Tag Archives: mawuse-ziegbe

Diddy Set To Guest On ‘Entourage’

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

The Bad Boy mogul plays himself on HBO show. Lenny Kravitz and Mark Wahlberg also make cameos in episode, airing in August. By Mawuse Ziegbe Diddy Photo: Getty Images For its seventh season, HBO’s “Entourage” is enlisting a superstar who’s known for rolling with his own mega-entourage. Diddy will make a guest appearance on the series’ upcoming season, which kicks off June 27. The show’s creator, Doug Ellin, told EW.com that Diddy will appear as himself alongside “Entourage” executive producer Mark Wahlberg in an episode set to air in August. “Turtle [Jerry Ferrara] is starting a business, and he’s trying to get them to invest in it,” Ellin explained. “He’s going to a lot of people about this investment.” Diddy tweeted the news on Thursday and included a link to a story posted on AOL’s TheBoombox.com . Rocker Lenny Kravitz will also make a cameo in the star-packed episode. “Ari’s trying to trade favors,” Ellin revealed to EW.com of the plotline that finds Jeremy Piven’s hard-driving agent wheeling and dealing as usual. “He’s got to get Lenny to do a movie so someone else will do something for him.” Diddy won’t be the first hip-hop artist to show up on “Entourage”: Bow Wow played an up-and-coming comedian, 50 Cent taunted Turtle in a guest spot as a cocky driver and Snoop also did his thing on the HBO hit; the West Coast MC played himself. Wahlberg recently told MTV News the new season could be the setup for a much buzzed-about “Entourage” movie. “I am more focused on making that movie than my own films,” Wahlberg said. “I just think we can make a great movie. I think people always wanted [it] and have complained that the episodes are too short — they’ve always wanted more. I think we’re going to do it,” he said. “We just have to end strong, and this season is, by far, the best season so far.” Both Diddy and Kravitz have been making power moves in Hollywood. Kravitz gave a touching portrayal as a male nurse in the Oscar-winning drama “Precious” , and Diddy’s scene-stealing turn in this month’s “Get Him to the Greek” won raves from co-star Jonah Hill. Are you excited for a new season of “Entourage”? Which other rappers would you like to see make a cameo? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Diddy

Read more here:
Diddy Set To Guest On ‘Entourage’

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eminem Says He Felt Like ‘Bugs Bunny’ In Rehab

Posted on June 17, 2010 by | Leave a comment

‘I couldn’t concentrate on my problem,’ he says of getting attention from fellow patients. By Mawuse Ziegbe Eminem Photo: Getty Images Before Eminem even dropped Relapse last year, he announced plans release a follow-up called Relapse 2 — and then he totally changed his mind . Instead, come June 21, fans will be able to pick up Em’s new album Recovery (which was moved up a day after it leaked online ). Eminem recently explained the meaning behind the album title in an interview with The New York Times, revealing that it is a direct reference to managing his ongoing battle with prescription drugs. “Vicodin, Valium and Ambien and, toward the end, which caused my overdose, methadone,” Eminem told the Times when asked what he was recovering from. “I didn’t know it was methadone. I used to get pills wherever I could. I was just taking anything that anybody was giving to me.” The hip-hop superstar also opened up about his stint in rehab. “The first time I went, it was in Brighton, Michigan,” he said “The second time, I didn’t go to rehab; I just went to a regular hospital. I detoxed in the hospital, and then I came home.” Coping with addiction is a demanding process, but due to his celebrity, Em had to deal with a unique set of challenges. The always candid MC said that he later chose to detox in a hospital because his outsize stardom affected the way his fellow addicts in rehab interacted with Em. “I couldn’t go back to rehab. I felt like I was Bugs Bunny in rehab,” Eminem said. “When Bugs Bunny walks into rehab, people are going to turn and look. People at rehab were stealing my hats and pens and notebooks and asking for autographs. I couldn’t concentrate on my problem.” Did you prefer the Relapse 2 album title, or are you happy Em opted for Recovery instead? Let us know in the comments. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Eminem Related Artists Eminem

Go here to see the original:
Eminem Says He Felt Like ‘Bugs Bunny’ In Rehab

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Sports, TV

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tupac Shakur Remembered By Rick Ross, Bun B At Georgia Benefit Show

