Tag Archives: conversation

Skyzoo Wants A Shot At Rap’s Great Lyrical Debate

‘The tape itself is something that people are gonna talk about,’ Skyzoo tells Mixtape Daily about The Great Debater. By Rob Markman Skyzoo Photo: Duck Down Main Pick Street King : Skyzoo Holding It Down For : Brooklyn, NY Mixtape : The Great Debater Real Spit : Back when Hov posed the question in his 1997 song “Where I’m From,” people would argue about who was the best MC. Biggie, Jay-Z and Nas were popular G.O.A.T candidates, but after the ’90s era of New York lyricism began to fade, the debate turned to: “Who sells the most records or has the most money?” With his latest mixtape, The Great Debater, Brooklyn rapper Skyzoo looks to re-shift the focus. “The concept, the theme for the whole project is really just taking the idea of what people already think about me as far as being a lyricist, a rapper’s rapper. And The Great Debater just carries on that tradition,” Sky told Mixtape Daily. “The tape itself is something that people are gonna talk about, go back and forth about, as far as where it puts me in the echelon of MCs and lyricists and where people already place me and where I’m already at with it.” For Sky to assume that his tape will put him in the conversation with some of rap’s elite may come off as pretentious to those who aren’t familiar with his catalog, but one listen to The Great Debater should curb doubts. The tightly packed bars of “Complicated Rhythm” exemplify S-K’s mission as he parallels his rise to the likes of NBA great LeBron James and Jay-Z. He starts off, “They give me the same flack they gave Gloria’s son/ Either or: James or Carter, but both of them won.” On “The Definitive Prayer,” he continues to weave intricate rhyme schemes as he brags that his “serenades warrant hearing aids.” The tape’s production is key, too, focusing more on boom-bap than club-driven tracks thanks to beats from 9th Wonder, Illmind and Best Kept Secret. Overall, the Brooklyn rapper’s offering challenges the listener, who will no doubt have to listen several times in order to breakdown the MC’s lyrical layers. But no matter which side of the Skyzoo great debate you end up on, it’s an interesting conversation. Joints to Check For

And The Plot Thickens: Anthony Weiner Admits Messaging A Minor

Okay, we have to draw the line somewhere with this foolishness. New potential Twitter-related troubles arose for Rep. Anthony Weiner on Friday, after Delaware police reportedly spoke with a 17-year-old high school girl about “direct online communications” she’s had with the disgraced congressman. Weiner confirmed the communications late in the day, but denied that anything inappropriate took place. The police “asked to speak with the girl’s mother about the daughter’s contact with Weiner,” Fox News reported, adding that one of the network’s reporters happened to be there when the cops showed up. The visit by the police was later confirmed by POLITICO. The girl, whose name was withheld by Fox but who told the reporter she’s “doing OK,” left with her mother and the police, the network said, although it was unclear if there was a further conversation somewhere else. A Weiner spokeswoman emailed a statement in response to the reports that confirmed his contact with the girl, but denied anything was amiss. “According to Congressman Weiner, his communications with this person were neither explicit nor indecent,” said the statement. “They were made aware of an alleged contact between Congressman Anthony Weiner and an area teen,” said New Castle County police spokeswoman Officer Tracey Duffy, according to the Post. “The teen has been interviewed and disclosed no information regarding any criminal activity.” Fox reported that “sources close the student” said the Delaware girl was among his thousands of Twitter followers, signing up for his feed after watching him speak during a trip to the Capitol with her school on April 1. He reportedly sent her a direct message over Twitter on April 13. It was unclear whether there was any further communication. There’s no reason a grown-a** man should be direct messaging a teenager! There is a fine line between perversion and pedophilia … let’s hope he didn’t cross it. SMH Source

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And The Plot Thickens: Anthony Weiner Admits Messaging A Minor

Salli Richardson-Whitfield Performs At Jenesse Gala In Tribute To Halle Berry [VIDEO]

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A private gala was held last month to pay tribute to the Jenesse Foundation in which Halle Berry is very much involved with. The always beautiful and poised Salli Richardson- Whitfield performed in costume as the iconic Lena Horne with other celebs Wendy Raquel Robinson and Taraji P. Henson. The Jenesse Foundation “raises awareness and change [in] the conversation in the youth generation to stop domestic violence.” Salli Richardson-Whitfield Sought New Challenge With “I Will Follow” 10 Celebs You Didn’t Know Are Irish

Salli Richardson-Whitfield Performs At Jenesse Gala In Tribute To Halle Berry [VIDEO]

‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds: Stefano Says Goodbye To James

