flo Rida

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Flo Rida ‘Looks Forward’ To David Guetta Bringing Home A VMA

Exclusive: Young Jeezy Addresses Rick Ross ‘Dis’ Speculation

‘What am I gonna get out of dissing him?’ the Snowman says to MTV News, addressing ‘Death B4 Dishonor’ verse. By Shaheem Reid Young Jeezy and Rick Ross, Atlanta, GA, 10.12.2009 Photo: MTV News We’re not going to make you wait 26 episodes until the season finale to reveal the answer to this cliffhanger. On Monday night, Young Jeezy released “Death B4 Dishonor,” the first song from his upcoming mixtape, 1,000 Grams, Vol. 1. On it, he raps over Rick Ross’ “(B.M.F.) Blowin’ Money Fast” instrumental, which quickly fueled heavy speculation among fans that the Snowman was actually dissing the Bawse. Jeezy settled the question straight-up on Tuesday (August 10). “It’s not a dis,” Jizzle told MTV News via phone from ATL. “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, and anybody else out there who does, they are insecure. “When it comes to that [Black Mafia Family] situation, I’m gonna talk about it a little flyer anyway,” Young added. “I happen to know that situation very well. But basically [‘Death B4 Dishonor’], it’s off a mixtape that’s coming out. My mixtape is coming out on Thursday, it’s called 1,000 Grams. I took all the records I liked and flipped them my way. It’s a gang of records on there like that. It’s like 12 joints, all records that I heard in the club that I like and flipped them my way. While Jeezy doesn’t mention Ross by name on “Death B4 Dishonor,” one of the lines fueling the speculation questions: “How you Blowin’ Money Fast?/ You don’t know the crew/ Oh, you part of the fam?/ Sh–, I never knew.” “That’s for real,” Jeezy explained. “That’s for anybody. I got n—as in prison behind that sh–. I feel that if you speaking on sh–, you gotta at least know who you talking about. That’s like n—as speaking on Cash Money: If he ain’t never been a part of Cash Money, [then] I’mma speak it better if I’m a part of Cash Money. To me, [BMF] was real. I know all the members. Who else would say a line like that, but me? I’m one of the few people who can say that, so I said it. That’s real life, though. You gotta know the crew, baby. I thought that was the purpose of the game: to get on records and talk your sh–, right? “Subliminals, for what?” the Snowman added. ‘What’s understood ain’t gotta be said. I didn’t think people would take the record like that. I did it like I would have any Shawty Lo record, any Rocko record, whoever. I got on [Ross’ beat] and did it like how I do it, the best way I know how. I don’t know if because the BMF situation is for real for me that everybody is like, ‘Ooh. Oh, sh–.’ Twitter is a muthaf—a, by the way.” During our talk, Jeezy said that his song “The Real BMF” had already been recorded (and was sitting in his vault) before Ross’s “(B.M.F.)” was released. “The Real BMF” was supposed to have been included on the upcoming TM103, but once he heard that Ross put out a song so similar, he decided it didn’t belong on his LP; it would just be a giveaway to the streets. Young also described Ross’ “(B.M.F.)” as “dope” and said he was bound to jump on the record one way or another, either officially or through the mixtape circuit, which he ultimately did. On 1,000 Grams, Vol. 1 he also flips Soulja Boy’s “Pretty Boy Swag” into “Dope Boy Swag” and Kanye West’s “Power” into the record & #8212; so aptly titled for the #1 Trap Star & #8212; “Powder.” Records by the Clipse and Young Money also get their instrumentals borrowed for the tape. “It was one of those things, you get in a zone and wanna get some sh– off,” he said of the DJ Scream-hosted tape. “I wanted to have some fun. Get in the booth, smoke me one or two.” And yes, his long awaited TM103 album is still on the way. He promises it’ll drop before the end of 2011. What do you think of Jeezy’s explanation? Does this end the speculation for you? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. Related Artists Young Jeezy Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)

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Exclusive: Young Jeezy Addresses Rick Ross ‘Dis’ Speculation

Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian Flirt On The Beach For Elle

