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The Real Housewives of Atlanta Recap: A Spa Showdown!

You won’t believe this, but there was a lot of drama and fighting this week on The Real Housewives of Atlanta . Our intern has it all covered in her weekly review… There was no love lost this week in Atlanta. Kandi rehearsed with her backup singers for her upcoming tour when Kim stopped by.

VMA House Artist Deadmau5’s ‘Cube’ Will Be Part Of Sunday’s Show

‘To include the deadmau5 cube was a challenge. … It’s going to look great,’ VMA production designer says. By James Montgomery DJ Deadmau5 Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images There are several challenges that come with booking someone like deadmau5 as VMA house artist … and trying to fit his electronic, Murakami-on-acid mouse head inside the Nokia Theatre represents about 10 of them. And then, as anyone who caught the mau5 on any of his live gigs over the past year can attest, there’s also the matter of his eye-popping, seizure-inducing “cube,” a veritable wall of electric fireworks and frippery atop which he performs. It packs enough wallop to give the guys in Daft Punk pause, and, yes, he wanted very much to bring it to the VMAs. And what the house artist wants, the house artist gets, so the folks behind the scenes at the VMAs worked overtime to accommodate his request. And somehow — probably because they’re total pros — they pulled it off. And not just that … they managed to work it into the stage design too. “To include the deadmau5 cube was a challenge because the cube became a very important part of the show, which is the background of the presenters,” VMA production designer Florian Wieder said. “It really becomes part of the whole show. It’s going to look great.” You can see it all for yourself on Sunday night when the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards come at you live from Los Angeles. Deadmau5 will be teaming up with a host of hotly tipped acts, including Robyn , Travie McCoy and Jason Derulo. The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News’ VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday. Related Videos VMA 2010 Exposed Revealed: MTV Video Music Awards Related Photos VMA 2010: Behind The Scenes At The Promo Shoot 2010 Video Music Awards Performers And Presenters Related Artists deadmau5

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VMA House Artist Deadmau5’s ‘Cube’ Will Be Part Of Sunday’s Show

B.o.B, Ke$ha, More L.A. Gigs Kick-Start VMA Weekend

Jason Der

Wissam Al Mana: Dating Janet Jackson!

It’s been a tough year for Janet Jackson, but she’s happier lately. New boyfriend Wissam Al Mana could be a big reason for that. After splitting from longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri after a seven-year relationship last summer, Jackson slowly eased into this new romance. The pop star and her man were snapped soaking up the rays in Sardinia, Italy. The 44-year-old Why Did I Get Married Too? star and the 35-year-old businessman from Qatar, who owns homes worldwide, have been quietly enjoying each other’s company, according to reports. Glad she’s moving on and happy! It’s nice to see Michael’s sister happy again. We’re guessing Wissam Al Mana approves of Janet’s new haircut too. In non-romance news, she’s currently writing True You, an exercise and nutrition book. She told Essence she “wanted to write this book because [she] wanted kids to have something to read and know that they are beautiful as they are.” A noble goal!

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Wissam Al Mana: Dating Janet Jackson!

Janet Jackson Says ‘I Love My Life’

‘It took me a good minute to get here, it really did,’ the pop star tells Essence in August cover story. By Mawuse Ziegbe Janet Jackson on the August 2010 cover of “Essence” Photo: Essence Communications To her fans, Janet Jackson would appear to have emerged from an especially taxing year. The pop star just marked the one-year anniversary of brother Michael’s death and, last year, ended her relationship with longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri . But despite her personal trials, Jackson recently revealed that she’s in a good place in her life. “It took me a good minute to get here, it really did. But I love my life,” Jackson tells Essence in the August issue hitting newsstands July 12. “I only wish I had this confidence when I was younger.” Although Jackson may have lacked confidence in her early years, the hitmaker maintained that she has no qualms about aging; an outlook the Jackson family matriarch, Katherine, instilled in her and her celebrity siblings. “Mother always raised us to believe that age was just a number. All of us — my sisters, my brothers — we’ll just tell you our ages because it’s all about where you are mentally and how you feel about yourself.” Perhaps Jackson’s attitude is also influenced by the new inroads she’s making in her career. The diva has ramped up her acting work in recent months, pulling off an emotional performance in “Why Did I Get Married Too?” Jackson is also scheduled to begin shooting the star-studded “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf,” helmed by Tyler Perry, and with such co-stars as Whoopi Goldberg and Kerry Washington. The megastar also relished her overall independence. “I’m so fortunate. I’m a free agent. I’m not trapped in a contract where I’m unhappy,” Jackson said. “I’m very free, and I love this feeling. I can do whatever I want.” And while Jackson may not be committing to any recording projects just yet, she isn’t shying away from the stage. The singer is slated to perform at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this weekend. Jackson will hit the stage alongside several acts, including Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and Trey Songz. Are you eager to hear new music from Janet? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Janet Jackson

