‘I’m pretty intuitive,’ actor tells MTV News about why he wanted to work with the pop star on an upcoming basketball-themed drama. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Mark Wahlberg Photo: MTV News Mark Wahlberg surprised movie fans everywhere when he announced plans to hook up with Justin Bieber on the big screen. But when MTV News caught up with the “Contraband” star recently, he explained why he wanted to work with the teen phenom on the basketball-themed drama. “Intuition. I’m pretty intuitive,” he said of why he thinks shooting a film with the pop star is the right choice. “I see the guy and spent time with him, and you see what he does and how he does it, and then you actually have a conversation with him, and it’s there.” Of course, if it doesn’t come easily to the rookie actor, Wahlberg has a backup plan: “It’s there — and if not, I will extract it.” When MTV News caught up with Wahlberg and Bieber earlier this year at the MTV Movie Awards, they opened up a bit more about the in-the-works flick. “Wait till you see me and Bieber in the flick. Think of, like, ‘The Color of Money,’ ” Wahlberg said of his “old guy” role. “So I get this call from Paramount [with a story about] an old guy and a young guy. I’m like, ‘Cool, let’s get Jack [Nicholson]. Let’s get Robert De Niro. Let’s get Robert Duvall.’ And they go, ‘What about Garrett Hedlund?’ I’m like, ‘For what?’ ” he further recalled. “They’re like, ‘For the young guy.’ ” Bieber, who previously appeared on the big screen in his 3-D concert flick “Never Say Never,” said he hopes to be on a film set by sometime next summer. And while he kept his plans hush-hush, he added that his team is “working on the script.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos Justin Bieber And Mark Wahlberg Team-Up On The Big Screen Related Artists Justin Bieber
Track samples classic Bob Marley and T.I.’s verse on Drake’s ‘Fancy.’ By Rob Markman B.o.B Photo: Getty Images Since B.o.B ‘s early mixtape days, the Atlanta hitmaker drew comparisons to another ATLien. With his out-of-this-world production and rap style, Bobby Ray was at times considered a new age Andre 3000 , and on the axe-wielding Bob’s latest single, “Play the Guitar,” fans finally get to hear the two together. Beginning with a bluesy guitar riff and samples based on Bob Marley’s 1973 classic “I Shot the Sheriff” and T.I.’s verse on Drake’s “Fancy,” the Salaam Remi-produced track finds B.o.B and Three Stacks flexing their rap muscles. The song, which is the next single off of Bobby Ray’s upcoming Strange Clouds LP, was released Tuesday (December 27) on iTunes. The song’s hook is built around scratched-in T.I. vocals. “B.o.B plays the guitar” is brought in and out to set up Bob’s opening verse. “Well it’s B.o.B, flyer than a stewardess/ Fresh to death like I’m dressed for a eulogy,” he raps for starters. The “Nothing on You” MC then continues to showcase his tightly packed rap flow, reminding fans of his lyrical prowess. Rhyming alongside the highly regarded OutKast great had to provide some sort of inspiration for the youngster, and 3000 didn’t disappoint. At the top of his verse, Dre begins spitting about standing atop a Church’s Chicken restaurant playing a guitar, while B.o.B stands on the roof of an adjacent Dunkin’ Donuts. Yes, it is a strange way to set off a rap verse, but it’s fitting for an MC who prides himself on individuality. Andre continues his free-wheeling rhyme, spitting about everything from the advice his grandmother has given him to an Internet rumor that he plays the violin. In the end, Three Stacks leaves something for the next generation of musicians, spitting, “I encourage any child to pick up some instrument.” Just like B.o.B. What do you think of B.o.B and Andre 3000’s “Play the Guitar”? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists B.o.B Andre 3000
Track samples classic Bob Marley and T.I.’s verse on Drake’s ‘Fancy.’ By Rob Markman B.o.B Photo: Getty Images Since B.o.B ‘s early mixtape days, the Atlanta hitmaker drew comparisons to another ATLien. With his out-of-this-world production and rap style, Bobby Ray was at times considered a new age Andre 3000 , and on the axe-wielding Bob’s latest single, “Play the Guitar,” fans finally get to hear the two together. Beginning with a bluesy guitar riff and samples based on Bob Marley’s 1973 classic “I Shot the Sheriff” and T.I.’s verse on Drake’s “Fancy,” the Salaam Remi-produced track finds B.o.B and Three Stacks flexing their rap muscles. The song, which is the next single off of Bobby Ray’s upcoming Strange Clouds LP, was released Tuesday (December 27) on iTunes. The song’s hook is built around scratched-in T.I. vocals. “B.o.B