Tag Archives: business

Grammys Pit Nicki Minaj Vs. Skrillex For Best New Artist

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Bon Iver, J. Cole and the Band Perry also in the mix for coveted statue come Sunday. By Gil Kaufman Nicki Minaj Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images Whoever ends up staying in their seat when the Best New Artist trophy is handed out at Sunday’s Grammys shouldn’t feel so bad: They’re in pretty good company. Recent years have seen such multiplatinum stars as Justin Bieber , Drake , Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift come out on the short end in the category. Then again, there’s a distinct possibility this year’s winner could make history by becoming the first dubstep act ( Skrillex ) to take the prize, the first true indie rocker ( Bon Iver ) to snatch it or just the second female MC ( Nicki Minaj ) bestowed with the honor. This could also be the year when the music industry fully embraces the fact that just putting a traditional album out is not the surest (or only) path to Grammy glory. Among those in the mix are acts like J. Cole and Minaj, who’ve slowly built up careers by mining the mixtape path to glory and Skrillex, who went from indie punk rock to the top of the glow-stick-waving heap by perfecting a stomach-rumbling mix of dance music, techno beats and rock energy through a series of EPs and singles in front of ever-expanding, sweaty live crowds. Bon Iver (the nom de rock of sensitive singer Justin Vernon) brings his own unique path to the mix. On two acclaimed independently released albums of sensitive, wistful forest folk, Vernon has provided an antidote of sorts to Minaj’s hyper, in-your-face rhymes with music that washes over you instead of hitting you over the head. But his commercial prospects have not dimmed at all due to his chosen path, as Bon Iver tunes have shown up in Miller Genuine Draft ads and have landed him on Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album and, reportedly, in the studio with Alicia Keys. With just her debut album, Pink Friday, to her credit, Minaj has gone from mixtape queen to pop/rap icon in just four years, culminating with her Super Bowl halftime appearance on Sunday alongside Madonna. Along the way, the Queens native has made spotlight-stealing cameos on songs by Kanye, Mariah Carey, Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Drake. Like Minaj, Cole slowly bubbled up on the mixtape circuit to a deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, dropping a number of impressive guest verses along the way for Jigga, Wale, B.o.B and Young Chris. By the time his major-label debut, Cole World: The Sideline Story, dropped in May, he was already being touted as one of the hottest young stars in the business. Though they’ve been playing together since 2005, country trio the Band Perry didn’t release their first full-length album until October. They’ve since recorded with Bieber for his Under the Mistletoe album, scored three American Music Awards nominations as well as a trio of hit singles. Who is your pick to win the Best New Artist Grammy? Let us know in comments below! MTV News is all over the Grammys ! Stick with us from now through Sunday’s show as we bring you everything you need to know. Related Photos 2012 Grammy Performers 2012 Grammy Nominees

See the rest here:
Grammys Pit Nicki Minaj Vs. Skrillex For Best New Artist

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madonna’s Super Bowl Performance: A Cheat Sheet