This week, we may have witnessed the start of a beautiful friendship. By Jim Cantiello Stefano Langone on “American Idol” Photo: FOX On this week’s “American Idol” the bottom six reminded us why we didn’t vote for them. And then the top seven tackled songs from the 21st century and ironically, season 10 staple will.i.am was nowhere to be found. Here’s what else we noticed in this week’s “American Idol” in 60 Seconds: Casey and James proved they could be current pop stars by singing terribly and surrounding themselves with a whole lot of distracting bullsh–. But my favorite was Haley. She can do no wrong. [ Clip of Haley going sharp as she sings the word “deeeep” in the chorus. ] Except that note. And then there was Jacob, who heard crap in his ear. And then we heard crap in our ears. [ Clip of J.Lo telling Jacob, “It’s hard to perform when a song means that much to you.” ] You speak from experience, J.Lo? Wow, those most have been some amazing Louboutins. On Thursday night’s results show … [ Group sings “Hey Soul Sister.” ] Oh, hell no! [ Katy Perry singing “E.T.” ] OK, JUST KIDDING I’D RATHER HEAR MORE TRAIN SONGS INSTEAD OF THAT. And then David Cook came back to pimp out his mom and debut his new hair. I mean, single. (No, I mean hair.) [ Clip of Stefano and James Durbin bro-ing out. ] Awww, look they’re friends! [ Clip of James giving Stefano a massage. ] Close friends! [ Stefano is eliminated, James Durbin is devastated. ] Really close friends! [ James tackles and lifts Stefano at the end of his farewell performance. ] Oh, girl, they’re definitely . Ding! Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds: Stop The Clock For Pia Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances

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‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds: Stefano Says Goodbye To James

Casey Abrams Is ‘So Innovative’ On ‘American Idol,’ Melinda Doolittle Says

‘He has a lock on that jazz thing,’ she tells Jim Cantiello on ‘Idol Party Live.’ By Kara Warner, with reporting by Jim Cantiello Melinda Doolittle on “Idol Party Live’ via Skype Photo: MTV News If you haven’t been watching MTV News’ “Idol Party Live” with “American Idol” expert Jim Cantiello, you are missing out. Every Thursday at noon ET, tune in to MTV.com for a fun-filled post-“Idol” chat show full of fresh, lively and interactive analysis of Wednesday night’s performance episode and predictions for Thursday night’s results show. On Thursday’s (April 14) installment of “Idol Party Live,” Cantiello and guest co-host Eric Ditzian were joined via Skype by season-six standout Melinda Doolittle. When Cantiello asked Doolittle to name a few favorites from the current season, she surprised her host by calling out jazz enthusiast Casey Abrams. “I hear that Casey is a little bit polarizing right now,” Doolittle said. “I love him. I absolutely adore him. I think he’s so innovative. The end of that song made me get up off my couch and throw my blanket at him.” Cantiello, who has expressed far less enthusiasm for Abrams, then brought up the fact that Doolittle was the first one to introduce jazz on the show, not Abrams, and asked the soulful singer if she felt affronted by the judges making such a fuss over Abrams’ jazz “introduction.” “No not in the least,” she said. “I want to make sure that when the show is over we can go on tour together. I need to work with Casey. I think he’s fabulous and he is bringing something new to the show.” Doolittle said she didn’t come into “Idol” as a jazz singer as Abrams has. “I love jazz music and love to do it, but I came in as a soul singer. He has a lock on that jazz thing,” she said of Abrams. “I love it. Maybe [season-six contestant] Paris Bennett before then, but he’s really doing his thing.” Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Watch ‘Idol Party Live’ With MTV News’ Jim Cantiello

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Casey Abrams Is ‘So Innovative’ On ‘American Idol,’ Melinda Doolittle Says

Britney Spears To Tour With Nicki Minaj

Singer confirms the rumors about her Femme Fatale lineup on her website Tuesday. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images After weeks of speculation, Nicki Minaj has at last been confirmed as the replacement for Enrique Iglesias on Britney Spears’ upcoming Femme Fatale tour . The ladies will also be joined by Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo on the all-female lineup. “This is the Femme Fatale tour, and I’m thrilled to have the hot Nicki Minaj join me and Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo will get everyone on the dance floor,” Spears said on her website . “Can’t wait to take the Femme Fatales on the road.” Minaj will join Spears after she wraps up touring with Lil Wayne on his I Am Still Music tour, which finishes up May 1 in New Jersey. Last week, Minaj told to MTV News that she was in talks to join the tour, after rumors began swirling that the sassy Queens MC would be hitting the road with the veteran pop superstar. The tour kicks off on June 16 in Sacramento and will run for 26 dates through North America, winding up on August 13 in Toronto. Select tickets go on sale on April 30. Spears manager Larry Rudolph, told MTV News that Britney’s tour will have the post-apocalyptic vibe that’s been present in her recent live sets and the video for “Till the World Ends.” “The way we come up with a concept for a show like this is we sit with Britney, she talks to us about what she’s interested in and what excites her,” Rudolph explained. “We start with the songs on the album; we start with coming up with general, broad concepts. She tells us what interests her and excites her, and from there, we have [the input of music tour director] Jamie King and [choreographer] Brian Friedman.” What do you think of the Nicki/Britney match-up? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related Videos Britney Spears: I Am The Femme Fatale Britney Spears Drops Her Femme Fatale Album! Related Artists Britney Spears Nicki Minaj