The pop star and socialite channel ‘The Graduate’ for September issue. By James Dinh Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images When Justin Bieber referred to Kim Kardashian as his “girlfriend” in a tweet earlier this year, it was all in innocent fun. But his legion of Beliebers didn’t find it so amusing and retaliated by swarming the reality star with death threats. Now the pair are taking their new found friendship in front of the camera lens for a sunny, summer spread in the September issue of Elle. “Remember those paparazzi pics of me and

T.I. Calls Kanye West Studio Sessions ‘Combustible’

‘Kanye, man, he’s a phenomenal talent,’ Tip says of King Uncaged collaborator. By Shaheem Reid Last week, T.I. revealed that he’s teamed up with another powerful collaborator for his next LP, King Uncaged. “I just left Hawaii with Kanye,” Tip revealed when we met up with him in Hollywood on the red carpet for the world premiere of “Takers.” “We did six records.” Over the weekend in Beverly Hills, where the Atlanta MC continued to promote his film — due in theaters August 27 — Tip elaborated a little bit more on his sessions with one of the great producers and MCs in music. The King of the South said he’s anxious for the world to hear his new records. “Well, Kanye, man, he’s a phenomenal talent,” Tip said. “It goes without saying that it’s combustible energy [when we’re in the studio]. I’m excited to present it.” Back in June, T.I. lavished similar praise on another artist appearing on his September opus: Lady Gaga . “She’s a phenomenal talent, and I think that talent transcends through all genres, all races, all religions, all countries,” he complimented. Although no final track listing has been announced, judging by the preliminary round of interviews alone, the album sounds like it could be Tip’s biggest yet. Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and Eminem are also among those who’ve had sessions with him. “I reached out to Em,” Tip explained in May. “My management reached out to his management, just in hopes of getting him on a record. Em personally reached out to me, and we been speaking ever since, especially since I went through my situation [with having to go to prison]. [He would] just kinda remind me that ‘I’ve been through dark period in my life too. You’re gonna make it. You’re one of the ones we need, so you’re gonna make it. Stand tall and walk the walk.’ He just made it a point to always reassure me of the spot that I hold in this thing that we got called hip-hop. It was incredibly helpful. It was incredibly noble of him, in my eyes, to even take the time out to reach out to me.” Do you think Tip’s next album will be his biggest yet? Sound off in the comments! Related Artists T.I. Kanye West

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T.I. Calls Kanye West Studio Sessions ‘Combustible’

‘Love The Way You Lie’ Video Is ‘Not About Eminem Or Rihanna,’ Director Says

‘These are fictional characters,’ Joseph Kahn says of abusive couple played by Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias Joseph Kahn Photo: MTV News Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie” video has already raised eyebrows and sparked debate with its frank depiction of domestic violence, and given the history both artists have with the subject, many are now wondering if the clip is meant to be biographical. After all, the “Lie” video goes to great lengths to show the depths of violence in a relationship, something Em has rapped about innumerous times in the past, and it’s something Rihanna knows about all too well, after then-boyfriend Chris Brown assaulted her in 2009 . So the question most seem to be asking is: Are the clip’s two characters — played by Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox — actually meant to represent Em and Rihanna? To find out, MTV News went directly to the man responsible for the video (and its concept), director Joseph Kahn, who told us in no uncertain terms that, while there’s a message behind “Lie,” it has nothing to do with what’s gone on in either artist’s personal life. “There are definitely things in both Rihanna and Eminem’s [lives] that we have to be very sensitive about when we were making this video, [but] it’s not a story about Eminem or Rihanna,” he said. “It’s a specific thing that I created for Dominic and Megan to play two people with very specific story lines to each other. These are fictional characters in my head but obviously based on real human beings.” So while he denies that Monaghan and Fox are playing Eminem and Rihanna in the video, Kahn said he can understand why fans might think that. After all, not only does the clip deal with an emotionally sensitive issue, but he happens to have a rather unique perspective on the lives of his musical stars. “The subject matter is some of the most complex stuff I’ve ever handled … [and] obviously there are parallels, in terms of the song, with Eminem’s personal life and Rihanna’s personal life,” he said. “And I had actually, like last year, been working with Chris Brown … so I’m in the middle of all this stuff, and I have to be very, very careful with how I tread. But ultimately, if you really look at the video, it’s not about anybody in particular. … It’s a story specific to two characters I created.” Did you think the “Love the Way You Lie” clip was about Em and Rihanna? Let us know in the comments. Related Videos An In-Depth Look At Eminem’s ‘Love The Way You Lie’ Related Photos The Evolution Of: Eminem Related Artists Eminem Rihanna