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Janet Jackson Says ‘I Love My Life’

‘VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ To Give Dirty South Its Props

Drake, Rick Ross, Diddy, Gucci Mane among rappers performing tributes on the show. By Shaheem Reid Drake Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images “VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South” promises fans energetic performances by some of rap’s all-time greats, when the latest installment in the tribute series airs Monday night (June 7). This year’s show is dedicated to hip-hop originating from down bottom: Luther Campbell and his Miami group the 2 Live Crew; producers Jermaine Dupri, Organized Noize and Timbaland; J. Prince and the Houston-based Rap-A-Lot music empire; and Master P and the No Limit soldiers who turned New Orleans on its ear. “Tonight is gonna be historical,” DJ Khaled told MTV News last week as the show taped at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom. “To be a part of a historical moment like this … I been with [Rick] Ross, I seen Bun B, I seen Luke. I seen Pitbull, Trina, Goodie Mob. Just the rehearsal alone, I had goose bumps. This is big for the South — this is big for music period.” Among the acts honoring this year’s class are Khaled and Ross, Paul Wall, Lil Jon, Drake, Trina, Pitbull, Nelly and the St. Lunatics, as well as Diddy and Gucci Mane. Meanwhile, T.I. and Jonah Hill participated as presenters; Craig Robinson hosts. “Just being in jail three weeks ago, that was so big for me,” Gucci told Miss Info about his involvement in the ceremony. “No pressure. Everything is downhill from there,” he told the media personality. “Nothing bigger than … getting your freedom back. I don’t have nothing to prove.” During rehearsals last week, Silkk the Shocker said he was proud of what his brother, Master P, had accomplished . “With me, first of all, shouts out to him, ’cause I got to see greatness for a long time,” Silkk said. “It’s very good to finally see him get honored for it. And then, I think a lot of people out there also appreciate what he’s done. I perform all the time, but to actually perform and give back to him and show him what he means to us, that’s amazing for me.” P told MTV News that one of his greatest contributions was selling so many records without the backing of a major label. “When it comes down to putting out records, people are afraid. They say, ‘I don’t want to put out too many records,’ ” P explained of the conventional rationale. “My thing was, with No Limit, when you’re hot, you’re hot, you give ’em whatever you can give ’em. That’s what I teach my family: When you got ’em, give it to ’em, ’cause when you got a fanbase, feed that fanbase. There’s no such thing as too much music. We accomplished something that nobody did, to be able to sell 75 million records independently and to be honored for hip-hop is a blessing and lets you know we been dong the right thing.” Some of the can’t-miss moments on this year’s “Hip Hop Honors” are Bow Wow dressed up like Kris Kross to perform the JD-produced classic “Jump,” and the lively return of Mystikal during P’s “Make ‘Em Say Ugh.” Whose set are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Behind The Scenes Related Photos 2010 VH1 Hip Hop Honorees, Artists Scheduled To Appear Related Artists Drake Rick Ross (Hip-Hop) Diddy Gucci Mane

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‘VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ To Give Dirty South Its Props

Rick Ross, T.I., Drake Rep The Dirty South At ‘VH1 Hip Hop Honors’

