BK’s finest reveals he’ll celebrate NBA team’s September 2012 move with ‘a couple of concerts.’ By Rob Markman Jay-Z Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images Hello Brooklyn! Jay-Z plans to return home to Brooklyn, New York, after the brand-new Barclays Center arena opens in September 2012 and perform a strong of concerts to celebrate. The Daily News is reporting that Hov will perform eight shows next fall at Barclays. The rapper appeared live from the arena’s construction site for an interview with local Fox 5’s “Good Day New York” on Monday (September 26) to talk about the performances. He also formally announced that the New Jersey Nets will officially be known as the Brooklyn Nets when the NBA team moves into the arena next year. “It’s great,” Hov said of the move to BK. “I have a reason to come to Brooklyn often, which is fantastic for me because this is my foundation.” Jay started out as an underground rapper in the borough’s Marcy Projects back in the 1980s and once lived in the area’s 560 State Street. Hov, of course, went from rap star to music mogul to fashion designer to minority owner of the NBA Nets. So when Jay and Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov bring the team to Brooklyn, who better to christen Barclays than Hov himself? “I’m going to open the building with a concert — or a couple of concerts, actually,” he said, without actually confirming the number of shows. It’s going to be more than about basketball; it’s an entertainment arena.” The “Empire State of Mind” performer also noted that the new sports and entertainment complex has already created jobs and will continue to create jobs once it is opened. Fox News reporter Rosanna Scotto pressed on, changed the subject and asked the father-to-be the sex of his and Beyonc
‘Johnny Depp has always been a massive inspiration for me,’ ‘Breaking Dawn’ actor tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Jamie Campbell Bower Photo: MTV News Jamie Campbell Bower has already been swept up in the frenzy of two of Hollywood’s biggest franchises ever, “Twilight” and “Harry Potter.” At 22, he’s settled for nothing less than A-list flicks, including “Sweeney Todd,” “RocknRolla” and playing King Arthur in the miniseries “Camelot.” Thanks to his gypsy style and diverse r
Critics can’t get away from Jacob/’Twilight’ comparisons as Taylor Lautner bids for action-hero status in John Singleton flick. By Jocelyn Vena Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins in “Abduction” Photo: Lionsgate For much of his career, Taylor Lautner has either been a karate-kicking spy kid or a heartbroken werewolf hopelessly in love with his mortal enemy’s girl. But on Friday (September 23), the teen star launched the next phase of his career in the John Singleton-directed “Abduction.” The film centers on a young man (Lautner) who realizes that his life isn’t exactly what it seems. His character sets out to learn who he really is after finding his baby picture posted on a missing-persons website. In addition to Lautner (in his first lead role), the movie also stars Lily Collins as his love interest and a number of A-listers, including Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Maria Bello and Alfred Molina. Before you head to the theater this weekend, check out this handy “Abduction” cheat sheet and read on for what the critics are saying about Lautner’s giant leap from teen werewolf to action hero. Taylor Lautner the Action Hero “Even playing the hunted, jacked-up, dude-on-the-run hero of a ‘realistic’ action film, Taylor Lautner still looks like the world’s sexiest werewolf in ‘Abduction.’ There’s a stylized quality to his features — not just the lupine snub nose, but the daggerish Son of Spock eyebrows that lend him a squint of intensity even when not very much is going on. That face gives Lautner one advantage as an actor: He’s a great camera subject, like the young Matt Damon crossed with Tom Cruise.” — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly The Inevitable Jacob Comparisons “Lautner’s sensitive young stud in ‘Abduction’ isn’t far removed from the pining werewolf he plays in the ‘Twilight’ movies. They both have anger issues, yes, but they also can be achingly sweet and vulnerable and protective — and shirtless, when appropriate.” — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times The Final Word “In the end, it all feels like much ado about not much. The film lets Lautner down more than the other way around and he essentially holds his own surrounded by the sturdy likes of Weaver, Molina, Isaacs and Bello. Collins, who made her big-screen debut in ‘The Blind Side’ last year and has the title role in the forthcoming ‘Snow White,’ has a promising, offbeat appeal.” — Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter Check out everything we’ve got on “Abduction.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV First: Taylor Lautner Related Photos Taylor Lautner At ‘Abduction’ Premiere
Movieline can’t help but root for 50 Cent and his acting career, football cancer movies and all. In an exclusive behind the scenes clip from his upcoming DVD release Set Up — a diamond heist thriller co-starring Bruce Willis and Ryan Phillippe — the rapper-thespian opens up and gets personal talking about the impact he hope his latest acting endeavor makes on his career and dating life.
