‘It’s something that I would have loved to do,’ singer says on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show. By Jocelyn Vena Rihanna Photo: Michael Tran/ FilmMagic Rihanna was rumored to be a potential judge on “X Factor,” alongside Simon Cowell and her former label boss L.A. Reid . However, the songstress confirmed to Ryan Seacrest on Wednesday (April 13) that while there were discussions about her joining the show, she couldn’t put her career on hold long enough to commit. “I just heard about it actually, but, yes, it’s something that I would have loved to do, actually. But our schedule doesn’t allow and it’s a demanding schedule to be on that show. You have to be around months at a time, which is impossible for me.” What was easier to schedule was getting Britney Spears on the remix of her track “S&M.” “It was automatic; it was a go. She was great, really professional,” she said of the track, which was released earlier this week. “I think that’s what makes this collaboration so successful: It’s two female artists within the same genre of music. We have similar sounds. It’s very unexpected to see two artists collaborate and get together. The fans are really appreciative of that.” She added that while the song is “very provocative,” she thinks people need to take the lyrics and redirect the message to be about something more than just sex. “When I first heard this record, I automatically knew those words didn’t mean [that] … it was about my love-hate relationship with the media,” she explained of the message, one that Spears can also certainly relate to. “I knew what the song was to me and I wanted to make that point in the video. The video got banned in a lot of countries even though I didn’t think it was that raunchy. I thought it was fun and quirky. I really didn’t expect the song to go this far.” Rihanna’s upcoming busy schedule includes performing at the Billboard Music Awards next month and co-headlining the V Festival with Eminem in the U.K. this August. Related Artists Rihanna
Producer tells Mixtape Daily he’s working with Shady Records’ Yelawolf. By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Kara Warner Jim Jonsin Photo: MTV News Mixtape Daily: Jim Jonsin Jim Jonsin says he’s in bed by midnight, but considering his schedule, we have a tough time believing him. One of the Grammy-winning producer and music executive’s latest gigs is mentoring contestants on the current, 10th season of “American Idol.” The Brooklyn native’s job duties include cutting full cover songs within a week’s time that are then sold on iTunes . “I’m into artist development, so I like taking an artist brand new and working with them and teaching them new things and watching them grow,” Jonsin told Mixtape Daily . “They’re having to grow at lightning speed. With the music producers injected into this now, now they’re really at hard knocks, right? Not only do you have to build this performance, but now you have to record a song. And record an amazing song that’s gotta go on iTunes for sale and it reflects you and you being an artist.” Looking at his production discography, it’s clear Jonsin’s career is nothing short of amazing itself. The former engineer for Slip-N-Slide Records has gone on to produce tracks for artists including T.I., Kelly Rowland, Usher and Lil Wayne, winning a Grammy for 2008’s “Lollipop.” Some new jacks have benefited from Jonsin’s studio touch too. Wiz Khalifa’s “On My Level” from his just-released debut, Rolling Papers , is a Jonsin creation. “He’s got that Snoop Dogg vibe with his own twist, Jay-Z kinda,” Jonsin said. “Working with Wiz, it was good. He’s kind of a traditional hip-hop artist, which I love most, mixed with this edgy skater-punk spirit. He definitely blends with my character: I like that.” Jonsin also speaks highly of B.o.B. The ATL rapper/singer/songwriter’s B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray was released on Jonsin’s Rebel Rock label in conjunction with Atlantic Records and Grand Hustle Records. B.o.B and Jonsin have started working on the gold-selling album’s follow-up. “His last album kind of reflects who he is, but he’s growing into something new,” Jonsin said. “I’m waiting for what he brings us back when we go back in the studio — he’s got some ideas — to kind of see the direction he’s going in. We’re