Tag Archives: Career

‘American Idol’ Exec Says ‘Legend’ Steven Tyler Will Be Good TV

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘You never know what he’s going to say. That, as a TV producer, you’re interested in,’ Nigel Lythgoe tells MTV News. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Matt Elias Nigel Lythgoe Photo: MTV News One thing that fans of “American Idol” can count on each season is a level of unpredictability, particularly once the show narrows the contestants down to 20 and the performance rounds and weekly eliminations begin. This season has upped the unpredictability factor in the form of new and potentially wayward, wacky judge Steven Tyler. When MTV News caught up with the reality show’s returning executive producer Nigel Lythgoe , we asked if he was worried about having to censor the Aerosmith frontman. “Oh yes, [I have] every worry about that,” Lythgoe readily admitted about Tyler’s sometimes-potty mouth. “But we’re on a delay, and he’s already done it. And then he forgets that he’s not allowed to say it, so he’ll say, ‘F—! Did I say f—? Oh f—. Sorry mate.’ ” Lythgoe — who also appears as a judge on Fox’s other reality talent show, “So You Think You Can Dance”— has said that a large part of Tyler’s appeal is not being able to predict what he’ll say or do. “He has come through that whole rock and roll circus,” said Lythgoe of Tyler , whom he also hopes will perform on the show, along with judges Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, at some point. “Why wouldn’t you want a legend there? You never know what he’s going to say. That, as a TV producer, you’re interested in.” As for 62-year-old rock icon Tyler , he seemed genuinely excited about the entire process but with one concern as the show prepares for its season 10 kickoff. “The part that’s a little difficult is judging young kids,” he said this week. “It took me a couple minutes to get into the role of that, but I’ve grown accustomed to it and it’s fun and I get to sit next to J.Lo and Randy taking [the] you-know-what out of everybody.” Don’t miss our “American Idol” live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon,” featuring post-show analysis from Jim Cantiello and special guests, on MTV.com tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Tweet your “Idol” commentary with the hashtag #idolwithoutsimon and we could quote you on the show! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos Before Steven Tyler Was An ‘American Idol’ Judge … Related Artists Steven Tyler

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Will Eminem Put Out Another Album Soon?

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘We’re constantly working and we never know what projects the things we’re working on will land,’ producer Alex Da Kid tells MTV News. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Matt Elias Eminem Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Eminem took a five-year break between albums before he released Relapse and Recovery in consecutive years. Now, with two handfuls of Grammy nominations , will the Detroit lyricist be putting out another album anytime soon? According to Alex Da Kid, who produced Em’s “Love the Way You Lie,” the veteran MC is always working, so it’s within the realm of possibility. “We’re constantly working and we never know what projects the things we’re working on will land,” he told MTV News. “But we have great musical chemistry, so he’s someone I pray to work with for the rest of my career, hopefully. “I think he’s in a great position where [he and Dr. Dre] can make music,” he continued. “And whenever they feel like it, they can put it out. There’s not a label telling them what to do, because they’ve been so successful, so it’s really up to him.” Eminem will be plenty busy this year whether he puts out a new project or not. He announced last week two new signings to Shady Records: underground supergroup Slaughterhouse and upstart rapper Yelawolf . Em called the acquisitions the next leg in his company’s evolution, from D12 and Cashis (both still signed to the label) to Yelawolf and his new collective, which features Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9″, Joell Ortiz and Crooked I. “Yelawolf and Slaughterhouse, it’s kinda phase two of Shady,” Eminem explained in a statement. “It’s the new generation of Shady Records, and as we’re trying to rebuild our label, it’s exciting for hip-hop, and with all of these forces coming together and with what everybody’s capable of on the mic, it’s gonna be fun.” Do you want to see a new album from Eminem already? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Eminem’s Amazing Year Eminem And The New Shady Records Family Related Artists Eminem

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Tom Lippolis Responds to JWoww-Roger Williams Hookup on Jersey Shore

