‘It’s more of really a platform than a genre,’ the EDM star tells MTV News on our live-stream carpet about the dance movement. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by James Montgomery Skrillex arrives at the Grammy Awards on Sunday Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images Skrillex will walk into the Grammy Awards a winner. On Sunday (February 12), the multiple nominee nabbed the Grammy gold for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for the song “Cinema” in a pre-telecast ceremony. It marks a big achievement for the rising EDM DJ/producer — and an even bigger achievement for the genre, which has shot through to the mainstream in the last year. Before he took home the prize, Skrill chatted with MTV News on our live-stream red carpet, opening up about his current status as EDM’s “It” boy. “You know what? I don’t really think about that too much because I’m with these guys and I’m doing shows and you don’t have much time to reflect when stuff [is] happening so quickly. And at the same time, it’s more, I’m really focused on my label and my music and touring and making great production,” he explained. “We all live in the moment. “I think EDM, like what you were saying before, what I was just thinking about, it’s more of really a platform than a genre because it pulls and inspires and it resonates through all types of genres and all types of energy,” he told MTV News’ James Montgomery. Skrillex is up for four more awards on Sunday, including Best New Artist. In addition to recognizing EDM throughout multiple categories, the show will also include a tribute to the musical movement . “As DJs we’ve been pushing new and interesting music for a long time and now people are paying attention. It’s a sound and an energy,” said A-Trak, Skrillex’s fellow producer and a Grammy nominee. “It is unusual,” Diplo added on the red carpet, in a discussion of the current spotlight put on EDM. “I mean, I think we’ve all been a part of the music scene for a while. But it’s kind of cool were geeing the recognition.” MTV News’ Sway and James Montgomery will be live from the Grammys red carpet tonight starting at 5 p.m. ET to get reactions from music’s biggest stars on the death of Whitney Houston. Watch reactions and remembrances at MTV.com. Related Videos Live From The Grammy Red Carpet Related Photos 2012 Grammys Red Carpet Photos Related Artists Skrillex
MTV News is on the scene as Alicia Keys, Diddy, Pitbull, Tony Bennett, more pay tribute to late singer at Davis’ annual pre-Grammy bash. By James Montgomery Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs at Clive Davis’ 2012 Pre-Grammy Gala Photo: WireImage BEVERLY HILLS, California — Ever since 1976, Clive Davis has been throwing his pre-Grammy gala, a celebration of the year in music that’s part concert, part cocktail reception, part roast. It’s become the event during Grammy week, a black-tie party attended by the biggest stars, a soiree as synonymous with the awards as those golden gramophone trophies. And yet, in its 35 years, there’s probably never been a Clive Davis party like the one that took place on Saturday night. It occurred just hours after the death of Whitney Houston , the legendary producer and music executive’s crown jewel, was announced, in the very hotel where Houston’s body was discovered. Understandably, there was a rather palpable pall to the proceedings (so much so that several outlets reported the grieving Davis had decided to cancel the event), though most in attendance seemed to believe Whitney would’ve wanted the show to go on. So while throngs of Houston fans began to hold a candlelight vigil outside the Beverly Hilton, inside, Davis himself was stepping up to the podium to deliver a eulogy for an artist who was not only his greatest discovery, but one of his closest friends. “By now, sadly, we’ve all learned of the unspeakable [tragedy] of our beloved Whitney’s passing,” Davis said, visibly shaken. “I don’t have to mask my emotions, not in front of this room filled with so many dear friends. I am personally devastated. Whitney was so full of life … she was a beautiful person with talent beyond compare. She graced the stage with a regal presence … and her family asked that the show go on.” Davis then asked those in attendance — everyone from Richard Branson and Joni Mitchell to Sean “Diddy” Combs and Serena Williams (not to mention Britney Spears, Lana Del Rey, Adam Lambert and more) — to join him in a moment of silence to honor Houston’s memory, and you could hear a pin drop. Then, he announced that this night’s gala would be dedicated to the singer, before announcing, “And now, on with the music.” For the next three-plus hours, the talent in the room did their best to not only rise to the occasion but to vocalize the shock and sadness they were feeling in the hours after Houston’s death. Tony Bennett remembered that after Davis had signed Houston to Arista Records in the early 1980s, he told him, “Clive, you finally got the greatest singer I ever heard in my life,” before performing a somber rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” Diddy recalled Houston’s smile and “natural, positive