letting him lead that. He’s really talented. The guy produces, writes, he does a lot of his own stuff. I think his album will reflect that. I think this album will have a lot of his own work on it. We’re waiting on him to give us the direction. “I think there’ll be less features on this album, more him singing and rapping. Definitely less features: He wants to showcase himself more, put out more of his own ideas.” Another artist Jonsin is working with — Roc Nation’s J. Cole — surely has plenty of ideas, even if he has yet to release an album. “He’s that traditional hip-hop. I’m trying to give it a little Jim Jonsin, a little crossover, a little rock,” Jonsin said. “Some of the stuff we did was more traditional hip-hop with just a little edge to it, some rock in it. So I think we’re going to stick to that and see what happens.” Jonsin’s schedule is also booked with working with 50 Cent for the first time and with Eminem on his latest Shady Records signee’s forthcoming album. “That’s going to be fun,” Jonsin said. “We’re working for Yelawolf’s project. It’s all about Yela. We’re going to actually produce together. I get to work with Eminem producing records.” For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Artists Jim Jonsin
‘If you are serious about the meeting, I want Randy’s Donuts, swivel chairs and a megaphone,’ Tyler, the Creator tells record exec. By Alvin Blanco Photo: Roger Kisby/ Getty Images Los Angeles’ OFWGKTA (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All) are one of the most lauded and debated acts in hip-hop today. Being a hot commodity has granted the collective the luxury of having music executives seek out their services, and Odd Future have in turn conceived some odd requests in order to gain their audience. Odd Future is asking record label execs to meet with them to discuss business at the Supreme skate shop in Fairfax, California, according to the New York Post . SRC Records founder Steve Rifkind was able to get them to his office but allegedly only after acquiescing to Odd Future mouthpiece Tyler, the Creator’s demands. “If you are serious about the meeting, I want Randy’s Donuts, swivel chairs and a megaphone,” Tyler reportedly told Rifkind. It was also revealed that Bad Boy Records head honcho Sean “Diddy” Combs was the one who set up the meeting between Justin Bieber and one of his biggest fans, Tyler, the Creator . Although Tyler has signed a one-album deal with XL Recording and MellowHype is having the album BlackendWhite formally released by Fat Possum Records, Odd Future itself is still unsigned. Some of the other major rap industry players trying to earn Odd Future’s services include Interscope/ Geffen/ A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine, who signed Eminem, and Jay-Z, who signed Rihanna to Def Jam while he was the label’s president and whose Roc Nation is currently home to Jay Electronica and Willow Smith. Jay-Z met with Odd Future during the South by Southwest Festival — over tacos — and left quite an impression. “It was hard for me to look at Jay-Z for 10 minutes. Like, real sh–, this is the godfather of music,” MellowHype’s Hodgy Beats told MTV News. “I just shook his hand in his house. Honestly, it made me want to work harder. Jay-Z is amazing.” Related Videos The Wonderful Adventures Of Odd Future At SXSW 2011 Related Artists Odd Future Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All Diddy
‘I’m so honored, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg,’ Snoop eulogized at funeral. By Rahman Dukes Snoop Dogg arrives at Nate Dogg’s funeral on Saturday Photo: MTV News LONG BEACH, California — On a dark and damp Saturday morning (March 26), thousands of family, friends and fans turned out for one last show from their hero, rap legend Nate Dogg , who was laid to rest in his hometown of Long Beach. Inside the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, lights shined down on the wooden coffin adorned with red and white flowers. Two jumbo screens on opposite sides of his casket flashed six different photos of the singer from a childhood boy, when he was known to family as “Buddy,” to the platinum singer known to the world as Nate Dogg. West Coast rap artists including Dr. Dre, Game, DJ Quik, Mack-10 and WC, DJ Pooh, Battlecat and others were on hand to pay their