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Tom Lippolis, JWoww’s ex-boyfriend and current legal adversary, was not shocked by footage of her hooking up with someone else on Monday’s Jersey Shore . In the most recent episode, she was still dating Tom at the time, but flirted endlessly with trucker (and now-boyfriend) Roger Williams just the same. Lippolis, looking back, says he wasn’t surprised by her behavior. TLipp and JWoww in happier times . “It doesn’t surprise me that she was cheating on me, she has a really bad track record and our relationship was the longest she had ever had,” he said. When JWoww ran into Roger Williams, she was living with Tom, but didn’t act like a relationship was a factor, immediately expressing feelings for him. Tom Lippolis says his then-girlfriend insisted Roger was only a friend. “She told me she had run into Roger but she said he was just a friend and that they were only hanging out because Deena was into his friend,” Tom said. “Everyone told me she was cheating on me,” Lippolis notes, “and that Pauly D wasn’t the only person she was with the first season so now I know.” Tom is now suing JWoww, saying she owes him for managing her career. Meanwhile, the MTV star has filed legal papers hoping to prevent her ex from selling or making JWoww nude photos he has available to the public. Roger has not commented, but from what we know, they’re still an item.

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‘Skins’ Stars’ Parents Are ‘Cool’ With Show’s Racy Material

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘She understands the heart of the show,’ Ron Mustafaa says of his mom’s reaction to the show. By Jocelyn Vena Skins” cast member Camille Cresencia-Mills Photo: MTV News Given all the sex and drugs on “Skins,” which premiered Monday night on MTV, one might think that its young stars would have a lot of explaining to do with their parents. While it all takes place in the fictional realm of the show, one of the show’s actors admits that it has lead to some awkward talks with his mom. “My mom is like really cool, but she’s, like, really Indian,” Ron Mustafaa, who plays Abbud, laughed to MTV News about the show’s racy subject matter. “She’s not really accustomed to a lot of the crazy stuff on American television. She’s really cool with it because she understands the heart of the show … growing up and finding out who you are, but at times I have some weird convos with my mom about filming certain sequences … [but] it’s all tastefully done.” Some “Skins” cast said they watched the U.K. version with their parents, so the show’s themes were nothing new. “For the most part, our parents are really just proud of us,” Sofia Black-D’Elia (Tea) said. “So, maybe we do some crazy things on the show, maybe they’re going to watch us take lots of fake drugs, but at the end of the day, they’re also seeing us work our butts off, and do everything that we really wanted to do with this career. So far, my parents are personally so proud of me.” After seeing British “Skins” stars like Dev Patel and Nicholas Hoult go on to bigger things after the show, is the new cast ready for fame and fortune? “I think it’s one of those things where they had success afterwards because of their talents and because of what they were able to do,” James Newman (Tony) said of the U.K. version’s stars. “I don’t think it has that much to do with us in that we’re trying to play our roles. Whatever happens after that has to do with us. We’re all so excited about this show we’re not really thinking about what’s coming afterwards.” “I was just gonna say were trying to just concentrate on sleeping and getting some rest,” D’Elia added. “I’m proud of all of us after everything we’ve accomplished, and I think the aftermath doesn’t worry us right now. … Right now, more than anything, we’re excited to see the show.” Watch “Skins” on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Skins | Ep. 2 | Sneak Peek Related Photos Skins | NYC Premiere Party

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‘Skins’ Stars’ Parents Are ‘Cool’ With Show’s Racy Material