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

MTV News has gathered up everything you need to know before Madonna takes the stage on Sunday during the Super Bowl. By Jocelyn Vena Madonna Photo: PictureGroup/ Evan Agostini From the moment that it was announced back in December that Madonna would be taking the stage during the Super Bowl halftime show , everyone has been buzzing about what the Queen of Pop will do when she performs. In the two months since the announcement, she has been teasing fans about what they will see for those several minutes when she interrupts the matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. Madonna recently told Anderson Cooper on his talk show that “I have to put on the greatest show on earth, in the middle of the greatest show on earth. I have eight minutes to set it up and seven minutes to take it down and 12 minutes to put on the greatest show on earth. That’s a lot of pressure.” Wondering what might happen? Well, MTV News has compiled a little Super Bowl halftime cheat sheet. The Guests M.I.A. confirmed that she’ll be on the stage alongside Madonna, and Nicki Minaj tweeted on Thursday night about being in Indianapolis with Madonna rehearsing for the show. “Omfg. Madonna’s show is about to murdaaaa everything movinggg. Wow. Such a surreal moment.” There are also rumors that Cee Lo Green may appear during her set, as well as party rockers LMFAO . The whole show will also get an assist from Cirque du Soleil and Madonna’s longtime choreographer and creative director Jamie King. The Look If Madonna’s “Give Me All Your Luvin’ ” video is any indication, the gig will certainly have a cheerleader vibe to it. When MTV News caught up with her at her “W.E.” premiere she coyly teased that “pom poms” would play heavily into the theme of the show. In an interview with ABC News, she shared one idea she had for the performance: “I actually wanted to have 100 drummers come from the ceiling, a drumline from the ceiling.” The Songs There’ll be something old and something new. “I promise I will be singing three old songs and one new one,” Madonna said at a press conference. With M.I.A. and Nicki already on the ground, it seems that she’ll definitely be performing “Give Me” (the lead single off her March album, MDNA ). With rumors flying about what those other songs could be, the word is that she’ll also perform “Vogue,” “Music” and “Ray of Light.” The Stage In photos teased online, the halftime stage is full of LED lights in various shades of blue, green, pink, purple and red and includes various designs including the word “Vogue” (yep, like the song), kooky-looking eyes and a heart-shaped design. Who Will Be Watching? Besides like seven-bajillion people? Well, the Pussycat Dolls say that despite a heated matchup between the Giants and the Patriots, there’s only one team they’ll be rooting for. “I definitely say Madonna,” PCD creator Robin Antin told MTV News. “We’ll be watching for the [Go Daddy] commercial … and Madonna. It’s exciting. Well, hopefully the Pussycat Dolls will be on the next Super Bowl performing, you know?” Lady Gaga has already admitted that she’ll be tuning in on Sunday night. “Looking forward to seeing the Superbowl! The halftime show will be wonderful, I’m sure,” she tweeted on Tuesday. “An excuse to drink beer+watch boys in tights. #yes.” What songs do you want Madonna to perform during the halftime show? Leave your comment below. Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Madonna Related Photos Super Bowl Halftime Performances: A Legacy Of Rock Related Artists Madonna

Continued here:
Madonna’s Super Bowl Performance: A Cheat Sheet

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Super Bowl 46: Timbaland Picks Patriots For Win

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Hitmaker produced a song dedicated to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski ahead of tonight’s Big Game against Big Blue. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Ricky Louis Timbaland Photo: Jason Campbell/MTV The biggest sporting event of the year is just a few hours away, and in the moments leading up to Super Bowl XLVI , everyone seems to be picking a side. Multiplatinum producer Timbaland , who’s looking for the New England Patriots to defeat the New York Giants on Sunday night (February 5), decided to make a song about it. “I just did it almost to be playing around, just to do it,” Timbaland told MTV News on Friday from his home in Miami. “It turned out bigger than what I thought.” The song, which is dedicated to Patriots tight end Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski was uploaded to YouTube last week with the football star’s name as its title. The track was produced by Virginia native Tim and Wizz Dumb, but it’s newcomer Brasco who rhymes on the energetic tune. “They’re yelling, ‘Touchdown, touchdown, 87, 87,” he raps, referring to Gronk’s number. Gronkowski has 90 catches and 17 touchdowns this season but after suffering a high-ankle sprain, #87 is listed as questionable and may not play in the Super Bowl, though multiple sources tell ESPN that Gronkowski is doing better and is expected to play. Whether or not Gronk plays, Timbaland is rooting for New England. “I’ve always been a Tom Brady fan,” he said of the Pats’ quarterback and biggest star. “I’ve always liked the Patriots, how they move, how the coach coaches, how the players — you don’t hear too much about their business in the media.” The last time these two teams faced off for the championship was in 2008’s Super Bowl XLII, and the Giants came out on top. So for New England and their faithful following, Sunday’s big game is a chance at redemption. “It’s like a fight. You get one up, the Giants got one up so, of course, the Patriots gotta win,” Timbaland said. “If the Patriots win, it’ll be a tie. … Hopefully, they’ll win. I think they’re ready.” Who are you rooting for in Super Bowl XLVI? Tell us on our Facebook page! Related Photos Super Bowl Halftime Performances: A Legacy Of Rock Related Artists Timbaland