plays the guitar” is brought in and out to set up Bob’s opening verse. “Well it’s B.o.B, flyer than a stewardess/ Fresh to death like I’m dressed for a eulogy,” he raps for starters. The “Nothing on You” MC then continues to showcase his tightly packed rap flow, reminding fans of his lyrical prowess. Rhyming alongside the highly regarded OutKast great had to provide some sort of inspiration for the youngster, and 3000 didn’t disappoint. At the top of his verse, Dre begins spitting about standing atop a Church’s Chicken restaurant playing a guitar, while B.o.B stands on the roof of an adjacent Dunkin’ Donuts. Yes, it is a strange way to set off a rap verse, but it’s fitting for an MC who prides himself on individuality. Andre continues his free-wheeling rhyme, spitting about everything from the advice his grandmother has given him to an Internet rumor that he plays the violin. In the end, Three Stacks leaves something for the next generation of musicians, spitting, “I encourage any child to pick up some instrument.” Just like B.o.B. What do you think of B.o.B and Andre 3000’s “Play the Guitar”? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists B.o.B Andre 3000
Atlanta police have named 28-year-old local rapper Young Vito (real name Vinson Hardimon) as a suspect in the murder of Brick Squad rapper Slim Dunkin , and he was urged to turn himself in for his own safety. “We are urging Mr. Hardimon to turn himself in to authorities because we have reason to believe he may be in danger,” read a press release. As we previously reported, Slim Dunkin (real name Mario Hamilton) was killed Dec. 16 after being gunned down at a southeast Atlanta recording studio. Slim was allegedly killed because of an argument over candy. Police are seeking the public’s help in finding Young Vito. Calls can be made to Atlanta Crimestoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or contact the Atlanta Police Department’s homicide unit at 404-546-4235. The background photo on Young Vito’s Twitter page shows the rapper in a mock pose like he’s holding two handguns. It has also been announced that Slim Dunkin’s funeral will be held Friday morning (Dec. 23) at 11 am at Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain. Burial will follow at Hillandale Memorial Gardens in Lithonia. Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements, told that AJC that a wake was held Thursday at its chapel on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard in Atlanta. Waka Flocka Flame and Gucci Mane will pay for the bulk of funeral expenses, TMZ said, with Slim Dunkin’s family paying for the rest of the send-off. Read the full story at the AJC. RELATED: Waka Flocka & Gucci Mane Paying For Slim Dunkin Funeral Cops Say Brick Squad Rapper Slim Dunkin Killed Over Candy [VIDEO] Waka Flocka On Slim Dunkin Death: “Wish It Was Me” Brick Squad’s Slim Dunkin Shot And Killed In Atlanta [VIDEO] Brick Squad Affiliate Who Beefed On World Star Murdered In L.A. [VIDEO]
For those of you who’ve ever wondered if or how Xenu factors into the more conventional holiday season, along comes this dispatch from the Church of Scientology: “Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard honored the great religious leaders of the past for the wisdom they brought to the world, writing that Scientology shares ‘the goals set for Man by Christ, which are wisdom, good health and immortality.’ It is in this spirit that Scientologists celebrate the holiday season, whether Christmas, Hanukah [ sic ], Kwanzaa or any other religious or cultural tradition. In an annual tradition beginning in 1983 when Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard provided a 60-foot Christmas tree as a gift to the people of Hollywood, Winter Wonderland holiday village is erected each year on Hollywood Boulevard as a service to the community.” Annnnd now I can’t get “Frosty the Thetan” out of my head. [Press release]
Members of an African-American congregation in Houston’s Fifth Ward have filed a lawsuit against their former pastor, who they say secretly sold the church building and took off with the money, My Fox Houston reported . In the suit, Rory Murphy is accused of selling Pure Light Baptist Church, a nearly 50 year-old building on Noble Street, for $125,000 without the approval or knowledge of the congregation. Make sure to read: Rev.Zachery Tims Toxicology Report May Never Be Revealed Murphy, Fox said, was not available to comment. Anthony Moten, has taken over as pastor, and members of the 100-person congregation are fundraising with fish dinners and car washes to earn enough to try to get the sanctuary back, the station report. Make sure to read: Good, Bad And Insane, Religious Stories of 2011 Watch the Video: Lawsuit: Pastor Sold Church Under Congregation’s Nose: MyFoxHOUSTON.com