spirit,” before telling the audience that “Whitney, simply put, had the greatest voice in the world. She was a gift from God.” After finishing his tribute, Combs then reminded the crowd that Davis’ gala has always been about celebrating — he repeated the phrase “There ain’t no party like a Clive Davis party” — and urged those in attendance to get out of their seats and give both Davis and Bennett standing ovations. That energy carried over into Kinks frontman Ray Davies’ raucous set, which had the men of Mumford & Sons leaping out of their seats. Pitbull, who teamed with Ne-Yo for a spirited sprint through their hit “Give Me Everything,” also managed to lift the event out of the shadows. Alicia Keys shared stories of singing “I Want to Dance With Somebody” in front of the mirror as a child, and she talked about her longtime friendship with Houston, whom she called “a sister.” She then played an emotional mini-set on the piano, which included her leading the audience in a sing-along to the chorus of “No One,” a fitting tribute indeed. Wiz Khalifa, who earlier in the night told MTV News that he planned on celebrating Houston’s life onstage, lived up to that promise during his brief set, burning through his hit “Black and Yellow” while backed by a cracking live band. And Brit import Jessie J had the attention of the entire room as she spoke about Houston’s influence, saying that when she first got signed at the age of 17, her #1 goal was meeting the singer. Of course, not everyone found the strength to perform. Towards the end of the night, Davis once again returned to the lectern and informed the audience that two of Houston’s disciples, Brandy and Monica, were scheduled to take the stage (he added that Houston had attended a rehearsal of their performance on Thursday), but were too emotional to make it through their song. And in a night overflowing with tributes to the late singer, it was that moment that truly said it all. Houston was not only a prodigious talent, she was also a friend, a mother, a family member … and all those points were mentioned time and time again during Saturday’s celebration. But the unspoken grief of two of Houston’s closest friends made it abundantly clear that she was also loved dearly, and that those who knew her best are struggling to put her death into perspective. But at the very least, this night was the first step. MTV News’ Sway and James Montgomery will be live from the Grammys red carpet this Sunday, February 12 starting at 5 p.m. ET to get reactions from music’s biggest stars on the death of Whitney Houston. Watch Reactions and Remembrances at MTV.com. Share your condolences with Whitney’s family and friends on our Facebook page. Related Videos Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos Related Artists Whitney Houston Clive Davis Tony Bennett Diddy Alicia Keys
Skrillex, Avicii, Duck Sauce, Swedish House Mafia and Robyn also contenders for Best Dance Recording at Sunday’s show. By Adam Stewart David Guetta Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images Kudos to the Academy. They’ve pretty much nailed it when it comes to the Grammy nominees in what’s arguably the most-important dance-related category Sunday night: Best Dance Recording. In 2011, the U.S. EDM market saw an explosion the likes of which hadn’t seen since the punk rock revolution back in the ’90s, and those given the nod are a testament to its abounding success. A category once graced by Madonna, Britney and Gaga is now overrun by the Prince of Dubstep, a monstrous mouse, a turntable whiz and his NYC cohort, three rock stars of house, a Frenchman with a Swedish prodigy and a girl who originally showed us love in the ’90s. Each one of the nominees was not only at the helm for producing a killer track, but was at the forefront of a movement that is changing the tastes of the American mainstream and truly defining cool culture. In further recognition of EDM’s explosion, the Grammys have lined up an all-star crew for a dance-music performance Sunday night in a tent outside Staples Center. Chris Brown, the Foo Fighters and Lil Wayne will join EDM superstars deadmau5 and David Guetta for a genre-busting performance that will highlight dance/electronica music. This marks the first Grammy performance to shed light on the increasingly popular genre, which has recently seeped into every form of music. For anyone still getting their feet wet in the scene, fear not: We’ve broken down the Best Dance Recording noms, put together a little prediction of who will probably win, based on how these things have gone in the past, and who should win — as in, what might best be accepted and respected by the EDM masses. It could very well be a pivotal year for the Grammys — if they get it right. Best Dance Recording Nominees deadmau5 and Greta Svabo Bech, “Raise Your Weapon” : deadmau5 went dubstep with this little experiment, and it earned him high marks. The angelic vocals of Bech, juxtaposed with signature ruff and rugged dubstep riffs, this track catapulted itself into a monster. deamau5 again showcased his versatility while (for the most part) maintaining that signature deadmau5 sound, but was it