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Britney Spears To Tour With Nicki Minaj

Taylor Lautner’s ‘Abduction’ Hero Vs. Jason Bourne: Who Would Win?

Lautner will debut the ‘Abduction’ trailer and chat with MTV News on Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Taylor Lautner Photo: MTV News Only one more day until “Twilight” superstar Taylor Lautner graces MTV News with his hunky presence for “MTV First: Taylor Lautner,” which premieres on air and online Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET. The 19-year-old star will exclusively debut the first trailer from his upcoming action/thriller “Abduction,” after which the conversation will move to MTV.com where Lautner will sit down with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz for a 30-minute interview. If you Lautner fans weren’t already excited about this exclusive event, we’ve got a little sneak peek of what you’ll be privy to when you tune in and log on for our latest “MTV First.” During the interview, Lautner discusses the similarities and inevitable comparisons between his confused young character, Nathan Price, and Jason Bourne. “I would say Nathan Price’s journey takes place before Jason Bourne’s started,” Lautner explained. “When Jason realized, when he was searching for his true identity, he was already a trained expert.” How about Nathan vs. Jason — who would win? “I think Nathan would need a little more training,” Lautner said. “Give him a couple years, and we’ll get there.” Lautner’s co-star Lily Collins recently offered her thoughts on the Bourne comparisons, giving major props to Lautner for his work on the film. “[He is] very Jason Bourne-esque, of course, with his own twist on it,” Collins explained to MTV News of Taylor’s character in the film. “It’s a complete departure from Jacob. Obviously I’m in the movie so I’m biased, but I think it’s going to completely shock his fans, and people that necessarily don’t know him very well as Jacob that aren’t ‘Twilight’ fans. I think he brings an aspect people haven’t seen yet and [it’s] very, very exciting.” Don’t miss “MTV First: Taylor Lautner” this Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com. Tune in to see Lautner debut the trailer for “Abduction,” followed by a live 30-minute interview on MTV.com. Tweet questions using the hashtag #asktaylor to get in the conversation! Related Videos ‘MTV First: Taylor Lautner’ Is Coming! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Taylor Lautner

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Taylor Lautner’s ‘Abduction’ Hero Vs. Jason Bourne: Who Would Win?

Taylor Lautner’s ‘Abduction’ Hero Vs. Jason Bourne: Who Would Win?

Lautner will debut the ‘Abduction’ trailer and chat with MTV News on Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Taylor Lautner Photo: MTV News Only one more day until “Twilight” superstar Taylor Lautner graces MTV News with his hunky presence for “MTV First: Taylor Lautner,” which premieres on air and online Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET. The 19-year-old star will exclusively debut the first trailer from his upcoming action/thriller “Abduction,” after which the conversation will move to MTV.com where Lautner will sit down with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz for a 30-minute interview. If you Lautner fans weren’t already excited about this exclusive event, we’ve got a little sneak peek of what you’ll be privy to when you tune in and log on for our latest “MTV First.” During the interview, Lautner discusses the similarities and inevitable comparisons between his confused young character, Nathan Price, and Jason Bourne. “I would say Nathan Price’s journey takes place before Jason Bourne’s started,” Lautner explained. “When Jason realized, when he was searching for his true identity, he was already a trained expert.” How about Nathan vs. Jason — who would win? “I think Nathan would need a little more training,” Lautner said. “Give him a couple years, and we’ll get there.” Lautner’s co-star Lily Collins recently offered her thoughts on the Bourne comparisons, giving major props to Lautner for his work on the film. “[He is] very Jason Bourne-esque, of course, with his own twist on it,” Collins explained to MTV News of Taylor’s character in the film. “It’s a complete departure from Jacob. Obviously I’m in the movie so I’m biased, but I think it’s going to completely shock his fans, and people that necessarily don’t know him very well as Jacob that aren’t ‘Twilight’ fans. I think he brings an aspect people haven’t seen yet and [it’s] very, very exciting.” Don’t miss “MTV First: Taylor Lautner” this Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com. Tune in to see Lautner debut the trailer for “Abduction,” followed by a live 30-minute interview on MTV.com. Tweet questions using the hashtag #asktaylor to get in the conversation! Related Videos ‘MTV First: Taylor Lautner’ Is Coming! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Taylor Lautner

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Taylor Lautner’s ‘Abduction’ Hero Vs. Jason Bourne: Who Would Win?

