‘I just wanna enjoy those moments for a bit and I’m sure that feeling of music will come back to me,’ Jay-Z tells MTV News of his daughter. By Rob Markman Jay-Z in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/ Getty Images PHILADELPHIA — These days, Jay-Z would rather rock the cradle than rock the mic. After the birth of he and Beyonc
Rap rookie Tito Lopez will also join Sway at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com. By Rob Markman T.I. Photo: Rahav Segev/ Getty Images It’s time to roll out the royal carpet, because the King is set to make his debut on “RapFix Live.” On Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com, T.I. will sit down with Sway Calloway and chop it up about his upcoming album, Trouble Man. Tip has a grind like no other. Since being released from prison last fall, the Atlanta rapper landed a VH1 reality series with his wife, Tiny, added some new muscle to his Grand Hustle record label, and immediately began recording for his eighth solo album. The street-bred MC, who popularized the term Trap Music, has long promised a return to the T.I. of old. “We got a lot of hot, old-school, vintage T.I. records on there,” he told MTV News during a January interview. “I’m talking like gutter, gangsta, intellectual ignorance, hard-core stadium sh–, but at the same time, we got those over-the-top crossover records as well, big features and whatnot we plan on putting into play.” The fiery lyricist isn’t only concerned with his own music: Earlier this month, prot
Rap rookie Tito Lopez will also join Sway at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com. By Rob Markman T.I. Photo: Rahav Segev/ Getty Images It’s time to roll out the royal carpet, because the King is set to make his debut on “RapFix Live.” On Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com, T.I. will sit down with Sway Calloway and chop it up about his upcoming album, Trouble Man. Tip has a grind like no other. Since being released from prison last fall, the Atlanta rapper landed a VH1 reality series with his wife, Tiny, added some new muscle to his Grand Hustle record label, and immediately began recording for his eighth solo album. The street-bred MC, who popularized the term Trap Music, has long promised a return to the T.I. of old. “We got a lot of hot, old-school, vintage T.I. records on there,” he told MTV News during a January interview. “I’m talking like gutter, gangsta, intellectual ignorance, hard-core stadium sh–, but at the same time, we got those over-the-top crossover records as well, big features and whatnot we plan on putting into play.” The fiery lyricist isn’t only concerned with his own music: Earlier this month, prot
Jay will headline and curate Budweiser Made in America music festival over Labor Day weekend. By Rob Markman Jay-Z gives a press conference at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Photo: Bill McCay/ FilmMagic PHILADELPHIA — Jay-Z once bragged in song that he beat his assault charges “like Rocky.” Well, it’s been more than a decade since, and Hov — the multiplatinum mogul who remains atop music’s food chain — has done more than simply beat the charge. On Monday morning (May 14), rap’s most magnetic man drew a crowd of reporters and media types to the very steps that the fictional boxer Rocky has made famous. Standing triumphantly at the peak of the staircase of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Hov and Philly Mayor Michael Nutter announced yet another prolific Jay-venture: Budweiser Made in America , a two-day music festival in Philadelphia, this Labor Day weekend. “Everyone knows my love affair with Philly from the amazing, talented artists I’ve signed from here,” Jay said, prompting State Property MC Freeway to jump onstage beside him. Jay-Z will not only headline the festival, he will also curate the three-stage concert, which will feature close to 30 different acts. Still, for the God MC, there are a few things to consider before pulling off stunts such as these. “Whenever I enter into a project, I try to hit on some touch points. The first thing is: Is it great?” Jay asked rhetorically, addressing the crowd, which braved some clouds and drizzle. “The second one is: Is it gonna push the culture forward?” Forward progress is a safe bet: A press release for the upcoming event promises eclectic acts in multiple genres like rock, hip-hop, R&B, Latin and dance music, but the official roster won’t be announced until May 21. The third item Jay considers is the philanthropic opportunities, so once again, he is partnering with United Way. Together, they put on Jigga’s February Carnegie Hall concert in New York, and this time out, they aim to support local charities in both Philly and South New Jersey. The show will be held September 1 and September 2 on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. Tickets for Made in America will go on sale May 23 through Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com . Related Artists Jay-Z