Mumford & Sons, Foster the People and others also performed during KROQ’s annual Almost Acoustic Christmas Concert. By Kara Warner Florence Welch performs at KROQ’s Acoustic Christmas concert Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images UNIVERSAL CITY, California — As impressive and rockin’ as the lineup was for night one of KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, night two of the Los Angeles-based rock station’s popular event was equally action-packed, with the likes of Foster the People , Florence and the Machine , Mumford & Sons, the Black Keys and six other acts who came together under one roof for a one-night-only sold-out concert engagement at Universal’s Gibson Amphitheatre on Sunday night. Native Los Angeles band Grouplove kicked things off with a festive bang, which included the performances of and lots of dancing to their most recognizable and catchy tunes “Colours” and “Tongue Tied,” which is featured in the latest Apple commercial. They were followed by New Zealand-based electro-pop group the Naked and Famous, who kept things grooving with a series of smoothly synthesized upbeat tracks, the crowd-pleaser being the popular anthem-esque “Young Blood.” 2011 heavy-hitters Foster the People killed it in the number-three slot. They fed off the very enthusiastic reception from the crowd with just as much energy and as many of their Torches chart toppers as they could fit into their half-hour set, which included “Houdini,” “Call It What You Want,” “Helena Beat” and an extended version of “Pumped Up Kicks.” Following Foster were two relatively new bands: Cage the Elephant and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds . Cage delighted the crowd with hits like “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” and “Aberdeen,” as well as several stage dives. Gallagher and his High Flying Birds kept things cool with a few more-mellow tunes that, much to the delight of Oasis fans in attendance, included “Wonderwall” and “Sally.” After their exit, a surge of excitement filled the crowd in anticipation for Florence and the Machine to take the stage. What a difference a year makes: Though Florence played last year’s Acoustic Christmas and received a huge welcome from the audience, it was clear Sunday night that her fanbase has increased tenfold. Florence’s presence has such a transformative effect on her fans — her movement during the songs, the shy smiles she sends out to the masses and that powerhouse voice all have the power to move people to tears. And they did on songs like “If Only for a Night,” “Never Let Me Go” and “No Love, No Light.” Florence was a hard act to follow, that’s for sure, but just as the audience’s energy swelled with anticipation before Welch’s vocals rung out in the air, the excitement levels stayed strong for breakouts Mumford & Sons and the Black Keys. Mumford rocked out so hard during their opening song that lead singer Marcus busted several strings on his guitar. “For those of you who can count, that was three strings I broke. Three,” he told the crowd, pleased with himself. “Yesss!” The spirited folk rockers had the crowd eating out of the palms of their hands with electrifying performances of “Awake My Soul,” “White Blank Page,” new tune “Ghosts That We Knew,” and hits “Little Lion Man” and “The Cave.” Continuing with the hyped-up energy and momentum flowing through the Gibson toward the end of the evening, the Black Keys rocked the house with a perfect mix of old and new. From the familiar “Howlin’ for You,” “Next Girl” and “Tighten Up” to the brand-new “Milk and Honey,” “Sister” and current hit “Lonely Boy,” the guys could have converted almost anyone in attendance to the Church of Keys with the way the audience hung on to every word and guitar stroke. We watched a group of three male fans continue to lose their minds after each song. “This is so sick!” they said. Again and again and again. And frankly, we have to agree. It was sick. Even better? The proceeds from the 22nd annual event will benefit Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center and Para Los Ninos. Related Artists Florence + the Machine The Black Keys