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‘Love The Way You Lie’ Video Is ‘Not About Eminem Or Rihanna,’ Director Says

Pras Questions Wyclef Jean’s Goals For Haiti

‘He didn’t even mention the short term,’ Pras says of former Fugees bandmate. By Jayson Rodriguez Pras Photo: MTV News Pras spoke out against his former Fugees group member Wyclef ‘s presidential run recently, explaining that he felt the hip-hop musician wasn’t the right type of leader to help the poverty- and earthquake-ravaged country of Haiti. The “Ghetto Superstar” artist also criticized Wyclef’s announcement on CNN , saying the political hopeful failed to deliver a vision. Pras told MTV News that despite his friend’s good intentions, he lacks the experience to develop policy to help the country in its vulnerable state. “He talks about health care, he talks about education, he talks about infrastructure,” Pras told MTV News. “But that’s in any society. That’s right here in America, we need that. But how are you gonna get to that point? There’s a short-term goal that needs to be addressed and there’s a long-term goal. To be honest with you, the short term is probably more important than the long term. And he didn’t even mention the short term.” Wyclef also drew the ire of actor Sean Penn, who delivered a harsh commentary against the Haitian activist while appearing on CNN himself. “Right now, I worry that this is a campaign that is more about a vision of flying around the world, talking to people. It’s certainly not one of the youth drafting him,” Penn said. “I would be quite sure that this is an influence of corporations here in the United States and private individuals that may well have capitalized on his will to see himself flying around the world. Clef has said the people are drafting him to run. “I feel like I’m being drafted by the population right now to give them a different face, a different voice,” he said during his announcement. Pras, though, noted his former Fugee mate speaks broken Creole and doesn’t even speak French, key languages for Haitians, which will make his impending run difficult. What do you think of Wyclef’s presidential bid? Let us know in the comments. Related Artists Pras Wyclef Jean

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Pras Questions Wyclef Jean’s Goals For Haiti

Britney Spears Set To Appear On ‘Glee’

Creator Ryan Murphy confirms to Ryan Seacrest that pop singer will guest star on tribute episode. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Audrey Kim Britney Spears Photo: Scott Gries/ImageDirect Lady Gaga : Check. Madonna : Check. “Glee” has featured the music of the pop stars to acclaim in its first season. Yet the show has yet to get high-profile singers Madge and Gaga to appear in person on the show. But another diva is about to change that. On Tuesday (August 10), show creator Ryan Murphy confirmed to Ryan Seacrest that Britney Spears will make an appearance on “Glee.” Now, fans are anxious to see what they’ll do with the Spears discography in an episode set to air next season. And the cast seems just as excited as the Gleeks about what’s to come. Heather Morris couldn’t wait to have Spears on set when MTV News spoke to her at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday. “I get to do Britney Spears! I’m hearing rumors from other people that she’s supposed to be coming … that’d be so nerve-racking,” she said. “I like ‘Toxic’ the best or the ‘Slave’ video. It was always her best performance. She’s rocking! I don’t care what I do.” “I mean I can’t really give away songs, but I know we’ve seen pictures of Lea [Michele] in a sports bra,” Jenna Ushkowitz added, confirming online reports that Michele would sing the classic Britney tune ” … Baby One More Time.” “Some old Britney, some new Britney, some Brittany of our Brittany from the Glee club. So it should be funny,” Ushkowitz teased of featured songs. “We’re really excited. I love Britney Spears.” Fans also want to know whether Matthew Morrison will go all the way and shave his head as rumored for the episode. But the only thing he would confirm is that he couldn’t confirm anything. “All rumors,” Morrison told us. “I think you might be surprised. I don’t think I’ll be performing any [songs]. I might sing a little bit of ‘Toxic,’ ” he shared. “I’m not sure. We haven’t really got too far in the script yet, which is why I don’t know too much about the head-shaving thing.” Morrison’s castmate Amber Reilly is already convinced the episode will be great. “I can tell you it’s going to be a really great episode and you’re going to love it,” she said. “And they’re doing the big hits from Britney.” Which Britney songs do you think are absolutely essential to the “Glee” tribute episode? Tell us in the comments! Related Photos The Year In ‘Glee’ What Other ‘Glee’ Music Videos Do We Want To See? Related Artists Britney Spears