Singer tells MTV News her new album is about her growth as a person and an artist. By Jocelyn Vena Demi Lovato Photo: MTV News Demi Lovato proudly declares herself Unbroken on her just-released album, saying the record, especially lead single “Skyscraper,” is reflective of her need to be “honest about my journey” since leaving treatment earlier this year and heading back into the spotlight. Since Lovato announced the album’s release, the headlines have certainly shifted from the personal back to the professional as she launches this next major step in her career. The album is a mix of empowering ballads and flirty party tracks, a combination Lovato hopes will help her ease into that next phase. “I think it’s grown-up, but it’s not too grown-up,” Lovato told MTV News. “It’s not tasteless. It’s growing up with my fans. It’s [like] I’m not a kid anymore, but I’m also not a full-grown woman either. So I’m in that in-between stage, trying to figure out where that is. So I’m figuring it out, just like my fans are.” In the past, Lovato’s music touched more on rock than R&B. Thanks to production and writing credits from A-listers like Timbaland, Missy Elliott , Rock Mafia, Ryan Tedder and Toby Gad, Lovato is trying out a much more pop&B flavor that plays up her big voice, a shift she’s excited for her fans to hear. “This album is definitely more pop,” she said. “It’s definitely more R&B. It’s not so pop/rock anymore. I grew up listening to R&B, [and] I guess my rock thing was kind of like a phase.” This change in genre isn’t the end for Lovato’s evolution as an artist by any means. “I like to experiment with my music,” she said. “Someday, I joke around, but I’m actually pretty serious about coming out with a country album. I want to do everything. I love music and I love all types of music, and I love where this album went.” What do you think about Demi’s new album? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato
Philly MC will talk his post-Roc career and State Property reunion at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com. By Rob Markman Freeway Photo: Gregg Delman After celebrating the one-year anniversary of “RapFix Live” in grand fashion, MTV News’ live hip-hop show returns for year two with Freeway on Wednesday. Last week, Lloyd Banks, Maino, Diplomats capo Jim Jones, Consequence, the Outlawz, Reek Da Villian, Superstar Jay and DJ Love Dinero all crashed the couch and toasted to “RapFix Live” and the year that was. Now, Philadelphia MC Freeway will set off year two. In 2003, Free dropped his debut album on Roc-A-Fella Records and, in the label’s heyday, stood as one of the Roc’s most loyal soldiers. Through his career, Philly Freezer has earned a rep as one of the game’s most-skilled spitters, going head-to-head with rappers like Cassidy and Jaz-O. Post-Roc-A-Fella, the State Property MC carried on, releasing his sophomore album, Free At Last (though the record technically came out on the Roc, Jay-Z and Damon Dash had long disbanded), as well as a number of critically acclaimed independent projects like The Stimulus Package with producer Jake One. While a Roc reunion is highly unlikely, Freeway and his State Property brothers came together for a concert this past July and are now planning a comeback project. “When we got together, we had our meeting, our initial conversation about doing what we thought was necessary for us and for music, for everybody’s careers as State Property the group and solo careers,” Beanie Sigel said when he appeared on “RapFix Live” in July. Tweet questions for Freeway @MTVNews with the hashtag #RapFixLive . Catch Freeway on “RapFix Live” on Wednesday, September 21, at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com! Related Artists Freeway
‘ Pilot Talk 1 and 2 are like the Reasonable Doubt s of this time,’ producer tells Mixtape Daily. By Rob Markman Ski Beatz Photo: MTV News Behind the Beats: Ski Beatz Ski Beatz knows talent when he sees it. Early in his career, the platinum producer from North Carolina also doubled as an MC in the 1990s group Original Flavor, but after meeting a young, fast-rapping Jay-Z, he decided to put down the mic and pick up producing full time. He hasn’t looked back, crafting fan-favorite tracks for the likes of Hov, Camp Lo, Talib Kweli, Lil Kim and Curren$y . These days, it’s the New Orleans spitta who has him most excited. “I feel like the albums I did with Curren$y — Pilot Talk 1 and 2 — are