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church pastor Eddie Long told his congregation on Sunday that he was taking a brief leave from the Lithonia megachurch. Long said he plans to use the time off to heal his family. “I’m still your pastor. You’ll still receive my direction,” Bishop Eddie Long said Sunday. “You’ve given me some weeks to take care of some family business.” As we previously reported, Long’s wife, Vanessa, filed for divorce on Thursday. She later backtracked on the divorce only to have her lawyers release another statement hours later saying the divorce was back on. Long’s wife, Vanessa, filed for divorce late Thursday afternoon. She said Friday morning, via a statement prepared by the church’s spokesman, that she had changed her mind but by day’s end announced the divorce was on. After Vanessa’s divorce filing Eddie Long released this statement: “God has blessed us with a wonderful family. Vanessa is, and has always been, a loving, dedicated and committed wife and Mother. My love for her is deep and unwavering. It remains our sincere desire to continue working together in seeking God’s Will in these circumstances. We will do so as privately as possible and with a spirit of love and sensitivity to our family. We ask that you be in prayer for our family and that we be allowed to privately pursue this important path without need, or request from the media, for further comment.” In his sermon on Sunday, Long reiterated that he had no plans to resign, saying he had not “stepped down,” but instead had “stepped up.” Several protesters picketing outside New Birth Sunday morning said Long didn’t go far enough and needs to resign. Last fall four young men accused Eddie Long of sexual abuse. Although Long vowed to fight the charges, he later settled the matter out of court for an undisclosed sum of money. It was later revealed that a fifth man, Centino Kemp, also received settlement money. New Birth once boasted a membership of roughly 25,000, but attendance has declined in the year since the sexual coercion lawsuit was filed. RELATED: Vanessa Long Says Divorce Back On, Eddie Long Responds
Bishop Eddie Long’s wife, Vanessa Long, has filed for divorce! Vanessa Long made the announcement today in the following statement: “After a great deal of deliberation and prayer, I have decided to terminate my marriage to Bishop Eddie L. Long. Accordingly, I authorized my attorneys to file for divorce on December 1, 2011. It is my sincere hope that this matter can be resolved expeditiously, harmoniously and fairly. I ask that you respect my privacy and that of my family, as my attorneys and I have agreed that we will not try this case in the media, and I do not intend to make any further statements concerning this matter.” The couple married in 1990 and have three children together, Edward, Jared and Taylor. As we previously reported, last fall four young men accused Eddie Long of sexual abuse. Although Long vowed to fight the charges, he later settled the matter out of court for an undisclosed sum of money. It was later revealed that a fifth man, Centino Kemp, also received settlement money. RELATED: Eddie Long Seeks To Recoup Sex Abuse Settlement Money Eddie Long Accusers Risk Losing Settlement Money By Speaking Out [FULL INTERVIEW] Eddie Long’s Fifth Accuser Centino Kemp Goes Off On Twitter Bishop Eddie Long: “I Will Honor & Abide By My Commitment Of Confidentiality” Eddie Long Had Fifth Accuser [VIDEO] Bishop Paul Morton Says Eddie Long No Longer Takes His Calls [VIDEO] Atlanta Pastor Says Eddie Long’s “Got Problems,” Invites Ex-New Birth Members To His Church [VIDEO] Report Says Bishop Eddie Long Settled For $24.8 Million, Gave Private Apology Creflo Dollar Tells Former New Birth Members To Go Back, Compares Scandal To Car Wreck [VIDEO] Sherri Shepherd Goes In On Eddie Long [VIDEO] Settlement Reached In Eddie Long Sexual Misconduct Case [VIDEO] Bishop Eddie Long: “I’m Gonna Fight” [VIDEO & PHOTOS] Bishop Eddie Long – “No Hands” [SPOOF]
Kris Humphries is almost definitely not gay . But the emerging power-forward-turned-reality-star has filed to annul his marriage to Kim Kardashian, effectively asking the court to legally decree this ex-couple’s wedding never took place. No, this does not mean they’d give back the millions of dollars earned from the televised nuptials. Those bank deposits definitely took place. Kim Kardashian Divorce – The Pulse So, how does Kim feel about her estranged husband’s wish for an annulment? “The filing is, of course, upsetting,” an insider tells People . “She respects Kris and just wants them both to find peace and move on… Kim doesn’t want a battle.” But she may have one on her money-starved hands because – for religious reasons – a friend of Kris’ tells TMZ that divorce simply is not an option for him. Even if the annulment doesn’t work out, he’d prefer an “indefinite separation” because it would keep him clean in the eyes of the church. “Kim is sad how things ended up,” says the People source. “The split was a devastating decision from the beginning.” We do not believe her.