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Tupac really influenced me to just keep it real and not fake around and act like something I’m not,’ Roscoe Dash tells MTV News. By Mawuse Ziegbe with reporting by James “FLX” Smith Waka Flocka and Roscoe Dash Photo: MTV News Tupac Shakur was known for reppin’ Cali throughout his career, but the legendary artist’s style has influenced a generation of Southern hip-hop stars as well. The South came out to pay tribute to the icon at the second annual 2Pac Birthday Concert Celebration on Wednesday, which would have been ‘Pac’s 39th birthday . Rick Ross , Bun B and Roscoe Dash hit the stage at a benefit for the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Waka Flocka Flame, Gorilla Zoe and rising rapper Pill were in the building. Funnyman Mike Epps also came through to show his support. “We came out to show love for the OG like we always do for the fallen soldiers about this time,” Bun B told MTV News, who added that, more than a decade after his death, ‘Pac’s influential legacy is still going strong. “We just showing a lot of love to Tupac Shakur right now. Showing love, support to his mother Afeni, and let people know that, when you gone, you not forgotten, ever. Tupac is definitely a perfect example of that.” Roscoe Dash, whose rock-infused swagger is ostensibly different from ‘Pac’s intense street lyricism, said the hip-hop legend inspired him to be himself. “The reason why this day is so important to me is because Tupac really influenced me to just keep it real and not fake around and act like something I’m not,” Dash told MTV News. “I just apply that in my everyday life, so I just want to come out here and give back.” With all his contributions to music, hip-hop is not forgetting ‘Pac anytime soon. “Long live his legacy and R.I.P. Tupac Shakur,” said Bun, who also sent a simple message to the late legend: “Happy birthday, big homie.” Share your memories of Tupac Shakur in the comments. Related Artists Tupac Rick Ross (Hip-Hop) Roscoe Dash Bun B

Original post:
Tupac Shakur Remembered By Rick Ross, Bun B At Georgia Benefit Show

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

T-Pain Says He Won’t Release His New Album Until Music Sales Pick Up

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Ain’t nobody selling records unless you Susan Boyle,’ T-Pain tells MTV News. By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by James “FLX” Smith T-Pain Photo: MTV News There was a time in recent pop-culture history when T-Pain and his Vocoder were virtually inescapable. You couldn’t turn on the radio, watch a hilarious viral video or tune into an awards show without getting an earful of T-Pain and his computerized twang. But in 2010, with albums sales still sluggish, T-Pain said he’s not putting out any new music until the tide turns. “I got the mastered version of my album in my car right now. But I’m not bringing my album out until these artists start selling records again, ’cause ain’t nobody selling records unless you Susan Boyle,” T-Pain told MTV News. Even though his website is promoting his forthcoming effort RevolveR, the collabo king insisted he’s going to fall back until album sales pick up. “I’m not doing nothing. I’m not bringing out no album, not dropping no more new singles until people start selling records again, and that’s the approach I think everybody should take unless you Susan Boyle or Miley Cyrus.” Pain said that, these days, artists who are not running things on the pop tip don’t really have a chance. “It ain’t really nothing else you can do. Any hip-hop artists, anybody coming from the South, we ain’t doin’ it,” T-Pain said. “Until everybody show and prove, I ain’t droppin’ no album.” While he’s holding back on his solo work, Pain is still collaborating and told MTV News about creating the track “My Own Step” with ATL’s Roscoe Dash for the soundtrack to the dance flick “Step Up 3-D.” “The song was for somebody else at first, and then they was asking … [T-Pain’s label] Nappy Boy: ‘Do we have some songs for the “Step Up 3-D” movie?’ ” said Pain, who sent songs featuring artists such as Sophia Fresh, Tay Dizm and One Chance. “They was like, ‘You got some stuff with you on it?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, here go a song right here.’ They came up to me like, ‘Roscoe Dash got on.’ I was like, ‘Yes! We got him!’ ” T-Pain said, adding, “I’ve been trying to do a song with Roscoe Dash for a long time.” Pain, who’s no stranger to hitmaking, said he was looking forward to working with the “Show Out” rapper, because he thought Dash brought something fresh to the game. “I’ve been living in Atlanta for, like, two and a half years … and I listen to the radio a lot, and they play all Atlanta. When Roscoe Dash’s song came on the radio, I was like, ‘Oh, thank you,’ ” Pain said. “It was just a relief. It was just something new.” Are you bummed that T-Pain is waiting to release new music? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists T-Pain