Timbaland, Lil Jon, Paul Wall and others also performed at the event, which airs Monday on VH1. By Jayson Rodriguez Rick Ross Photo: Getty Images NEW YORK — “VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South” might have represented Atlanta, Texas, Miami, New Orleans and everywhere in between, but all points were a unified front for the event Thursday night (June 3) at the Hammerstein Ballroom. “I always say the East Coast is one piece of bread, and the West Coast is another piece of bread,” honoree J. Prince of Rap-a-Lot Records said during the tribute. “And the South is the meat. I describe it that way, ’cause everyone has roots in the South.” Drake, Bun B, the Game, Juvenile and the Geto Boys’ Willie D all performed as a part of the Rap-a-Lot set. Drake paid homage to the late Pimp C as he and Bun joined forces for “Get Throwed.” “Office” actor Craig Robinson replaced Tracy Morgan as host of the festivities, and with the help of Lil Jon and Paul Wall, he received a Southern makeover. “You got to put your money where your mouth is,” Jon told the host, as Paul Wall “DDS” presented Robinson with grillz. Jon and Wall scored plenty of laughs throughout the night via a series of sketches. In one, the pair attempted to dole out directions to a bystander, but the combination of slang (“slabs” and “shawty”) left him confused. Paul Wall also put in time onstage as he, Chamillionaire and Slim Thug were part of the Texas tribute. The Lone Star State, Miami and Atlanta were all recognized, in addition to official honorees Master P, Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, J. Prince, Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew, and Outkast producers Organized Noize. JD’s set rivaled the Rap-a-Lot tribute for the highlight of the evening. The producer brought out Dem Franchize Boyz, Diddy and Bow Wow, who brought fans to their feet when he rose from the audience with his clothes on backward, in honor of Kris Kross. ” ‘Cause inside-out is wiggity wiggity wack,” he rapped. Uncle Luke suffered through technical difficulties during the 2 Live Crew set. Mannie Fresh helped keep things moving throughout the delay, shouting out Tony Draper and his pioneering company Suave House Records. Master P’s tribute went through without a hitch. His son Romeo, brother Silkk the Shocker, Trina and Mystikal hit the stage to pay homage. Mystikal was a frenetic force of energy, as he and Romeo performed P’s breakout hit “Make ‘Em Say Ugh.” Gucci Mane, T.I., Bone Crusher, DJ Drama and the Ying Yang twins honored Atlanta, while Trick Daddy, Pitbull, Flo Rida, and Trina repped for Miami. Rick Ross and DJ Khaled proved to be showstoppers as the pair put on mink coats for the Boss’ latest single, “Super High.” Producer Timbaland and Organized Noize brought out a bevy of guest to celebrate their discography, from Fabolous and Keri Hilson to Nelly and Asher Roth. “VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South” airs Monday at 9 p.m. on VH1. Whose set are you most looking forward to on Monday? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Rick Ross, Keri Hilson And More At ‘Hip Hop Honors’ Related Artists T.I. Bow Wow Drake

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Rick Ross, T.I., Drake Rep The Dirty South At ‘VH1 Hip Hop Honors’

‘VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ Puts Spotlight On ‘Dirty South’ Pioneers

Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, 2 Live Crew and more will be honored at the show, airing June 7. By Jayson Rodriguez Timbaland Photo: MTV News Rick Ross, Gucci Mane and recently ousted “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Chad Ochocinco will be among the performers and presenters at this year’s “VH1 Hip Hop Honors” festivities, recognizing “The Dirty South.” The show is set to be taped June 3 at Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom and air Monday, June 7, at 9 p.m. on VH1. For the first time since the production’s inception, a new host will take the reins, as “Hot Tub Time Machine” star Craig Robinson steps into Tracy Morgan’s unlaced Adidas shell-top sneakers. Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, Rap-A-Lot Records founder J Prince, Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew, Master P and Outkast producers Organize Noise will be this year’s honorees. This is the second year in a row “Hip Hop Honors” centers on a theme; last year, Def Jam Records was honored . The production also returns to Hammerstein Ballroom after a one-year absence. Last year’s taping occurred at the BAM Theater in Brooklyn, New York. A slew of performers and presenters were announced Wednesday (May 19), including Bun B, Paul Wall, Kelly Rowland, Pitbull, Kid Rock, Taraji P. Henson, Trick Daddy, Mystikal, Plies, Slim Thug, David Banner, Danny Glover, Eddie Griffin and NFL star Terrell Owens, among others. In past years, Snoop Dogg and the Wu-Tang Clan were feted, as were icons ranging from Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One and Run-DMC. Four years ago, the ladies took center stage during the show, as Lil’ Kim and MC Lyte rallied their female counterparts, including Remy Ma and Da Brat, for a memorable performance. Are you excited by this year’s “Hip Hop Honors” lineup? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Timbaland 2 Live Crew Master P Luther Campbell Jermaine Dupri

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‘VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ Puts Spotlight On ‘Dirty South’ Pioneers