respects to the singer with platinum vocal chords. “1986, Poly High School, that’s where we connected for the first time,” an emotionally distraught Snoop reflected on his friend. “We didn’t know each other, but the music connected us. We built a brotherhood, a friendship.” Snoop first met Nate along with his best friend Warren G at the school where they would go on to form the rap trio 213. Warren G spoke briefly, reminding mourners in attendance what a great man the music world has lost. “It hurts me so much to see this,” Warren G said somberly while looking down at the casket. “We been through a whole lot and that was my dog. He stayed down with me from the bottom to the top. I didn’t ever think I would have to sit at a funeral for one of my dogs. All I can say is that was my friend, me him and Snoop was 213 from the balls to the walls. The music industry lost an incredible artist.” Several of Nate’s closest friends, relatives and colleagues including Xzibit, Daz and Kurupt, Butch Cassidy, Los Angeles radio station personality Big Boy from Power 106, and producer FredWreck all shared memorable stories of their friend, who they said made an important impact on their lives. Xzibit recalled a time during the Up in Smoke Tour when Nate was arrested, but hours later somehow magically appeared at the show’s next date. A teary-eyed Kurupt said Nate was the father figure who raised him. Manager Rod McGrew acted as Nate’s manager throughout his professional music career and was with him up until his last days. “He fought a hard fight,” McGrew said. He also thanked Dr. Dre and Eminem, in addition to Snoop, Warren G and Xzibit, for assisting the family in getting through the past several days. “The last three years were unbelievable. He didn’t give up. He just had a talk with God and gave up. Two hours before that he was fine.” McGrew said that with Nate’s passing, the singer’s three wishes will now be granted. “He wanted to go to heaven and hang with his boys,” McGrew said. “He loved Tupac. He recorded with him. He wanted to hang with Biggie. But the most important thing is that he can walk around heaven with his favorite artist of all time, Michael Jackson.” With his deep, melodic voice and smooth soul rumble, Dogg was one of the key elements in the rise of the West Coast G-Funk sound pioneered by Death Row Records in the early 1990s. Along with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Warren G, Nate was a critical participant in a number of major left-coast gangsta hits, including G’s “Regulate” and Dre’s iconic solo debut, 1992’s The Chronic. The hip-hop singer passed away earlier this month after suffering multiple health setbacks in the past several years stemming from separate strokes. The choir that sang during Nate’s home-going was handpicked by the singer himself. One of its members, Jacob Lusk , is currently a contestant on “American Idol.” “He was a loving caring individual,” said Snoop. “If you listen to his music, he took church melodies and flipped it with hip-hop. I’m so honored, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg. I want to stand here and cry, but I have to have the strength for you Nate Dogg. It’s 213, DPG for life.” Related Videos Remembering Nate Dogg Related Photos Nate Dogg Laid To Rest, 03.26.2011 Related Artists Nate Dogg Snoop Dogg Warren G Dr. Dre DPG
‘I’m so honored, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg,’ Snoop eulogized at funeral. By Rahman Dukes Nate Dogg funeral Photo: Rahman Dukes LONG BEACH, California — On a dark and damp Saturday morning (March 26), thousands of family, friends and fans turned out for one last show from their hero, rap legend Nate Dogg , who was laid to rest in his hometown of Long Beach. Inside the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, lights shined down on the wooden coffin adorned with red and white flowers. Two jumbo screens on opposite sides of his casket flashed six different photos of the singer from a childhood boy, when he was known to family as “Buddy,” to the platinum singer known to the world as Nate Dogg. West Coast rap artists including Dr. Dre, Game, DJ Quik, Mack-10 and WC, DJ Pooh, Battlecat and others were on hand to pay their respects to the singer with platinum vocal chords. “1986, Poly High School, that’s where we connected for the first