Visit link:
T-Pain Says He Won’t Release His New Album Until Music Sales Pick Up

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Michael Jackson Video Game Set To Hit Stores By The End Of The Year

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Fans can emulate King of Pop’s moves in new dancing and singing game. By Mawuse Ziegbe Michael Jackson Photo: Michel Linssen/Redferns If you’re over checking out the late Michael Jackson ‘s signature moves in old video footage, soon you’ll be able to experience the King of Pop’s swagger in a whole new way. Gaming company Ubisoft has announced that it is launching a video game based on Jackson’s legendary music and performances. The game will be built on MJ’s singular dance style, and players will be able to groove along to mega-hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.” According to a Ubisoft statement posted on MichaelJackson.com , gamers will get the chance to learn and re-create some of Jackson’s dance moves. A Ubisoft rep confirmed to MTV News that while there is no title for the game as of press time, the game should be available later in the year, in time for the holiday season. The company is staying mum on many of the details, but when asked whether the Jackson game would be accompanied by unique gaming hardware like the “Dance Dance Revolution” dance pad or “Rock Band” guitar, the rep told MTV News via e-mail that “the game is based upon performance (so both singing and dancing).” Ubisoft worked with the executors of the Michael Jackson estate in the creation of the game. Estate co-executor John Branca said that fusing gaming with music is consistent with Jackson’s game-changing legacy. “Michael always pushed every limit when it came to technology to give his fans unforgettable entertainment experiences, whether it involved his videos, his recordings or his concerts,” Branca said in the statement. Co-executor John McClain agreed: “This game is a natural extension of what he would be doing today to raise his artistry to even greater heights for his fans of all generations.” The Jackson game will be available for Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 (with the new Kinect device ), PlayStation 3 with PlayStation Move support and PSP. Check out the Multiplayer blog , updated daily, for even more gaming coverage. Related Photos Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos Related Artists Michael Jackson

Read the rest here:
Michael Jackson Video Game Set To Hit Stores By The End Of The Year

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

T.I. Battles Snitching Rumors, Talks ‘G Code’

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I made myself a useful member of society,’ Tip says of why he landed plea deal, in July/August XXL. By Mawuse Ziegbe T.I. Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images Since completing his federal prison sentence, T.I. has been out to reclaim his crown as King of the South, even dropping the post-bid single “I’m Back,” on which he acknowledged past mistakes but seemed intent on looking forward. But all that hasn’t stopped Tip from responding to critics who argue the Grand Hustle mogul received preferential treatment in being granted what a judge described as an “experimental” plea deal. “What people don’t take into consideration is the reason that I was eligible for certain agreements that they weren’t eligible for was because I made myself a useful member of society,” T.I. tells XXL in the magazine’s July/August issue. T.I. was sentenced in March 2009 on felony weapons charges arising from a 2007 arrest , when he was apprehended just before a scheduled appearance at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. The Atlanta rapper pleaded guilty in March 2008 and struck a plea deal: a sentence of a year and a day would be contingent upon the star paying a $100,000 fine and completing 1,500 hours of community service; 1,000 hours to be finished before entering prison and 500 after his release. Also, post-prison, T.I. agreed to submit to drug counseling, a curfew, random property searches, DNA testing and a yearlong home confinement, among other conditions of the deal. In the cover story, T.I. says his community work was a primary factor in landing him a plea deal. “Most muthaf—as catch cases and get time. My n—a, you wasn’t doing sh– when you was out here, so wasn’t no reason for them to keep you out here.” Tip also takes on haters who have accused him of “snitching,” a practice that has particularly negative connotations in the rap world — and which has proved troubling to law enforcement. The MC tells the magazine that critics should come at him with hard evidence to support their claims. “Please understand the G code that I learned from, if you speak out your mouth that a muthaf—a is telling on somebody and you can’t come with indisputable, irrefutable facts to support that statement, that makes you the sucker,” T.I. said. “You are now in violation of the G code. And there ain’t nobody, nowhere in naan jail sayin’ I was on they paperwork.” The July/August issue of XXL goes on sale July 6. Tip is staying busy meanwhile, dropping new music and prepping for his summer release, King Uncaged. What do you think of T.I.’s remarks about snitching? Tell us what you think in the comments. Related Artists T.I.