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Britney Spears Set To Appear On ‘Glee’

Florence And The Machine To Perform At Video Music Awards

Their ‘Dog Days Are Over’ clip is nominated for four VMAs at the September 12 show. By James Montgomery She surprised pretty much everybody when her video for “Dog Days Are Over” racked up four nominations at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards , and now, flame-haired siren Florence Welch (and, of course, the Machine too) have been tapped to perform the song on the big show, which airs September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. And yes, they’ll be aiming to surprise once again. Though, as Welch told MTV News last week, after learning of her noms, the celebs in the audience probably won’t be the only ones who can’t believe what they’re seeing. “I’m still kind of processing it, to be honest,” Welch said. “It’s such an iconic event, and it’s something I’ve watched on TV since I was a kid. It’s one of those things: It’s not real life, it’s a dream scenario. So for me to be actually a part of it feels like I’m in some sort of parallel universe. It’s kind of strange and wonderful and terrifying all at the same time.” And that’s a pretty good way to describe everything Florence and the Machine do (no wonder we picked them as “Artists to Watch” way back in January). From Welch’s flowing gowns and epic, downright ethereal voice to the harpist she employs and the fresh-cut flowers she insists on decorating her mic stand with before each show, she’s sure to raise more than a few eyebrows and probably win some new fans at the VMAs next month. And one of her fellow nominees can’t wait to see her play live: B.o.B, who told MTV News last week that that he’s a huge fan of Welch and is expecting big things from her on VMA night. “Oh, man, I dig Florence so much. I listened to her perform ‘Dog Days Are Over’ at Coachella, and she’s amazing,” he said. “I hope she performs, and I hope she wins everything. I think she’s awesome.” The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners in general categories, including Best New Artist, from now through September 12. Related Photos Lady Gaga Leads The 2010 VMA Nominees Related Artists Florence and the Machine

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Florence And The Machine To Perform At Video Music Awards

Kanye West Shows Off His Artwork In 2005 Video

Years before he collaborated with artist Marco Brambilla for his ‘Power’ clip, ‘Ye shared some early drawings with Sway. By Jayson Rodriguez Kanye West Photo: MTV News Throughout his career, Kanye West has displayed the soul of an artist, from his austere “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” video to the just-released “moving portrait” for “Power.” Back in August 2005, the rapper spoke with MTV News about art and even showed Sway some of his early sketches. Among the collection was a colorful drinking glass, a slow-burning cigarette and a portrait of Emmett Till. “I think I was always on some sarcastic, trying to get a rise out of people [vibe],” West explained. “I tried to get something that connects more than just the glass. So this is my take on glass.” The collection also included an anime-inspired self-portrait of the “Power” superstar and another image of a man in bed whose life had passed. “This one was really hard to draw,” he said of the latter. “It was a good experience the teacher gave us. We had to deal with perspective.” He admitted, however, the sketch — dated 1995 — was not very good. “Someone should have killed me for how bad it was,” he said. West said for his videos, artwork or graphic imaging he uses drawing “as a language.” Artist Marco Brambilla directed the “Power” clip , and the artist received ‘Ye’s translation loud and clear, both for the imagery and the rapper’s forthcoming album. “I instantly connected to the themes on the album,” Brambilla told MTV News of West’s yet-untitled next LP. “The whole idea of celebrity, the idea of power, the idea of sensuality in it, there’s sexuality in it as well, and those were all kind of themes that I’ve explored in my work before. Once I heard the album, that was what clinched it, and I felt very much in tune with the message behind the music.” What do you think of Kanye’s work as an artist? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Related Artists Kanye West

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Kanye West Shows Off His Artwork In 2005 Video