Tag Archives: nadeska-alexis

Birdman Will Do ‘Whatever It Takes’ To Sign Chief Keef

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘The game needs young blood all the time,’ Birdman tells MTV News of courting the 16-year-old rapper for his Cash Money label. By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway Birdman Photo: MTV News Chicago rapper Chief Keef has already built a solid following in the Midwest, but Kanye West gave him a national platform when he decided to remix the 16-year-old’s hit “I’ Don’t Like” for G.O.O.D. Music. Still, a co-sign from ‘Ye is only the beginning, as Keef is now being courted by Birdman and Cash Money Records. On the same night Kanye West tweeted that he would be remixing Keef’s single “I Don’t Like,” the Chi-town rapper tweeted that he was fielding calls from several parties interested in signing him, including Birdman. “Birdman Just Called He Say He Wanna Sign Me Wit #CMB,” he wrote in April. And during Wednesday’s episode of “RapFix Live,” Birdman revealed that he is, in fact, working on adding Chief Keef to the ever-expanding roster at Cash Money. “I like him, he kinda reminds me of us,” Birdman told host Sway Calloway, referencing his all-star YMCMB team. “[He’s] out the streets, I think he’s swagged up and I’m definitely talking to his people and I’d like to see if we can make it pop, see if I can see if I can get him to be down with the team.” Birdman noted that one of the things he admires about Chief Keef is that he already has his own devoted crew. “That’s what I like, it’s a movement and he’s young, I think the game needs young blood all the time,” he explained. “[We] need youngsters to keep it innovative, because they’re new and creative in their own way. I’m into the young world, that’s my thing. And I’ma do whatever it takes to make it happen.” Kanye West’s “I Don’t Like” remix dropped this week with verses from Chief Keef, Pusha T, Jadakiss and Big Sean. Things are about to get very interesting for the upstart rapper. Do you think Chief Keef would make a good addition to Cash Money? Leave your comment below! Related Videos RapFix Live With B.o.B, Prodigy And Kirko Bangz Related Artists Birdman

See more here:
Birdman Will Do ‘Whatever It Takes’ To Sign Chief Keef

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

The Wanted Want Your Vote In Battle Of The Boy Bands

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Round-one voting opens Monday — does the British fivesome have what it takes? By Jocelyn Vena The Wanted Photo: Getty Images Our Battle of the Boy Bands kicks off Monday, and while we imagine you will spend the entirety of your weekend weighing the pros and cons of your fave groups, MTV News reached out to some of the contenders so they could tell you why they deserve your vote. But before we hear from the Wanted, we wanted to take a look at some hard facts. Hey, this is basically an election, so we need to know where they stand on the issues! Highest Chart Achievement While “Glad You Came” peaked at #3 on the Hot 100, they went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart earlier this month. Standout Video Partying on the beach? Hanging with hot girls? Dancing and having a good time? The band’s “Glad You Came” video is a snapshot into the five Brits’ favorite things to do. (Next up, they will explore similar themes in their “Chasing the Sun” video .) Defining Tune Cheeky, dance-floor-ready and full of euphemisms (really think about it, guys), “Glad You Came” introduced America to the British fivesome. It seems we Americans are pretty glad they came. Debut Album While they have yet to drop their self-titled U.S. EP (it’s out Tuesday), the guys did release their first album, The Wanted, abroad in October 2010, and it peaked at #4 in the U.K. Biggest Competition They are currently trying to fend off One Direction in a race for the hearts of American girls. It’s the Sophie’s Choice of boy-band brawls. So why do the guys think you should vote for them? Their answer might surprise you! “We think you should vote for us because everything that we’ve ever been nominated for that goes to public vote, we’ve never won,” Max George pleaded. “And also, you should vote for us because we are the worst-looking boy band of all time,” Nathan Sykes added. The guys even weighed in on their favorite boy bands of all time. Siva Kaneswaran said, “My favorite boy band of all time is the Backstreet Boys. I have to say Backstreet Boys, because they showed me the reason for being lonely.” “My favorite boy band of all time has to be the Jonas Brothers,” George chimed in. “Have you seen ‘Camp Rock’? Sick film.” Voting in round one of MTV’s Battle of the Boy Bands begins Monday, April 23, at 7 a.m. ET and runs until noon ET on Thursday, April 26. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite band made the cut, make sure you keep voting. Spread the word on Twitter using the hashtag #BBB and like us on Facebook for updates! Related Videos Battle Of The Boy Bands Related Artists The Wanted

Read this article:
The Wanted Want Your Vote In Battle Of The Boy Bands

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

Mystikal Gets 81 Days In Jail For Probation Violation

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Cash Money CEO Birdman confirms to MTV News that the label will continue to support the New Orleans rapper. By Nadeska Alexis Mystikal Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images Mystikal inked a new deal with Cash Money Records in December to release his upcoming sixth studio album, Original, but the New Orleans rapper will have to delay work on his LP due to legal troubles. Mystikal, born Michael Tyler, has been sentenced to three months in jail for probation violation. On Monday, Louisiana State District Judge Tony Marabella handed down the three-month sentence for the 41-year-old rapper, who was arrested in February and charged with a misdemeanor for domestic abuse battery. The arrest was in violation of his five-year probation, stemming from sexual battery and extortion charges that landed him in a Louisiana prison from 2004 to 2010 . A spokesperson for Cash Money CEO Birdman issued a statement to MTV News, confirming the label will continue to support Mystikal’s career, emphasizing that the arrest will not affect their relationship. Birdman’s rep added that Mystikal will turn himself in on May 14 to being the sentence, but he will only serve 81 days, since Marabella is crediting him for the nine days he spent behind bars after the February arrest. During a March visit to “RapFix Live,” Mystikal revealed a few details about his anticipated album, including an upcoming collaboration with Cash Money labelmates Drake and Busta Ryhmes. “I’m telling you, this album is gonna be so well worth the wait, Sway, believe that,” Mystikal told MTV News’ Sway Calloway. “Busta [Rhymes] was one of the first artists I worked with when I first came home. Busta came out there, came all the way to Baton Rouge. I’m talking about we got it in.” In mid-March, Mystikal dropped the video for his album’s lead single, “Original,” which featured appearances from Lil Wayne and Birdman and gave fans a glimpse of the luxurious YMCMB lifestyle. Original will be Mystikal’s first album since 2001’s Tarantula. Related Videos Hurricane Mystikal Storms ‘RapFix’ Related Artists Mystikal