Read the original post:
Super Bowl 46: Timbaland Picks Patriots For Win

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

All-American Rejects Go All Out For ‘Beekeeper’s Daughter’ Video

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Just-released clip has warring hipsters, a mariachi band … and Wayne Newton. By James Montgomery All-American Rejects’ Tyson Ritter in the “Beekeeper’s Daughter” music video It’s been a while — like, almost three years — since the All-American Rejects have made a music video, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that, when they got the go-ahead to shoot a clip for “Beekeeper’s Daughter” (the first single from their upcoming Kids in the Street album), they decided to go all out. “This was the first video where, when we got [the treatment], everyone said ‘yes’ and I said ‘yes … but could we please have some of this?’ And I proceeded to sort of expel every fantastic idea I could think of,” frontman Tyson Ritter explained. “From, like, a hipster fight — beards versus mustaches, a lot of plaid, had to be like ‘West Side Story’ — to some she-devils. Everything we could ever sort of think of for a video that was impractical is in this one. “And the whole thing is floating on a through-line of a man walking through his day, experiencing every random encounter from every random walk of life,” he continued. “And at the very end, there’s a big parade with Wayne Newton.” And Ritter’s not exaggerating either. Because the “Beekeeper’s” video — which premiered Friday (February 3) — is most certainly jam-packed with every one of his notions and then some. It’s a big, buzzy clip, brimming with dancing she-devils, cheerleaders, cops, ticker tape, a mariachi band and Mr. Newton (to name just a few). And while everything in the video elicits a thrill, it’s Newton’s cameo that takes the cake. “Yeah, I think [Tyson’s] email ended with, ‘Oh, and Wayne Newton.’ And I thought that was to sum up that this video needs to have all kinds of outrageousness,” guitarist Nick Wheeler laughed. “But two days before, we got this phone call: ‘Hey, Wayne Newton’s going to be in the video.’ I have his business card in my wallet.” Speaking of business, now that the “Beekeeper’s Daughter” video has been released, there remains one rather sweet sponsorship deal AAR are very interested in securing — one that’s a lot tougher to land than you’d imagine. “This song was dubbed ‘Beekeeper’s Daughter’ because that was the brand of honey that we had in the cabin in the Sequoia Grove National Forest when we first wrote it,” Wheeler said. “It’s really just our desperate attempt at a honey sponsorship.” “And those are not easy to get,” Ritter laughed. “We still haven’t gotten any of that honey.” What do you think of the “Beekeeper’s Daughter” video? Share your reviews in the comments! Related Artists The All-American Rejects

Read more here:
All-American Rejects Go All Out For ‘Beekeeper’s Daughter’ Video

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

FACT OF THE DAY: Common Was A Bookworm At FAMU

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Go here to see the original:

Long before battling rappers on wax and cowboys on the screen, Common aka Lonnie Lynn Jr. was attending Florida A&M University on scholarship majoring in Business Administration. Where Presidents Play and Writers Find Their Muse The rapper formerly known as Sense had a strict three-hour-a-day studying regimen, but his mind was still on rapping. In his book One Day It’ll All Make Sense , he wrote that he recorded “A Penny For My Thoughts” while in school by listening to beats that producer NO ID would leave on his outgoing answering machine message. “I’d call in and compose my raps like that.” How did it come out? Take a listen to “Penny For My Thoughts” from Common’s debut Can I Borrow A Dollar? RELATED POSTS: Top 10 Common Songs No ID Turned Down Biggie Out Of Loyalty To Common Why 2011 Is The Best Year Of Common’s Career [VIDEO]