time,” an emotionally distraught Snoop reflected on his friend. “We didn’t know each other, but the music connected us. We built a brotherhood, a friendship.” Snoop first met Nate along with his best friend Warren G at the school where they would go on to form the rap trio 213. Warren G spoke briefly, reminding mourners in attendance what a great man the music world has lost. “It hurts me so much to see this,” Warren G said somberly while looking down at the casket. “We been through a whole lot and that was my dog. He stayed down with me from the bottom to the top. I didn’t ever think I would have to sit at a funeral for one of my dogs. All I can say is that was my friend, me him and Snoop was 213 from the balls to the walls. The music industry lost an incredible artist.” Several of Nate’s closest friends, relatives and colleagues including Xzibit, Daz and Kurupt, Butch Cassidy, Los Angeles radio station personality Big Boy from Power 106, and producer FredWreck all shared memorable stories of their friend, who they said made an important impact on their lives. Xzibit recalled a time during the Up in Smoke Tour when Nate was arrested, but hours later somehow magically appeared at the show’s next date. A teary-eyed Kurupt said Nate was the father figure who raised him. Manager Rod McGrew acted as Nate’s manager throughout his professional music career and was with him up until his last days. “He fought a hard fight,” McGrew said. He also thanked Dr. Dre and Eminem, in addition to Snoop, Warren G and Xzibit, for assisting the family in getting through the past several days. “The last three years were unbelievable. He didn’t give up. He just had a talk with God and gave up. Two hours before that he was fine.” McGrew said that with Nate’s passing, the singer’s three wishes will now be granted. “He wanted to go to heaven and hang with his boys,” McGrew said. “He loved Tupac. He recorded with him. He wanted to hang with Biggie. But the most important thing is that he can walk around heaven with his favorite artist of all time, Michael Jackson.” With his deep, melodic voice and smooth soul rumble, Dogg was one of the key elements in the rise of the West Coast G-Funk sound pioneered by Death Row Records in the early 1990s. Along with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Warren G, Nate was a critical participant in a number of major left-coast gangsta hits, including G’s “Regulate” and Dre’s iconic solo debut, 1992’s The Chronic. The hip-hop singer passed away earlier this month after suffering multiple health setbacks in the past several years stemming from separate strokes. The choir that sang during Nate’s home-going was handpicked by the singer himself. One of its members, Jacob Lusk , is currently a contestant on “American Idol.” “He was a loving caring individual,” said Snoop. “If you listen to his music, he took church melodies and flipped it with hip-hop. I’m so honored, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg. I want to stand here and cry, but I have to have the strength for you Nate Dogg. It’s 213, DPG for life.” Related Videos Remembering Nate Dogg Related Photos Nate Dogg: A Life In Photos Nate Dogg’s Hometown Wake Related Artists Nate Dogg
With a death toll past 10,000, popular artists like Nicki Minaj , Beyonce , Eminem , Rihanna and Cee-Lo have banned together to donate their music in effort to help Japan. The compilation disc is available on Itunes and featured 38 tracks. The charity album is a joint effort between Universal Music Group, Sony Entertainment Music, Warner Music Group and EMI Music. The Tracklist: John Lennon, “Imagine (Remastered)” U2, “Walk On” Bob Dylan, “Shelter From the Storm” Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Around the World (Live)” Lady Gaga, “Born This Way (Starsmith Remix) Beyonce, “Irreplaceable” Bruno Mars, “Talking to the Moon (Acoustic Piano Version)” Katy Perry, “Firework” Rihanna, “Only Girl (In the World)” Justin Timberlake, “Like I Love You” Madonna, “Miles Away (Live)” David Guetta, “When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland)” Eminem, “Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)” Bruce Springsteen, “Human Touch” Josh Groban, “Awake (Live)” Keith Urban, “Better Life” The Black Eyed Peas, “One Tribe” P!nk, “Sober” Cee Lo Green, “It’s OK” Lady