Read more:
T.I. Battles Snitching Rumors, Talks ‘G Code’

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Drake, Nicki Minaj Open Up About His ‘Crush’ On Her

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Drake says the MCs have a ‘playful relationship.’ By Mawuse Ziegbe Nicki Minaj and Drake Photo: Young Money/Cash Money Young Money stars Nicki Minaj and Drake are two of the hottest MCs in hip-hop, and their relationship has some thinking that the pair are hooking up in ways beyond a label affiliation. The stars were candid about their feelings for each other in recent interviews with MTV2’s “Sucker Free Countdown” — and addressed rumors that their relationship isn’t strictly platonic. “Me and Nicki have a really playful relationship,” Drake told DJ Envy. “When I was on tour … I saw Nicki for the first time and, like, literally fell in love. She had this snap-back hat on that said ‘Minaj.’ She used to wear that every single day. She was like a theater student and she was so cold at rapping.” Drake — who rushed to Minaj’s defense last week after Lil’ Kim said some untoward things about her — said that before breaking through, he had to contend with her somewhat icy demeanor. “I remember one of the first nights that we were out in Miami and I went to Jerry’s [Famous Deli]. I was like [to Minaj], ‘You want food, you hungry?,’ and she was like, ‘Yeah, I want some food.’ I was like, ‘I’m in, we gon’ eat food together.’ I came to her door and she took the food and shut the door in my face! I was just like, ‘Man, this is gonna be a long road for us.’ ” But Drake maintains that his feelings for her have always been genuine. “I’ve always really, actually, really had a crush on her, always really loved her, and she’s always just looked at me as, like, her little brother.” Envy pointed to a line on the track “Miss Me” from Drake’s Thank Me Later LP — which is released Tuesday — where he says he wants to put a ring on it as proof of his true feelings for Minaj. “I love Nicki Minaj/ I told her I’d admit it/ I hope one day we get married just to say we f—ing did it/ And girl, I’m f—ing serious/ I’m with it if you with it/ ‘Cause your verses turn me on and your pants are mighty fitted,” Drake spits. But Drizzy insisted the lyric is not that deep. “That line on the album is just me playing with her. I’ll be playing with her for years until she’s ready to go, and then I’m ready,” he added. For her part, Minaj shrugged off any notion that she and the Young Money heartthrob are more than friends. She giggled when Envy broached the subject but then immediately shut down rumors. “Drake does not have a crush on me,” Minaj assured Envy. When Envy brought up the “Miss Me” lyric, Minaj responded, “Drake knows how to get you guys’ attention.” As one of the most sought-after MCs in the game right now, Minaj is probably getting stepped to all the time. But when Envy asked how dudes should approach the diva, she dismissed the idea of a relationship. “I don’t want to be hollered at right now. I just don’t. I wanna go and hibernate and coop up somewhere and be alone,” said Minaj, adding that she’s waiting until after her debut hits shelves before she gets scooped up. “Then maybe we can talk.” Catch more Nicki Minaj with DJ Envy on the “Sucker Free Summer Countdown” from Boston’s 94.5 Summer Jam, this Sunday, June 20, at noon ET only on MTV2. Related Artists Nicki Minaj Drake

Read this article:
Drake, Nicki Minaj Open Up About His ‘Crush’ On Her

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Angelina Jolie Confirmed To Play Cleopatra In Historical Biopic

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Oscar-winning megastar will play ancient Egyptian queen in iconic role, US Weekly reports. By Mawuse Ziegbe Angelina Jolie in “Salt” Photo: Sony Pictures Comparisons between superstar Angelina Jolie and ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra might seem hyperbolic, but they’ll soon be literal: After speculation about Jolie’s possible casting as Cleopatra lit up the Net on Thursday, Us Weekly reported Friday (June 11) that the actress will indeed portray Cleopatra on the big screen. Jolie will appear in an upcoming historical biopic based on the soon-to-be-published “Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra: A Life,” publisher Little, Brown confirmed to UsMagazine.com. On Thursday, it was reported that movie producer Scott Rudin, who has been behind hit films like Julie & Julia, No Country for Old Men and Doubt, obtained the rights to the tome. Little, Brown publisher Michael Pietsch said Jolie’s regal nature was one of the main reasons she was cast. “Angelina Jolie radiates grace and power, exactly the qualities that [author] Stacy Schiff finds in her biography of the most intriguing ruler who ever lived,” Pietsch told Us. In an interview with the New York Daily News, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Schiff echoed Pietsch’s sentiments saying, “I think she’d be perfect for it, and I can see a possible Oscar in her future.” Hollywood has already brought Cleopatra’s story to the silver screen several times. The most well-known flick about the legendary ruler is the 1963 epic “Cleopatra,” which starred real-life couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Taylor took on the title role opposite Burton as her lover and Roman politico Mark Antony. This summer, fans can catch Jolie in the spy thriller “Salt,” set to hit theaters in July. Do you think Angelina will make a good Cleopatra? Share your thoughts in the comments! For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .

Visit link:
Angelina Jolie Confirmed To Play Cleopatra In Historical Biopic

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Kanye West To Perform At The BET Awards

Posted on June 9, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

June 27 show will be West’s first awards-show appearance since the 2009 VMAs. By Mawuse Ziegbe Kanye West Photo: MTV News Kanye West is set to hit the stage at the BET Awards ’10 on June 27, according to an update posted on the BET website . The performance will mark his first return to an awards show since he interrupted Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV VMAs . West is also nominated for two BET Awards , including Video of the Year for his work on Jay-Z’s “Run This Town,” which also features Rihanna. The multiplatinum rapper and producer has been making a gradual return to the spotlight in recent months. On Tuesday, Kanye treated students at three different high schools in Chicago to private concerts. He was joined by fellow Chi-town MCs Common and Lupe Fiasco, who performed for the students as part of the Kanye West Foundation’s annual Stay in School event. In May, Yeezy made a surprise appearance at a Manhattan nightclub, where he held an impromptu listening session of a few songs from his upcoming album Good Ass Job. Then, earlier this month, West’s latest track “Power” hit the Internet . At press time, West has not announced what song he will perform at the BET Awards. Is it the right time for Kanye to be making awards-show appearances again? Let us know in the comments below. Related Photos What Has Kanye West Been Up To This Past Year? Related Artists Kanye West

See the rest here:
Kanye West To Perform At The BET Awards

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rihanna Says Boyfriend Matt Kemp Keeps Her ‘Sane’

Posted on June 9, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Pop star dishes about her current relationship and her past year in Elle magazine. By Mawuse Ziegbe Rihanna Photo: Michael Tran/ FilmMagic From the dramatic fashion statements to the sharp-edged radio hits Rihanna has evolved over the past year from pop princess to rock star. While last year her personal life was the source of much chronicled drama, the singer recently revealed that these days it’s her romance with boyfriend and L.A. Dodgers player Matt Kemp that keeps her grounded. “I have a boyfriend. I’m so happy. I feel really comfortable, and it’s so easy,” Rihanna gushes in the latest issue of Elle magazine. “I have such a chaotic life, but at the end of the day, that is just my peace. It keeps me sane, really, talking to him and talking to my family.” Rihanna has spent most of the past year reinventing herself as a boundary-pushing artist; abandoning her sunny pop jams and good-girl charm in favor of gritty hits and a highly stylized image. Earlier this week, “Love the Way You Lie,” her collaboration with Eminem that laments the torturous cycle of an abusive relationship, leaked to the Internet. And in the interview with Elle, the singer opened up about her emotional state over a year ago when she sustained the now infamously brutal attack at the hands of former boyfriend Chris Brown. “A year ago, I was very confused,” the star revealed to Elle. “Because he was my best friend. All of a sudden, one night changed our whole lives — not only our friendship, but our lives. I wanted to wake up one day and just not have that pain anymore. I wanted to be with him again or get over him — it was either-or. I just didn’t want to feel the pain, the confusion.” The superstar talked about the moody, black-and-white album art of Rated R, which she released in the wake of her “life-changing” experience with Brown. “I wanted pictures that represented strength and fearlessness but still femininity — a strong woman who can be vulnerable. Every woman is made up of vulnerability and strength; no matter what race you are, no matter what you’ve been through in your life.” After lighting up red carpets with her daring fashion choices, inspiring legions of girls to lop off their locks to match her evolving pixie cut, Rih Rih is known as much for her style as her sound. When it comes to designers, the star said she favors labels with an equally intrepid approach to fashion. “I respect designers who aren’t afraid to go outside of the box,” she said. “I went to a Jean Paul Gaultier show, and I saw girls who are thicker than me, beautiful and voluptuous and different ethnicities. That made me so excited. I thought, ‘OK, I can work that, for sure.’ ” What is your favorite of Rihanna’s recent looks? Let us know in the comments. Related Artists Rihanna

Read more:
Rihanna Says Boyfriend Matt Kemp Keeps Her ‘Sane’

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,