Jim Jones Trash-Talks To Victory At Band of Ballers Tourney

‘We don’t have no competition,’ Dipset MC says — his squad bested teams led by Jermaine Dupri, OJ Da Juiceman, Black Lips. By Steven Roberts Jim Jones Photo: MTV News ATLANTA — At Converse’s second Band of Ballers basketball tournament on Saturday, the musical lineup boasted a variety of acts, from rock to hip-hop. But the action during the two-loss elimination tourney, held at Clark Atlanta University, was primarily on the court. Teams were pitted against one another in three-on-three games. Last year’s event saw Jim Jones and his “Jones Family” squad taking the trophy, and this year, Jones was confident his team would reclaim the trophy. “I’ve been poppin’ a lot sh–, so I have a lot to lose, way more than anybody else,” Jones admitted. “Everywhere we [go, we] make home. Where I lay my hat is my home. You ain’t heard that song before? It’s my house,” the Dipset MC taunted. “We don’t have no competition. We just run through and we skatin’ on them, just like we did last year.” Jones’ team definitely suffered from a home-court disadvantage, however. Four of the seven teams represented either Atlanta or Georgia: Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Family; a punk outfit, the Black Lips; Southern Hospitality’s Pill, OJ Da Juiceman and Shawty Lo, and Athens-based rockers Of Montreal were all looking to dethrone the Jones Family. Other teams included the mash-up squad Bad News, which was made up of Jay Electronica, Sean Price and Donnis, and the Jersey indie-rock band Steel Train. Dupri said he was out to make sure one of the teams from Atlanta won. “I keep hearing Jim Jones talking about [his team], but is he playing in the game? That’s all I want to know. If he ain’t playing in the game then all that talk, all of that talk doesn’t mean nothing, because I’m playing. I’m suited and booted and ready to go.” Jones and Dupri were constantly in each other’s faces, verbally sparring. And while Jones, joined by his surprise teammate Cam’ron did, in fact, hit the court — Dupri never did. Both Jones’ and Dupri’s teams established themselves early on as tournament favorites, with Southern Hospitality rounding out the top three. They made quick work of the other crews, though Steel Train put up an impressive fight. Southern Hospitality eventually knocked the So So Def Family from the semi-finals, setting up a finals showdown between SH and the Jones Family. Jones’ team had earned a bye into the finals, thanks to its undefeated status through the earlier rounds. And despite Southern Hospitality’s best efforts, Jim Jones was able to etch his name onto the trophy for another year. Crowned champion once again, Jones wasn’t any more humble than he’d been after the first win. “They better bring some real basketball players out, because I’m tired of coming down here, wasting my time, thinking we’re going to play some people that know how to play basketball,” a triumphant Jones said. Were you surprised the South didn’t pull out a win at this year’s Converse tourney? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Jim Jones Cam’ron The Diplomats

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Jim Jones Trash-Talks To Victory At Band of Ballers Tourney

Rapper J-Kwon Missing, Label Says

‘If anyone has seen J-Kwon or has access to him, please let him know,’ label says in statement. By Shaheem Reid J-Kwon Photo: Vince Bucci/Getty Images St. Louis native, J-Kwon , who made a huge splash in 2004 with the hit “Tipsy,” has been missing for almost a month, his label says. Gracie Production released a statement Tuesday night asking for help finding the MC. “J-Kwon is a big part of the Gracie family, and we are obviously increasingly worried and want to make sure he is OK,” Gracie Productions CEO/President Tony Bucher said in the statement. “We’ve already received thousands of e-mails from fans and supporters who are worried about J-Kwon, and we want everyone to know how much we appreciate the love and support. If anyone has seen J-Kwon or has access to him, please let him know we are worried about him, and to please let us know everything is ok.” Bucher and Gracie productions have also gone as far as setting up a Twitter page @WhereIsJKwon so fans can write with any info they may have. According to a rep for Gracie Productions, Kwon was working on a self titled album to be released on March 23. Last year, via the indie, the 24-year-old rapper put out the albums Hood Hop 2 and Hood Hop 2.5. J-Kwon’s biggest project was the original Hood Hop, which came out in 2004. Powered by the party anthem “Tipsy,” the then 17 year-old gained national exposure and even performed on “Saturday Night Live.” “I’m 17, so I can’t get into the club,” he explained to MTV News in 2004 about the controversial song. “I used to stand outside and see people so tipsy, so drunk, they basically did like a two-step away from the club. I took all that and was like, ‘OK, what does every teen think?’ When I say, ‘Teen drinking is very bad, but I got a fake ID though,’ people think I’m actually promoting drinking to teens. Nah. When I say, ‘Everybody in the club getting tipsy,’ I mean we ain’t drinking but everybody else is. That’s what we see, not what we do. A lot of critics come at me about this. If I was promoting teen drinking, believe me, I would’ve sold the song for an ad.” Kwon had a hard knock life to begin with. He was kicked out of the house at age 12 and became homeless. In 2003, he auditioned for LA Reid and Jermaine Dupri, who were at the Arista at the time. “When I went in for the deal I was like, ‘What if they don’t sign me? Forget them. If they don’t sign me, I’mma keep rolling.’ That’s how I approach every situation,” he told MTV News. “So I’m rapping for LA and at the end of the verse, my line was something like, ‘You don’t like it, LA, bite me,’ and I turned around and mooned him, straight up.” Hood Hop was the only J-Kwon album released under the So So Def imprint before the rapper and the label parted ways years later. Related Artists J-Kwon

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Rapper J-Kwon Missing, Label Says