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘She understands the heart of the show,’ Ron Mustafaa says of his mom’s reaction to the show. By Jocelyn Vena Skins” cast member Camille Cresencia-Mills Photo: MTV News Given all the sex and drugs on “Skins,” which premiered Monday night on MTV, one might think that its young stars would have a lot of explaining to do with their parents. While it all takes place in the fictional realm of the show, one of the show’s actors admits that it has lead to some awkward talks with his mom. “My mom is like really cool, but she’s, like, really Indian,” Ron Mustafaa, who plays Abbud, laughed to MTV News about the show’s racy subject matter. “She’s not really accustomed to a lot of the crazy stuff on American television. She’s really cool with it because she understands the heart of the show … growing up and finding out who you are, but at times I have some weird convos with my mom about filming certain sequences … [but] it’s all tastefully done.” Some “Skins” cast said they watched the U.K. version with their parents, so the show’s themes were nothing new. “For the most part, our parents are really just proud of us,” Sofia Black-D’Elia (Tea) said. “So, maybe we do some crazy things on the show, maybe they’re going to watch us take lots of fake drugs, but at the end of the day, they’re also seeing us work our butts off, and do everything that we really wanted to do with this career. So far, my parents are personally so proud of me.” After seeing British “Skins” stars like Dev Patel and Nicholas Hoult go on to bigger things after the show, is the new cast ready for fame and fortune? “I think it’s one of those things where they had success afterwards because of their talents and because of what they were able to do,” James Newman (Tony) said of the U.K. version’s stars. “I don’t think it has that much to do with us in that we’re trying to play our roles. Whatever happens after that has to do with us. We’re all so excited about this show we’re not really thinking about what’s coming afterwards.” “I was just gonna say were trying to just concentrate on sleeping and getting some rest,” D’Elia added. “I’m proud of all of us after everything we’ve accomplished, and I think the aftermath doesn’t worry us right now. … Right now, more than anything, we’re excited to see the show.” Watch “Skins” on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Skins | Ep. 2 | Sneak Peek Related Photos Skins | NYC Premiere Party

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Martin Luther King’s Legacy Recalled By DJ Khaled, Bun B, Saigon

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘We should take every day and praise what King did for us,’ Khaled says of civil-rights fighter. By By Mawuse Ziegbe, with additional reporting by Hillary Crosley DJ Khaled Photo: Ben Rose/ Getty Images Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s tireless crusade for civil rights is synonymous with the social upheaval and progressive change of the 1960s. He’s since become a global icon and figurehead of a revolutionary movement, and even though he is no longer with us, his game-changing legacy is still strongly felt — especially in the hip-hop community. In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, MTV News reached out to a few rap names who reflected on Dr. King’s lasting impact on today’s stars, both personally and professionally. “Martin Luther King is definitely one of my heroes,” Brooklyn MC Saigon said. “He was a black leader and he took the road and responsibility to step up and do what a lot of us other men didn’t have the courage to do. It took a lot of courage to do what he did at a time when racism was very relevant. As he did lose his life, he knew there was a good chance he would lose his life taking the stand he took. He epitomizes standing for something — he’s the epitome of that.” Saigon, who name-drops MLK in his recently released single “Clap,” added that Dr. King’s efforts continue to inspire him as a rapper and, as he maintained, a de facto role model for today’s youth due to his public profile as a hip-hop artist. “That record is just an uplifting record. It’s trying to carry on what he left off, because he died untimely but he left enough for us to carry the torch,” he explained. “I think that’s what a lot of those leaders did. Rappers are the new leaders, so I think we should come in that same vein and still be about the growth and the development of our people and our community.” UGK O.G. Bun B noted that he may feel closer to Dr. King’s struggle since he’s “probably a couple years older than the average MC.” He maintained that much of America’s race-relations progress is intrinsically linked to the late leader’s fight. “I remember in my generation and the generation before me, the dream being that one day, being a black man, that no doors would be closed to you in this country and in this world. I’ve been around long enough to see that almost every door in this world has actually opened up, all the way up to the most powerful man in the world, the President of the United States,” he said of the country’s first African-American commander in chief, Barack Obama. “There are many achievements that Martin Luther King really would be very happy to see … but at the same time I still think we have ground to cover in this country.” Bun added that Dr. King’s work has also helped to foster an inclusive society, which prompts MCs to create music that anyone can relate to. “We do shows nowadays in not just the inner-city community but in every community, and we see people of every color and all walks of life at our concerts now. That’s due to the fact that we try to make music that invites everybody to be a part of the movement,” he explained. “You don’t have to be black to be ‘trill.’ ” Miami’s DJ Khaled also said that he strives to reflect the harmonious spirit Dr. King’s work engendered — especially in his star-studded posse cuts that can corral everyone from Usher to Plies on one track. “I celebrate [MLK Day] by giving respect and just reminding people [about] the word ‘peace’ and the word ‘love’ and unity ’cause, you know, that’s what I represent,” he said. “I love bringing people together with my records. That’s why you get sometimes these collaborations that you’ve never seen before come together on a Khaled record ’cause they just got ultimate respect for what I do. Martin Luther King is a person that I respect, that we respect, everybody respects.” Khaled added that upholding Dr. King’s legacy shouldn’t be a one-day event, but rather an effort that people should incorporate into their everyday lives. “I think we should take every day and praise and look at what Martin Luther King did for us, for us to be on this Skype right now and kick it, multicultures and just vibe,” he said. “It’s beautiful, so shout-out to MLK, everybody that support Martin Luther King, and R.I.P. to Martin Luther King and respect to Martin Luther King.” Share your thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the comments! Related Artists DJ Khaled Bun B Saigon