Taylor Lautner’s ‘Abduction’ Hero Vs. Jason Bourne: Who Would Win?

Lautner will debut the ‘Abduction’ trailer and chat with MTV News on Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Taylor Lautner Photo: MTV News Only one more day until “Twilight” superstar Taylor Lautner graces MTV News with his hunky presence for “MTV First: Taylor Lautner,” which premieres on air and online Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET. The 19-year-old star will exclusively debut the first trailer from his upcoming action/thriller “Abduction,” after which the conversation will move to MTV.com where Lautner will sit down with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz for a 30-minute interview. If you Lautner fans weren’t already excited about this exclusive event, we’ve got a little sneak peek of what you’ll be privy to when you tune in and log on for our latest “MTV First.” During the interview, Lautner discusses the similarities and inevitable comparisons between his confused young character, Nathan Price, and Jason Bourne. “I would say Nathan Price’s journey takes place before Jason Bourne’s started,” Lautner explained. “When Jason realized, when he was searching for his true identity, he was already a trained expert.” How about Nathan vs. Jason — who would win? “I think Nathan would need a little more training,” Lautner said. “Give him a couple years, and we’ll get there.” Lautner’s co-star Lily Collins recently offered her thoughts on the Bourne comparisons, giving major props to Lautner for his work on the film. “[He is] very Jason Bourne-esque, of course, with his own twist on it,” Collins explained to MTV News of Taylor’s character in the film. “It’s a complete departure from Jacob. Obviously I’m in the movie so I’m biased, but I think it’s going to completely shock his fans, and people that necessarily don’t know him very well as Jacob that aren’t ‘Twilight’ fans. I think he brings an aspect people haven’t seen yet and [it’s] very, very exciting.” Don’t miss “MTV First: Taylor Lautner” this Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com. Tune in to see Lautner debut the trailer for “Abduction,” followed by a live 30-minute interview on MTV.com. Tweet questions using the hashtag #asktaylor to get in the conversation! Related Videos ‘MTV First: Taylor Lautner’ Is Coming! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Taylor Lautner

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Taylor Lautner’s ‘Abduction’ Hero Vs. Jason Bourne: Who Would Win?

Taylor Lautner’s ‘Abduction’ Hero Vs. Jason Bourne: Who Would Win?

Lautner will debut the ‘Abduction’ trailer and chat with MTV News on Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Taylor Lautner Photo: MTV News Only one more day until “Twilight” superstar Taylor Lautner graces MTV News with his hunky presence for “MTV First: Taylor Lautner,” which premieres on air and online Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET. The 19-year-old star will exclusively debut the first trailer from his upcoming action/thriller “Abduction,” after which the conversation will move to MTV.com where Lautner will sit down with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz for a 30-minute interview. If you Lautner fans weren’t already excited about this exclusive event, we’ve got a little sneak peek of what you’ll be privy to when you tune in and log on for our latest “MTV First.” During the interview, Lautner discusses the similarities and inevitable comparisons between his confused young character, Nathan Price, and Jason Bourne. “I would say Nathan Price’s journey takes place before Jason Bourne’s started,” Lautner explained. “When Jason realized, when he was searching for his true identity, he was already a trained expert.” How about Nathan vs. Jason — who would win? “I think Nathan would need a little more training,” Lautner said. “Give him a couple years, and we’ll get there.” Lautner’s co-star Lily Collins recently offered her thoughts on the Bourne comparisons, giving major props to Lautner for his work on the film. “[He is] very Jason Bourne-esque, of course, with his own twist on it,” Collins explained to MTV News of Taylor’s character in the film. “It’s a complete departure from Jacob. Obviously I’m in the movie so I’m biased, but I think it’s going to completely shock his fans, and people that necessarily don’t know him very well as Jacob that aren’t ‘Twilight’ fans. I think he brings an aspect people haven’t seen yet and [it’s] very, very exciting.” Don’t miss “MTV First: Taylor Lautner” this Wednesday at 7:56 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com. Tune in to see Lautner debut the trailer for “Abduction,” followed by a live 30-minute interview on MTV.com. Tweet questions using the hashtag #asktaylor to get in the conversation! Related Videos ‘MTV First: Taylor Lautner’ Is Coming! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Taylor Lautner

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Taylor Lautner’s ‘Abduction’ Hero Vs. Jason Bourne: Who Would Win?