original enough for what we usually expect from this seemingly unconquerable musical madman? Duck Sauce , “Barbra Streisand” : In 2009, iconic NYC house-music icon Armand Van Helden paired up with Canadian spin master A-Trak in a collaborative effort named after the most popular of all condiments in pan-Asian cuisine. Since then, they’ve become one of the most popular dance acts around, in large part due to this crossover smash that pays homage to one of America’s most beloved entertainers. The tune is decked out with a spirited house groove and a vocal hook that everyone knows the words to. You’d have to have lived on the moon to not have heard this one, and have no soul to do anything but love it. David Guetta and Avicii , “Sunshine” : True EDM fans can’t complain on this one. It’s progressive house at its finest. EDM loyalists all the world over were ecstatic to see Guetta distancing himself from the Peas and picking up on Avicii, who is simply one of the most insanely talented producers out there. Try listening to this tune and not smiling ear to ear. It combines Avicii’s signature piano riffs and progressive charm with Guetta’s thunderous big room house and ability to produce bangers at a moment’s notice. The production value of “Sunshine” is precise, clean and harmonious. If the Academy is properly tuned in, this thumper has a good chance of coming out the victor. Robyn , “Call Your Girlfriend” : Taking nothing away, this is a killer tune by one of the key players in the dance-music crossover. However, it was Kaskade’s remix (un-nominated) that truly resonated with the EDM masses. Regardless, the original was a monster in the mainstream, and the killer cut off the third installment of Body Talk has absolutely taken Robyn to new heights and solidified her place as one of the all-time dance-music greats. Skrillex , “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” : This track was Dubstep 101 to anyone who’d never heard the genre. Call it “brostep” if you will, but you can’t deny that it expanded the sonic pallet of anyone who dared to listen to it. Some would say EDM noobs as a whole probably think the track defines the movement as a whole, which is less than accurate. Never the less, Skrillex and “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” is a very fitting example of what helped push dance music into the spotlight in 2011. Don’t be surprised to see Skrillex walking away with the golden gramophone. Swedish House Mafia , “Save the World” : The year 2011 was perhaps an incubation period for the rock stars of house. Having released just a pair of tracks in the calendar year, the Swedes went a little more pop on this than they had in the past, but nevertheless, still gave their loyal following what they wanted with a killer hook and an impossible-not-to-sing-along vocal provided by fellow Swede John Martin. If videos were involved in the selection, this would certainly take the prize. Heroic puppies and house music? A match made in heaven. Who Should Win David Guetta and Avicii, “Sunshine” Who Probably Will Win Skrillex, “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don’t miss our Grammy red-carpet live stream this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn’t end Sunday: MTV News has you covered for all the Grammy red-carpet fashion , Grammy winners and Grammy news until the hangover wears off! Related Videos A Guide To The Grammys 2012 Related Photos 2012 Grammy Nominees 2012 Grammy Performers Related Artists David Guetta deadmau5
A Video I made for Justin Bieber using the song Family Affair by Mary J. Blige. Thanks to the sites i got the pics and videos from. Lyrics: [Chorus:] Let’s get it crunk, we gonna’ have fun Up on in this dancery We got ya open, now ya floatin’ So you gots to dance for me Don’t need no hateration, holleratin’ In this dancery Let’s get it percolatin’, while you’re waiting So just dance for me Come on everybody get on up Cause you know we gots to get it crunk Mary J. is in the spot tonight As I’mma make it feel alright (Make it feel alright) Come on baby just party with me Let loose and set your body free Leave your situations at the door So when you step inside jump on the floor [Chorus] It’s only gonna be about a matter of time Before you get loose and start loose your mind Cop you a drink, go head and rock your ice Cause we celebrating No More Drama in our life With a great track pumpin’, everybody’s jumpin’ Going ahead and twist your back and get your body bumpin’ I told you leave your situations at the door So grab somebody and get your ass on the dance floor [Chorus] We don’t need, don’t need, no haters Just try to love one another We just want y’all have a good time No more drama in your life Work real hard to make a dime If you got beef, your problem, not mine Leave all that BS outside We’re gonna celebrate all night Let’s have fun, tonight, no fights Turn the Dre track way up high Making you dance all night and I Got some real heat for ya this time Doesn’t matter if … http://www.youtube.com/v/wuc-ghXvCSU?version=3&f=videos&app=youtube_gdata See the original post here: Family Affair (Justin Bieber Video) With Lyrics