Antebellum, “I Run to You” Bon Jovi, “What Do You Got?” Foo Fighters, “My Hero” R.E.M., “Man On the Moon (Live)” Nicki Minaj, “Save Me (Clean Version)” Sade, “By Your Side” Michael Buble, “Hold On (Radio Mix)” Justin Bieber, “Pray (Acoustic)” Adele, “Make You Feel My Love” Enya, “If I Could Be Where You Are” Elton John, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” John Mayer, “Waiting On the World to Change” Queen, “Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)” Kings of Leon, “Use Somebody” Sting, Steven Mercurio & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, “Fragile (Live in Berlin)” Leona Lewis, “Better In Time” Ne-Yo, “One In a Million” Shakira, “Whenever, Wherever” Norah Jones, “Sunrise” Nicki Minaj Already Prepping Second Album [VIDEO] Ginuwine Says “If Aaliyah Were Still Here, She & Beyonce Would Be Neck And Neck”
With a death toll past 10,000, popular artists like Nicki Minaj , Beyonce , Eminem , Rihanna and Cee-Lo have banned together to donate their music in effort to help Japan. The compilation disc is available on Itunes and featured 38 tracks. The charity album is a joint effort between Universal Music Group, Sony Entertainment Music, Warner Music Group and EMI Music. The Tracklist: John Lennon, “Imagine (Remastered)” U2, “Walk On” Bob Dylan, “Shelter From the Storm” Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Around the World (Live)” Lady Gaga, “Born This Way (Starsmith Remix) Beyonce, “Irreplaceable” Bruno Mars, “Talking to the Moon (Acoustic Piano Version)” Katy Perry, “Firework” Rihanna, “Only Girl (In the World)” Justin Timberlake, “Like I Love You” Madonna, “Miles Away (Live)” David Guetta, “When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland)” Eminem, “Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)” Bruce Springsteen, “Human Touch” Josh Groban, “Awake (Live)” Keith Urban, “Better Life” The Black Eyed Peas, “One Tribe” P!nk, “Sober” Cee Lo Green, “It’s OK” Lady Antebellum, “I Run to You” Bon Jovi, “What Do You Got?” Foo Fighters, “My Hero” R.E.M., “Man On the Moon (Live)” Nicki Minaj, “Save Me (Clean Version)” Sade, “By Your Side” Michael Buble, “Hold On (Radio Mix)” Justin Bieber, “Pray (Acoustic)” Adele, “Make You Feel My Love” Enya, “If I Could Be Where You Are” Elton John, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” John Mayer, “Waiting On the World to Change” Queen, “Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)” Kings of Leon, “Use Somebody” Sting, Steven Mercurio & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, “Fragile (Live in Berlin)” Leona Lewis, “Better In Time” Ne-Yo, “One In a Million” Shakira, “Whenever, Wherever” Norah Jones, “Sunrise” Nicki Minaj Already Prepping Second Album [VIDEO] Ginuwine Says “If Aaliyah Were Still Here, She & Beyonce Would Be Neck And Neck”
An all-star line-up of artists have contributed their works to aid the relief efforts for the victims of the disaster in Japan. Music from the hottest artists around has been compiled into Songs for Japan, an all-star album created to raise money for earthquake relief efforts. Available today on iTunes, the 38-track digital disc includes Nicki Minaj’s “Save Me,” Eminem’s “Love the Way you Lie (ft. Rihanna),” Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” and Cee Lo Green’s “It’s Okay.” The download is $9.99; a physical double disc will be released next month. The charity album is a joint effort between Universal Music Group, Sony Entertainment Music, Warner Music Group and EMI Music. More than 10,000 people have been declared dead, according to Japan’s National Police Agency. Proceeds from Songs for Japan will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society to assist survivors. The tracklist for the double-disc is hella long but here goes: John Lennon, “Imagine (Remastered)” U2, “Walk On” Bob Dylan, “Shelter From the Storm” Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Around the World (Live)” Lady Gaga, “Born This Way (Starsmith Remix) Beyonce, “Irreplaceable” Bruno Mars, “Talking to the Moon (Acoustic Piano Version)” Katy Perry, “Firework” Rihanna, “Only Girl (In the World)” Justin Timberlake, “Like I Love You” Madonna, “Miles Away (Live)” David Guetta, “When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland)” Eminem, “Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)” Bruce