like the Reasonable Doubt s of this time,” Ski told Mixtape Daily . Comparing Curren$y to Jay might seem like a stretch, but having produced four tracks on Jigga’s classic debut, Ski has enough experience with both artists to draw the educated parallel. “The music that I chose and gave Curren$y is timeless music; it’s gonna be around,” Ski explained. “Older people listen to Curren$y because the beats — it kinda takes them back. But younger cats listen to it because of the lyrical content and the flows; because they are able to relate to what Curren$y is talking about. “That’s how it was with Jay: The music that we chose was kinda older-sounding music, but the lyrics was now.” For Ski, meeting Jay was life-changing. It was Brooklyn’s DJ Clark Kent who introduced the two when he brought Jay to an Original Flavor video shoot. Dame Dash, who managed Ski and Original Flavor at the time, also was impressed by the up-and-coming Jigga. Together with Kareem “Biggs” Burke, Dame and Jay would go on to start Roc-A-Fella Records. Ski just wanted to make their beats. “Jay rhymed, and at the moment when I heard him rhyme, I was like, ‘This dude gotta get on one of our songs,’ ” Ski remembered. “He was dope! He was the best rapper I’ve ever heard in my life. “He got on [Original Flavor’s] ‘Can I Get Open,’ and after that, me, personally, I decided to stop rapping and just start producing him solely.” Ski eventually would move on from working with Roc-A-Fella. According to the producer, he wanted to build his own Roc-A-Blok production company. Ski would build his discography with Camp Lo, Sporty Thievz and Pittsburgh Slim. He has recently hooked up with Dame Dash again, and put out his 24 Hour Karate School compilation in 2010 and its sequel, 24 Hour Karate School Part 2, in August. The new volume features Freddie Gibbs, L.E.P. Bogus Boys and Maybach Music Group signee Stalley. The previous album boasted features from Jay Electronica, the Cool Kids, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y and Smoke Dza. While nothing can top working with Jay-Z, for Ski, these days it’s about discovering what’s new. “I love being able to still be relevant and being able to work with these cats: the Wiz Khalifas, the Smoke Dzas, the Dom Kennedys,” he said. For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Artists Curren$y Ski Beatz
You most likely know Aaron Alexander as Aaron Reid, LA Reid and Pebbles son. He made his television debut on MTV’s Super Sweet 16 with a lavish, over-the-top celebration with a surprise performance by Kanye West. Since then, Aaron has been in and out of the media’s watchful eye with three noteworthy incidents: semi-nude photo leaks, an alleged sextape and most recently his debut onto the music scene. L.A. Reid’s Son Aaron Alexander Has A Music Video?? Aaron insist that his first single “Crazy Luv” was a tester, to grab our attention. After hearing more tracks from the rising star I assure you that he really does have talent! He is straying away from the current mainstream R&B like “Say Ah” by Trey Songz. He rather sing Miguel’s “Sure Thing,” joining in on the “Rock & B” wave. Aaron has nothing but good to say about his father and understands that in order to be respected in this industry, he shouldn’t be involved in his career at all! As for taking over his dad’s throne in the future, Aaron plans on having his own by then! Celebrity Kids That Do It Big! By the way, call him Aaron Alexander! Aaron addresses all of these issues in our candid sit down, watch below:
We review Blink’s long-awaited, decidedly dark comeback album, in Bigger Than the Sound. By James Montgomery Blink-182 Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images Sometime around 2003, Blink-182 decided it was time to tack their dirty joke doctorates to the wall (presumably in their respective offices, which is where everyone’s degree eventually ends up) and press on as a more serious-minded outfit. The reasons behind that decision were many — the new perspective that comes with fatherhood, a decade spent on the road, recording with Robert Smith — though, truth be told, their somber new suits never seemed to fit, mostly because, at that point, they were best known for putting porn stars in their videos and giving their albums titles like Take off Your Pants and Jacket and Enema of the State . Of course, in the eight years since their last album, a whole lot has changed. Blink-182 splintered