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Diplomats Set To Kick Off New Season of ‘RapFix Live’!

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Reunited Harlem collective will take fans’ questions during Thursday’s live stream at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com. By MTV News staff The Diplomats Photo: Donjai Harlem, stand up! The Diplomats are reunited and the Uptown collective — Cam’ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey — are set to bring their revived outfit to 1515 where they’ll be our guests on “RapFix Live.” Dipset will kick off the second season of MTV News’ hip-hop live stream show on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com. After an internal spat caused disruption among the charismatic crew, they slowly began repairing the damaged relationships. In February 2009, Cam’ron told MTV News that he and Jones had spoken for the first time in years. From that point on, the two childhood friends inched closer to a reconciliation that eventually resulted in their comeback concert this past November. “It’s a good feeling,” Jones explained to MTV News about the crew’s new mindset. “Everybody just comes to the table with their best. It’s brotherly competition so it only makes it better. Above all, we came back together for the brotherhood. We grew up together, so there was a love that was lost there. We regained that and it’s time for music.” The Dipset members will sit down with Sway to discuss the status of their comeback, from their forthcoming mixtape to their rumored deal with Interscope Records. “Shout-outs to Dre, that was the most incredible experience in my career,” Jones said shortly after a flick of Dipset working with the West Coast producer appeared online. “Dr. Dre came to our studio, which was even more incredible. That was dope. We got to do a few songs with him. He coached me a bit.” Fans can ask them anything they wish, by tweeting to @MTVRapFix with the hashtag #rapfixlive. What do you want to ask the Dipset crew? Share your questions in the comments! Related Artists The Diplomats

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8 Milestones in the Evolution of Vince Vaughn

Posted on January 13, 2011 by | Leave a comment

In The Dilemma , Vince Vaughn plays a man who witnesses his best friend’s wife cheating with another man. Ron Howard’s latest film is a departure of sorts for Vaughn compared to other films if only because the overall tone cannot be described as a “laugh riot.” Still, how did Vaughn become one of the most bankable comedy stars in Hollywood after beginning his career in drama? You can always trace a direct line through a handful of important roles to illustrate what led to an actor’s current success, and with Vaughn, that line was definitely on a downward slant until Todd Phillips came along and cast him in Old School . Let’s look at eight performances — including one of his earliest — that trace the evolution of one Vincent Anthony Vaughn.

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Diggy Simmons Says He’s ‘A Breath Of Fresh Air’ For Hip-Hop