A Video I made for Justin Bieber using the song Family Affair by Mary J. Blige. Thanks to the sites i got the pics and videos from. Lyrics: [Chorus:] Let’s get it crunk, we gonna’ have fun Up on in this dancery We got ya open, now ya floatin’ So you gots to dance for me Don’t need no hateration, holleratin’ In this dancery Let’s get it percolatin’, while you’re waiting So just dance for me Come on everybody get on up Cause you know we gots to get it crunk Mary J. is in the spot tonight As I’mma make it feel alright (Make it feel alright) Come on baby just party with me Let loose and set your body free Leave your situations at the door So when you step inside jump on the floor [Chorus] It’s only gonna be about a matter of time Before you get loose and start loose your mind Cop you a drink, go head and rock your ice Cause we celebrating No More Drama in our life With a great track pumpin’, everybody’s jumpin’ Going ahead and twist your back and get your body bumpin’ I told you leave your situations at the door So grab somebody and get your ass on the dance floor [Chorus] We don’t need, don’t need, no haters Just try to love one another We just want y’all have a good time No more drama in your life Work real hard to make a dime If you got beef, your problem, not mine Leave all that BS outside We’re gonna celebrate all night Let’s have fun, tonight, no fights Turn the Dre track way up high Making you dance all night and I Got some real heat for ya this time Doesn’t matter if … http://www.youtube.com/v/wuc-ghXvCSU?version=3&f=videos&app=youtube_gdata See the original post here: Family Affair (Justin Bieber Video) With Lyrics
It’s a brand new day for Viola Davis. The Oscar-nominated actress gives good face on the cover of this week’s L.A. Times Magazine–with a fierce ‘fro! In the interview Davis discusses her long climb to fame and success: “That really is our plight, especially as women of color,” she says. “You can have all the training in the world, come from a respectable background and yet never get that big opportunity that breaks you out—never.” You can read the interview in entirety HERE What say you readers–should Davis consider rocking her natural hair going forward? Or is it back to the wigs and the weaves? Sound off in the comments section below. RELATED POSTS: “The Help” Wins Big at SAG Awards [VIDEO] “The Help” Scores Four Oscar Nominations
Hide your wife kids, hide your wife! Antoine Dodson, who became an overnight sensation from the now infamous YouTube clip, is using his fame to launch his musical career. Dodson teams up with artist Brent Morgan for a track titled “Lovesick Lullaby.” Even though Dodson’s vocals seem to be assisted by Autotune, the song seems pretty decent. What say you readers? Does Dodson have a career in music, or should he stick to calling out would-be criminals? RELATED POSTS: CAPTION THIS: Antoine Dodson Goes Blonde [PHOTO] WTF! Antoine Dodson Releases Dance Video To Rihanna’s “Skin” Antoine Dodson Pleads Not Guilty To Weed Possession
Ben Gazzara, a popular character actor, passed away Friday at the age of 81. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, his lawyer told The New York Times . His powerful dramatic performances brought an intensity to a variety of roles and made him a memorable presence in iconic productions over the years. From the original Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on Broadway to the movie The Big Lebowski and countless others, he made an impact on stage, screen and film. Accomplished as an actor, and known as dapper and irresistible to women, Gazzara (also known for Roadhouse ) came by his many streetwise roles naturally. He began his career on Broadway productions, later moving to California to appear in movies, including Anatomy of a Murder and The Young Doctors . He also played his most famous role on TV, as a doomed attorney on NBC’s answer to ABC’s The Fugitive . Called Run for Your Life , it ran from 1965-68.
Look out, music world. Lexi Sullivan is coming. The young singer stars in a new video for a track titled “Hot Stuff,” which is produced by Ark Music Factory, the same company that made a star out of Rebecca Black . And, no offense to Lexi, who may be perfectly nice and innocent in all this, but the song makes Black’s “Friday” sound like a Grammy winner. In it, Sullivan appears to be singing about some cute boy who isn’t very nice, so his glasses break and some other stuff happens and, really, you just need to watch for yourself. But do it with ear plugs, folks. You’ve been warned… Lexi Sullivan – Hot Stuff
Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale aren’t just good friends off screen. They’re good friends off screen who can seriously bust a move! In a new video that’s gone viral, the former High School Musical co-stars dance it up at North Hollywood’s Millennium Dance Complex to Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls),” shaking their groove thangs and clearly having a great time. “Dance class with @slaughteration and Nessa #whoruntheworld,” Tisdale Tweeted prior to the session with Hudgens and choreographer Jeri Slaughter. Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale Dance to Beyonce