in 2005 , subsequently sparred in the press , attempted to conquer the world with non -Blink projects , endured the deaths of longtime producer Jerry Finn and close friend Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein , and in late 2008, drummer Travis Barker was seriously injured in a plane crash that killed four, including two of his associates. Needless to say, they’ve earned the right to be serious. And on their long-awaited Neighborhoods album (due September 27), they take full advantage, cramming the past 96 months of doubt, darkness and death into just 49 minutes — that’s the running time of the deluxe edition — and doing so quite convincingly. For the first time in their career, Blink seem comfortable in those somber suits. Sadly, it’s because they’ve worn them to so many funerals. Lyrically, Neighborhoods is the bleakest thing Blink have ever done, haunted by specters both real — depression, addiction, loss — and imagined. Death is a near constant, showing up in songs like the thundering “Natives” (“Maybe I’m better off dead”), the crunching “After Midnight” (“Standing close to death”), and the snarling “Hearts All Gone” (“Let’s drink ourselves to death”). Shoot, even first single “Up All Night” is highlighted by a corker of a chorus: “All these demons/they keep me up at night.” There’s a reason the first song on the album is called “Ghost on the Dancefloor”: Neighborhoods feels less like a rock record than it does an exorcism. Sonically, it’s practically nocturnal, melding the electronic flourishes of Mark Hoppus and Barker’s +44 project and the laser-light grandeur of Tom DeLonge’s Angels & Airwaves into a sound that recalls nothing so much as dark streets and black expanses, mostly of the suburban variety (the field behind the 7-Eleven, the cul-de-sac illuminated by the single streetlight, etc.). Even the chords — and there are a lot of them — are dark, as if DeLonge has dipped his Epiphone in ink. Hoppus’ bass booms ominously and Barker’s backbeats are skittering, scraping and downright scary in parts. That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. Blink still know how to write a walloping chorus, and, much like the chords, there are a lot of them on Neighborhoods. In most instances, they provide brief respites from the general bleakness: “Wishing Well” has DeLonge going “la-da-da-da-da,” the hook to “Love Is Dangerous” is practically buoyant, and, of course, there’s the aforementioned “Up All Night,” which booms and crunches like the Blink of old. And speaking of the old Blink, well, they’re largely gone here (the synthy, star-smattered opening of “Ghost on the Dancefloor” serves notice of that fact). But given everything that went into Neighborhoods lengthy gestation — it’s the rare album that took so long to come out that it actually contains a song, “Kaleidoscope,” about how long it took to come out — you can certainly understand that transformation. Blink have grown up, mostly because life forced them to, and willing or not, that maturity fits. Neighborhoods is a deep, dark, downright auto-biographical effort, and when Hoppus sings “Hold on, the worst is yet to come” (on the bopping “MH 4.18.2011”), you don’t really believe him. The worst is over. It’s all good from here on out. Related Artists blink-182
Elizabeth Olsen often says that she wanted her career path of be different from that of her older sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen . And with her new movie Martha Marcy May Marlene , boy is she getting her wish. In the film, Elizabeth plays a young woman recently escaped from a cult whose leader, played by John Hawkes , sought to control her body as well as her mind. Elizabeth has several nude scenes in the film, but the most bizarre is undoubtedly when her slender naked self is “offered up” to a guy as part of a kinky church ceremony. Though she had never been nude on screen before, Elizabeth says she “didn’t flinch” at doing the scene, because, well, she really wanted to creep us out: “The movie wouldn’t have been as disturbing without it,” she explain s to GQ. “Taking away someone’s sexuality, making it something you don’t even own anymore–that’s the scariest thing.” How The West Was Fun this ain’t. Martha Marcy May Marlene opens in limited release on October 21. For all the latest nudes on Elizabeth Olsen, stay tuned right here at the Mr. Skin blog!
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