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Upstart MC is ready to make a mark with his debut album, and that’s why he’s one of MTV News’ 11 for ’11. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway Diggy Simmons Photo: MTV News Diggy Simmons wants to make one thing clear: Hip-hop is not just a hobby for the “Run’s House” star. “This is what I do,” he told MTV News. “I get in interviews: ‘Is this a hobby?’ I almost feel like stopping the interview, you know what I’m saying? I don’t get why they think just ’cause I did the show I can’t do this. [TV] wasn’t my profession. It was something that we were approached with and we did. The reality show, for me, obviously, wasn’t anything that I really wanted to do with my career. So I don’t get why people are like, ‘Oh, now he’s doing this?’ It’s not ‘now’; this is the beginning of me going toward something I really want to do.” The teen MC — another one of our 11 for ’11 stars to watch — got his buzz started last year when he put out a viral video of him paying homage to his famous father, Rev Run of Run-DMC fame, when Diggy rocked over Nas’ “Made You Look.” “The flow I cater, it’s something major/ An indicator of what happens later,” he spits. “It’s greater than you’ve anticipated/ Some people love it, the way I does it/ That’s why n—as buzzing/ ‘Cause they calling me sick, something like Robitussin/ I hear you coughing, I treat you often with freestyle/ And as I’m walking the people talking, they see now/ And I don’t rap for my age like Lil’ Bow Wow/ The son of a king, so why would I ever bow down?” In 2010, he put out a pair of mixtapes, Airborne and Past, Present(s), Future with DJ Premier, and also earned a nod as one of MTV News’ Hottest Breakthrough MC candidates to cement his transition to full-fledged rapper. Now, the 15-year-old is working on his debut album for Atlantic Records, home to heavyweights like T.I., B.o.B and Hottest Breakthrough winner Wiz Khalifa . Diggy is hoping to turn the tables on his reputation as a reality-TV talent to bona fide hip-hop heavyweight. “Me just writing and the expression of different things that I go through,” Diggy said, describing his forthcoming collection. “People are like, ‘Man, what is he even gonna write about?’ But if you listen to the mixtape or listen to the tracks, there’s a lot of different topics and things that I touch on. And a lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I can relate to this at any age.’ It’s like a breath of fresh air. So I’m really thankful for all the support that I been receiving over the past year or couple months.” Check out MTV News’ 11 for ’11 — actors, musicians and TV stars who are about to have a huge year — all week long. Related Videos MTV News’ 11 for ’11

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Britney Spears’ Pop Rivalries, From Christina Aguilera To Lady Gaga

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘She’s sort of left a lot of these girls in the dust,’ one Spears expert tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Christina Garibaldi Lady Gaga and Britney Spears Photo: Getty Images For more than a decade, Britney Spears has been pitted against some of her pop peers, including Madonna, Jessica Simpson, Christian Aguilera and, most recently, Lady Gaga . She’s publicly buried the hatchet with Madonna and Aguilera — sharing a three-way kiss with the pair at the 2003 VMAs — and never really paid much attention to the hype of other so-called rivalries. “Since the beginning of her career, she’s always been pitted against whatever big pop person there is,” MTV News’ Jim Cantiello explained. “I feel like artists have had rivalries with Britney and she hasn’t really had rivalries with them,” Entertainment Weekly ‘s Leah Greenblatt added. “She’s sort of left a lot of these girls in the dust.” While Brit has managed to stay on top all these years, a new pop princess might give her a run for her money. “I think Gaga’s already been talking about what she is gonna do. She has said that her album is going to be more than just dance songs, and I’m guessing that Britney might be making a different type of album, which is great, because in that sense, Brit and Gaga don’t have to compete,” Perez Hilton said of any potential new rivalry. “They’re each doing their own very distinct thing.” Greenblatt agreed: “It just seems like they’re operating on different wavelengths right now. I mean, Britney’s proven herself over such a longer period of time than Gaga has. I don’t think that Gaga can just wipe her off the pop royalty board.” At the end of the day, it’s not at all about competition, Cantiello explained. “Britney’s going in the super dance route and Gaga’s doing a super personal album,” he said. “It comes a point where we’ve got to stop comparing the two.” Plus, it’s hard for these two to really ever compete with one another, since Gaga has admitted to waving the Britney flag . “I was 13 when Britney became a star,” she said in 2009. “I was amazed by the level of the superfan that Britney created. I want to bring back the feeling that I used to feel.” Who has been Britney’s worthiest adversary? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related Videos Reactions To Britney’s ‘Hold It Against Me’ Related Artists Britney Spears Lady Gaga

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