FACT OF THE DAY: Common Was A Bookworm At FAMU

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Hollywood, Hot Stuff, News

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oscar-Nominated Director of Gasland Arrested While Attempting to Film House Hearing on Fracking

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Josh Fox, whose Oscar-nominated 2010 documentary Gasland investigated communities affected by natural gas drilling, was arrested today while attempting to film a public House hearing on hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” according to Politico (via Indiewire ). “This is a public hearing,” Fox said as he was being handcuffed. “I’m within my First Amendment rights, and I’m being taken out.” Fox is working on a sequel to Gasland , and the hearing was being held to explore the EPA’s investigation of fracking contamination in Wyoming . Fox was asked to leave by security and when he refused was charged with unlawful entry. The hearing proceeded, with subcommittee chairman Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) noting that filming and photography by noncredentialed press was not allowed by rule. (Watch Harris’ remarks, and the entire hearing, via pre-recorded webcast here .) “That’s why we have rules that control who is recording…” he added, “just so we clear the air on that.” Before he continued, Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC) motioned for an exception. “I think all those rules are to control access where there’s limited access, but it is very clear that we have space in this room for either of them to film this hearing. If you claim that that rule does not allow them to film, or more accurately allows you the discretion to turn them away, I move that the rules be suspended to the end so the fella who wanted to film for HBO be allowed to film this hearing and that ABC News be allowed to film this hearing and all God’s children be allowed to film this hearing until the room is too full to conduct our business.” Miller’s motion went to voting, with members voting 7-6 in favor of a motion to table his motion , and that was that – a riveting mini-drama in its own right. Below, Huffington Post -obtained video of Fox’s arrest. [Screenshot and video via Huffington Post ]

See the original post here:
Oscar-Nominated Director of Gasland Arrested While Attempting to Film House Hearing on Fracking

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Hot Stuff, News

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber Share A Dating ‘Philosophy’

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘If you’re in love, you’re in love to the fullest,’ singer/actress tells Cosmopolitan. By Jocelyn Vena Photo: Cosmopolitan Selena Gomez turns the big 2-0 later this year, and she seems to be leaving her tween image behind. The 19-year-old is the latest teen star to appear on the cover of Cosmopolitan, following last month’s issue of the women’s magazine, featuring 17-year-old Dakota Fanning. For her first cover for the magazine, Gomez dons a low-cut, floral-print dress as she looks rather seductively into the camera. She’s sitting with her one leg perched in front of her body, displaying a saucier side of herself than fans might be used to seeing. Inside the issue, she’s talking all about love, opening up about her longtime boyfriend, Justin Bieber. “I’m just like every 19-year-old girl,” she said. “If you’re in love, you’re in love to the fullest, and you just want to go to the movies, hang out, and be as normal as possible. I’m fortunate that I’ve found someone who has that philosophy.” In another Cosmo quote floating around online, Gomez dishes on a past boyfriend (Taylor Lautner? Nick Jonas?) who didn’t make things as easy on her. “I was in a relationship previously where I had to hide everything and it wasn’t my choice. I had to go through different exits and take separate cars and do the craziest things, and it just really wasn’t worth it,” she explained. “It was like a year of my life completely wasted.” The more mature magazine cover comes as Gomez prepares for the next phase of her career . In the coming weeks, she’ll hit the set for her next film, the more adult-themed “Spring Breakers,” which follows a group of college girls who rob a restaurant to pay for their spring break. When they land in jail, a drug and arms dealer bails them out, and they quickly become entangled with him and his business. “It’s a different character than I have ever played before,” she told MTV News about the film, which will be directed by “Kids” mastermind Harmony Korine. “It’s a different kind of vibe I think than people are used to seeing me in. What you’re going to see is more raw, I think. It’s going to be raw and more about acting.” What do you think about Selena’s grown-up image? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Selena Gomez: 2011 In Review Related Photos The Evolution Of Selena Gomez Related Artists Justin Bieber Selena Gomez