Jay will headline and curate Budweiser Made in America music festival over Labor Day weekend. By Rob Markman Jay-Z gives a press conference at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Photo: Bill McCay/ FilmMagic PHILADELPHIA — Jay-Z once bragged in song that he beat his assault charges “like Rocky.” Well, it’s been more than a decade since, and Hov — the multiplatinum mogul who remains atop music’s food chain — has done more than simply beat the charge. On Monday morning (May 14), rap’s most magnetic man drew a crowd of reporters and media types to the very steps that the fictional boxer Rocky has made famous. Standing triumphantly at the peak of the staircase of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Hov and Philly Mayor Michael Nutter announced yet another prolific Jay-venture: Budweiser Made in America , a two-day music festival in Philadelphia, this Labor Day weekend. “Everyone knows my love affair with Philly from the amazing, talented artists I’ve signed from here,” Jay said, prompting State Property MC Freeway to jump onstage beside him. Jay-Z will not only headline the festival, he will also curate the three-stage concert, which will feature close to 30 different acts. Still, for the God MC, there are a few things to consider before pulling off stunts such as these. “Whenever I enter into a project, I try to hit on some touch points. The first thing is: Is it great?” Jay asked rhetorically, addressing the crowd, which braved some clouds and drizzle. “The second one is: Is it gonna push the culture forward?” Forward progress is a safe bet: A press release for the upcoming event promises eclectic acts in multiple genres like rock, hip-hop, R&B, Latin and dance music, but the official roster won’t be announced until May 21. The third item Jay considers is the philanthropic opportunities, so once again, he is partnering with United Way. Together, they put on Jigga’s February Carnegie Hall concert in New York, and this time out, they aim to support local charities in both Philly and South New Jersey. The show will be held September 1 and September 2 on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. Tickets for Made in America will go on sale May 23 through Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com . Related Artists Jay-Z
Lovato and Britney Spears expected to be at Monday (May 14) Fox upfront event. By Gil Kaufman Demi Lovato Photo: Tom Pennington/ Getty Images America will meet the rebooted panel of the “X Factor” on Monday and filling the fourth slot at the judge’s table will be Demi Lovato . The 19-year-old Disney star is expected to make the announcement of her high-profile gig on Monday at the Fox network upfront presentation, which will also officially reveal the worst-kept-secret in TV: that Britney Spears has joined the show as well. Lovato is one of the many names that has been in the mix for the gig, which at one point also included Avril Lavigne, Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey. TMZ confirmed that Lovato has scored the gig, which will put her on alongside series creator Simon Cowell and music executive L.A. Reid when the show comes back for its second season in the fall. Last week, Spears finalized her deal, which will reportedly pay her $15 million for one season’s work. Spears and Lovato replace Paula Abdul and former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, who were fired in January after the first season of the heavily-hyped show failed to live up to Cowell’s lofty expectations. Both Lovato and Spears are expected to be on hand on Monday when Fox announces the show’s new lineup at its upfront presentations. Though Lovato has a summer tour planned , those dates will reportedly not conflict with her new duties on “X Factor.” A spokesperson for “X Factor” could not be reached for comment at press time. Last week, MTV News asked some media experts whether the move to “X Factor” makes sense for Spears and the general consensus was that it did. “I think it is a good move, actually,” said Entertainment Weekly writer Tanner Stransky. “I think she has so many people on her team watching what she’s doing and being careful. I think nobody would let her take a misstep, but I think it’s the right move right now.” The only concern is how the reclusive star might deal with the increased scrutiny and requirement to think on her feet on live TV. “I think everyone is a little concerned, simply because Britney has been very press-shy since she’s been in her conservatorship, and everything is incredibly guarded and incredibly controlled,” said Keith Caulfield, associate director of charts at Billboard . “And there can be uncontrollable moments on ‘The X Factor,’ and if things are not completely in control and things are not rehearsed, things could go wrong. With a live show, anything can happen, and that can be very exciting but, at the same time, a little worrisome.” Lovato and Spears, 30, are the kind of young singers that “X Factor” producers were seemingly looking for to give the show a more youthful appeal and share their experience with contestants. Both are former child stars who’ve struggled with personal issues and neither has experience appearing on live network television. Do you think Demi Lovato will make a good “X Factor” judge? Let us know in comments below. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato
Plus Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake and others make special cameos in the show’s 100th Digital Short segment. By James Dinh Usher on “Saturday Night Live” Photo: NBC Exactly one month before his new album, Looking 4 Myself , hits shelves, the wheels of Usher ‘s promotional wagon gained momentum when the entertainer provided America with a set of contrasting performances and chuckles during this weekend’s “Saturday Night Live” episode, which was hosted by “SNL” alum Will Ferrell. Rocking simple black jeans, a jacket and tee, and a faux hawk, Ursh looked vibrant and energetic as he performed his brand-new single “Scream.” Unlike previous expertly choreographed numbers for his dance tunes, the sunglass-donning singer showed off minimal, but nonetheless slick, moves, while his band and two backup singers filled his Studio 8 back stage. “We at it again, ‘SNL,’ and this time we going to make you scream,” he told the crowd at the start of the energetic cut. His second performance was for the Diplo-produced cut “Climax,” during which the singer showed off his sensual and smooth side. Clearing the area of his accompanying singers, Usher made his smooth falsetto the forefront of the number. It was a simple, authentic rendition of the hit song that was essential proof of his multi-faceted vocal talents. In addition to his set of performances, the ATL singer appeared alongside Ferrell in the “2012 Funkytown Debate” skit, in which he played a character named Galactic Fantastic. Dressed in some sparkling duds and an oversized afro, the R&B entertainer played a wacky sidekick who brought in his singing voice to support Farrell’s side of the grooving song debate. Usher got even more airtime when he was joined by Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Michael Bolton, Will Ferrell and Natalie Portman, who all made special cameos in the episode’s special 100th Digital Short. Paying tribute to some of the most popular Shorts like “Di– in a Box” and “Shy Ronnie,” Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and the Biebs most fittingly put on a big-time celebration with accompanying jingle. It was an all-star affair and brought back some major giggles — especially when JT and Portman reprised their original Short roles. To add to the night’s surprises, Liam Neeson popped up during a “Weekend Update” segment for the Nicolas Cage parody “Get in the Cage.” Neeson’s upcoming summer flick “Battleship” was the main topic of conversation, with Samberg, as Cage, asking his usual “How am I not in that movie?!” Samberg went on to babble jealous nonsense about Neeson’s other flicks in his spot-on Cage impersonation. Like last week’s musical guest Rihanna , Mr. Raymond’s gig on the late-night sketch show marks his third appearance. And it’s one of the many stops that the singer will make to promote his upcoming project. He’s set to kick off the “Today” show’s summer concert series on Friday, perform at the Billboard Music Awards on May 20 and head overseas for Capital FM’s Summertime Ball 2012 in London in early June. Mick Jagger will perform double duty as host and musical guest on next week’s “Saturday Night Live” season finale. What did you think of Usher’s “SNL” performances? Sound off below. Related Artists Usher
‘Vampire Diaries’ star tells MTV News, ‘I’m glad that he’s supporting gay marriage, and hopefully others will follow suit.’ By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Audrey Kim The Wanted Photo: Getty Images In the days since President Obama spoke up in support of same-sex marriage , celebrities have applauded the leader of the free world for his stance on the issue. Since the president’s interview with ABC News on Wednesday, many celebs ranging from Neil Patrick Harris to George Clooney have made it clear that they are pro-Obama. And, it seems, Obama’s message is spreading internationally, as famous people around the world are also giving him props. “I didn’t see the announcement when he made it, but I’ve heard obviously a lot about it, and I think it’s great that that man, the President of the United States, who is influential, who people really admire and listen to, is making such a statement, such a sort of controversial statement,” “Vampire Diaries” star Nina Dobrev shared at the launch of the “Like Her, Like Me” Seventeen magazine campaign where she debuted her “got milk?” ad. The Canadian native added, “I don’t think [it] should be controversial at this