Springsteen, “Human Touch” Josh Groban, “Awake (Live)” Keith Urban, “Better Life” The Black Eyed Peas, “One Tribe” P!nk, “Sober” Cee Lo Green, “It’s OK” Lady Antebellum, “I Run to You” Bon Jovi, “What Do You Got?” Foo Fighters, “My Hero” R.E.M., “Man On the Moon (Live)” Nicki Minaj, “Save Me (Clean Version)” Sade, “By Your Side” Michael Buble, “Hold On (Radio Mix)” Justin Bieber, “Pray (Acoustic)” Adele, “Make You Feel My Love” Enya, “If I Could Be Where You Are” Elton John, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” John Mayer, “Waiting On the World to Change” Queen, “Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)” Kings of Leon, “Use Somebody” Sting, Steven Mercurio & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, “Fragile (Live in Berlin)” Leona Lewis, “Better In Time” Ne-Yo, “One In a Million” Shakira, “Whenever, Wherever” Norah Jones, “Sunrise” Way to go guys, hopefully your musical contributions will help aid the millions of people who need assistance in Japan. Do something good, go cop that people!! Source
‘I’m just glad to know that my brother was able to do what he loved,’ sister Pamela Hale-Burns tells MTV News. By Tamara Palmer, with reporting by Rahman Dukes Nate Dogg Photo: Mark Sullivan/ WireImage LONG BEACH, California — One of the West Coast’s most iconic hip-hop voices filled the air on Friday (March 25) as family, friends and fans waved goodbye to Nate Dogg . Hundreds of people gathered outside the New Hope Baptist Church to pay tribute to the late singer, who died last week at age 41. The service, which was open to the public, included close friend and actor Ricky Harris and collaborators Daz Dillinger and producer Battlecat. Some mourners came from as far away as London, New York and San Francisco to pay their respects to the golden-voiced singer. Nate Dogg was an accomplished artist who not only helped define the sound of West Coast rap via his memorable collaborations with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and others, but also helped earn top 10 tracks for Eminem and 50 Cent in the past decade. He died on March 15 due to complications sustained in the years following two separate strokes. At the time of his death, he had been resting at the home of his mother Ruth Holmes, not far from the church. New Hope was more than a temple of worship for Nate Dogg; it is also where he got his start in music, honing what would later be an inimitable voice by singing gospel in the choir there with sister Pamela Hale-Burns, now a reporter for the Long Beach Press-Telegram. “Singing is something that we grew up doing, and I’m just glad to know that my brother was able to do what he loved,” Hale-Burns told MTV News. “I said earlier that he chose a career where he never worked a day in his life, because he loved doing what he did.” The church is also just a few blocks away from VIP Records, the legendary independent shop where Nate started his career along with Snoop. It’s immortalized in Snoop’s video for his debut single “Who Am I (What’s My Name?).” “What this means for me today is just to keep on striving, to keep on pushing the line that we set 20 years ago until now,” said Daz, who ended his tour to attend the service. “I’m just here to celebrate Nate Dogg’s life.” Nate’s older sibling Samuel Hale, a.k.a. Sam Dogg, asked that Nate’s fans never forget the man who left a legacy of countless hit records behind. “Remember his voice, his talent, and keep the family in prayer,” Sam said. “My brother is a legend, and we’re going to miss him a whole lot.” Nate Dogg’s funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal (formerly the Spruce Goose Dome), adjacent to the Queen Mary hotel. While access to the funeral will be limited, a service for the public will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Dome, the Press-Telegram reports. Share your memories of Nate Dogg in the comments below. Related Videos Remembering Nate Dogg Related Photos Nate Dogg’s Hometown Wake Nate Dogg: A Life In Photos Related Artists Nate Dogg
The world is going crazy over bullies as if they’re something new we haven’t seen before. Fact is, bullies are and have always been all around us. The world is filled with crazy bullies that only want what’s best for them. Don’t believe us? Here are 10 examples.