Read more from the original source:
Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber Share A Dating ‘Philosophy’

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges at "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

http://www.youtube.com/v/sTy5C3Jl3h0?version=3&f=user_uploads&app=youtube_gdata

Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges greeted fans as they left their Broadway show “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City. Fans sure do love their Nick Jonas! “Like” us on Facebook @ facebook.com

View post:

Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges at "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Hot Stuff, News, TV, V, Videos

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Robert Pattinson ‘A Really Cool Guy,’ Reese Witherspoon Says

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Don’t miss ‘MTV First: This Means War’ at 7:56 p.m. ET Tuesday on MTV, followed by an in-depth chat on MTV.com. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Reese Witherspoon Photo: MTV News In addition to her successes as an actress and her respectable reputation, Reese Witherspoon is the envy of millions of Twilighters after working alongside superstar heartthrob Robert Pattinson in not one, but two films — not to mention the fact that she’s kissed him too . When MTV News caught up with Witherspoon recently as part of “MTV First: This Means War,” we asked her the first thing that comes to mind when she thinks of her “Water for Elephants” and “Vanity Fair” co-star. “I would say [he is] the hardest-working person I’ve ever worked with, honestly,” she said. “[He’s] professional, hard-working, so appreciative, more grateful than I’ve ever seen anyone for where he is in life.” Pattinson dished details on how he prepped for his shirtless scene! Kristen Stewart got super embarrassed when looking back at her first MTV interview! Take a look back at the classic “MTV First: Breaking Dawn.” Given the fact that Witherspoon has been in the business for decades and experienced every facet of being famous, we asked her to weigh in on the current fan frenzy that surrounds Pattinson wherever he goes and how it may or may not affect a person. “I’ve never experienced what he has — going to premieres and there’s just millions of people waiting for him to touch them,” she said. “I think it must be strange, but I don’t even know how to process what he deals with and Kristen [Stewart] deals with. I don’t know.” Justin Bieber revealed the secrets behind his “Mistletoe” music video and why his fans are perfect just the way they are in “MTV First: Justin Bieber.” The Oscar-winning actress said Pattinson handles his fame very well, despite the sometimes-chaotic circumstances. “[He’s]a really cool guy,” she said. Don’t miss our exclusive sit-down with Witherspoon during Tuesday’s “MTV First: Reese Witherspoon.” Tune in to MTV at 7:56 p.m. ET, when the actress will premiere a previously unseen clip from her upcoming film “This Means War,” followed by an in-depth interview on MTV.com. Before ” MTV First: This Means War ” hits MTV on Tuesday at 7:56 p.m. ET, check out Reese’s first-ever, totally adorable MTV interview , when she opened up in 1991 at the age of 14 about what drew her to Hollywood. And make sure to stick with Reese’s chat when it moves to MTV.com after an exclusive “This Means War” clip premieres Tuesday on MTV! Related Photos ‘Water For Elephants’

Read the original here:
Robert Pattinson ‘A Really Cool Guy,’ Reese Witherspoon Says

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

[VIDEO] Rocsi’s Awkward Moment with NY Giant’s Victor Cruz

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Follow this link:

Rocsi learned the hard way that it is important to do a little research before interviewing guests.  During a live interview, Rocsi asked NY Giants Wide Receiver, Victor Cruz if his father would be present to watch him play in the Super Bowl, only problem is, Victor’s dad has been dead for 5 years… In her defense, it was probably an honest mistake. Being in this business, I know how fast things can move. Sometimes we get thrown into situations and make assumptions that we shouldn’t. I give VC props for being so polite when he responded to her question. Rocsi also had a good comeback when she said “He’ll be with you in spirit…” Check out the video:

[VIDEO] Rocsi’s Awkward Moment with NY Giant’s Victor Cruz

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Hollywood, Hot Stuff, News

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,