point because we’re living in the 21st Century, but I’m glad that he’s supporting gay marriage, and hopefully others will follow suit.” Much like Dobrev, British boy banders the Wanted are also giving two thumbs up to Obama. “I think it was a logical step, about time,” Jay McGuiness said. “I wish it was church-led in my opinion, but I don’t care, it’s out there now. Well done, Obama and Co! Even if it was for the right or wrong reasons, it’s definitely the right outcome.” McGuiness is referring to some criticism that the president made the announcement hot on the heels of his re-election campaign, after years of not taking a firm stance on the issue. At a press conference for “America’s Got Talent” on Thursday, judge Howard Stern noted that he wishes more will come from Obama’s declaration. “My feelings are very clear on this,” he said. “I wish the president actually had gone further. I wish he had said he was going to back some legislation on the national level.” Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton mirrored Stern’s sentiments when he spoke to MTV News the same day. “It was definitely happy news, but I almost don’t want to applaud him too much, because I wish he would have done this a long time ago,” Hilton said. “Having said that, it’s better that he did it than not. He could have waited until after the election. However, it’s clearly a calculated move in that he felt confident that this won’t hurt his chances at getting re-elected, and that’s why he did it.” Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below! Related Artists The Wanted
‘Vampire Diaries’ star tells MTV News, ‘I’m glad that he’s supporting gay marriage, and hopefully others will follow suit.’ By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Audrey Kim The Wanted Photo: Getty Images In the days since President Obama spoke up in support of same-sex marriage , celebrities have applauded the leader of the free world for his stance on the issue. Since the president’s interview with ABC News on Wednesday, many celebs ranging from Neil Patrick Harris to George Clooney have made it clear that they are pro-Obama. And, it seems, Obama’s message is spreading internationally, as famous people around the world are also giving him props. “I didn’t see the announcement when he made it, but I’ve heard obviously a lot about it, and I think it’s great that that man, the President of the United States, who is influential, who people really admire and listen to, is making such a statement, such a sort of controversial statement,” “Vampire Diaries” star Nina Dobrev shared at the launch of the “Like Her, Like Me” Seventeen magazine campaign where she debuted her “got milk?” ad. The Canadian native added, “I don’t think [it] should be controversial at this point because we’re living in the 21st Century, but I’m glad that he’s supporting gay marriage, and hopefully others will follow suit.” Much like Dobrev, British boy banders the Wanted are also giving two thumbs up to Obama. “I think it was a logical step, about time,” Jay McGuiness said. “I wish it was church-led in my opinion, but I don’t care, it’s out there now. Well done, Obama and Co! Even if it was for the right or wrong reasons, it’s definitely the right outcome.” McGuiness is referring to some criticism that the president made the announcement hot on the heels of his re-election campaign, after years of not taking a firm stance on the issue. At a press conference for “America’s Got Talent” on Thursday, judge Howard Stern noted that he wishes more will come from Obama’s declaration. “My feelings are very clear on this,” he said. “I wish the president actually had gone further. I wish he had said he was going to back some legislation on the national level.” Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton mirrored Stern’s sentiments when he spoke to MTV News the same day. “It was definitely happy news, but I almost don’t want to applaud him too much, because I wish he would have done this a long time ago,” Hilton said. “Having said that, it’s better that he did it than not. He could have waited until after the election. However, it’s clearly a calculated move in that he felt confident that this won’t hurt his chances at getting re-elected, and that’s why he did it.” Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below! Related Artists The Wanted
Full video premieres Monday on mtvU and Tuesday on MTV Clubland. By Akshay Bhansali Wolfgang Gartner’s “Redline” Photo: Ultra Records ” ‘Redline,’ to me is the ultimate anthem,” electronic dance music producer Wolfgang Gartner told MTV News recently. “It’s all built around this really simple yet catchy melody, but it’s got all the turbo-fueled drops and peaks that are necessary to make a club smash.” With his latest single, the L.A.-based house producer certainly adds another smash to his catalog, which includes hit collabos with Ti
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