Original post:
Mystikal Gets 81 Days In Jail For Probation Violation

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

Lil Wayne Signs Four-Album Deal With Cash Money Records

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I came into the game with Cash Money, and I’m gonna ride it out with my team,’ Wayne says on ‘Hip Hop POV.’ By Nadeska Alexis Lil Wayne Photo: C. Flanigan/ FilmMagic Cash Money Records plans to drop approximately 16 albums this year, and at least one of them will come from , who is currently working on two new LPs. But if there was any worry that Weezy would take his future projects elsewhere, the New Orleans rapper confirms that he recently signed another four-album deal with Cash Money. During an interview on the debut episode of MTV’s “Hip Hop POV,” Lil Wayne confirmed that he’s sticking with his team. “Everybody knows I came into the game at 11 years old with Cash Money Records, before we even had a major deal,” Wayne said. “We signed a deal in I don’t remember when, and I been with Cash Money ever since. So if you’re looking for integrity, I am the definition. If you’re looking for a person that’s gonna stay down, I am the definition. If you’re looking for loyalty, I am just that.” Despite a few tumultuous years, Wayne maintains that all is right in the world of YMCMB. “Trust me, there’s been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of downs — all the down way down if you wanna know,” he said. “But I rode it out with my team and I’m gonna ride it out with my team.” I Am Not a Human Being 2, the sequel to Wayne’s 2010 release, is the next project on the horizon, and he’s also at work on an album called Devol, which he wrote during his time in prison. According to Wayne, I Am Not a Human Being 2 will give him the most creative freedom. “Contract-wise, I only get paid for 12 songs. Maybe on a Carter album, you probably only gonna get 12 songs, maybe a bonus 13,” he explained “But on this I Am Not a Human Being thing, I really don’t care. … You’re probably gonna get 16 on there. “The I Am Not a Human Being 2 is more me just being creatively free,” he added. Lil Wayne dropped his most recent album, Tha Carter IV, last summer. By February the album had sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide. Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ Gets A New Point Of View Related Artists Lil Wayne

More:
Lil Wayne Signs Four-Album Deal With Cash Money Records

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

Kanye West’s Support Is ‘Good For Hip-Hop,’ 2 Chainz Says

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I knew he was up there supporting me, period,’ 2 Chainz says of Kanye’s silent appearance on ‘106 and Park.’ By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Rob Markman Kanye West and 2 Chainz at BET’s “106 and Park” Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage During a February visit to “RapFix Live,” 2 Chainz broke the news to host Sway Calloway that he had been working with Kanye West for months, but now the cat is surely out of the bag. In addition to appearing on the new G.O.O.D. Music single “Mercy,” West popped up at 2 Chainz’s SXSW set , and this week he made a silent appearance alongside the Atlanta rapper on BET’s “106 and Park.” “That’s my dog and he doesn’t do press — he didn’t wanna do it period — and they kind of forced his hand,” 2 Chainz told MTV News of West’s “106 and Park” appearance, from the set of MTV’s “Hip Hop Squares . “I was like, ‘You don’t have to say nothing, bro,’ because at the end of the day I knew he was up there supporting me, period.” “I do a lot of things behind the scenes that people don’t know [about], and they only see [what happens] on ‘106 and Park,’ ” 2 Chainz continued. “So that would’ve been another event where they wouldn’t have known Kanye was back there, I wouldn’t have name-dropped, that would’ve been part of my process of just working hard and grinding it out.” Although ‘Ye’s appearance was clearly not planned, it seems like everything worked out for the best. “When he came out, it spilled the beans out the bag, but it was cool,” Chainz says. “It was good for hip-hop that he came out and showed support. He wasn’t trying to take the shine, but he’s just a megastar, anywhere he goes it’s gonna happen.” When he joined Sway on “RapFix Live,” 2 Chainz, formerly known as Tity Boi, explained the dynamic of his relationship with ‘Ye. “For the most part, when we started building our relationship, we found out we had more things in common than different from a musical standpoint,” he said. “It’s no secret that I came from the hustle background, from that trap, and it’s no secret that he’s maybe more of a hipster swag, backpack kinda guy. So I think it’ll be interesting when you just drop that in the pot, in the blender, and see the outcome and results of some of that.” 2 Chainz’s upcoming album Based on a T.R.U. Story is set for an August 14 release, with the first official single slated to drop on May 1. What did you think of Kanye’s silent appearance on ‘106 and Park’? Leave your comment below! Related Artists 2 Chainz Kanye West

More:
Kanye West’s Support Is ‘Good For Hip-Hop,’ 2 Chainz Says

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

Kanye West’s Support Is ‘Good For Hip-Hop,’ 2 Chainz Says

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I knew he was up there supporting me, period,’ 2 Chainz says of Kanye’s silent appearance on ‘106 and Park.’ By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Rob Markman Kanye West and 2 Chainz at BET’s “106 and Park” Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage During a February visit to “RapFix Live,” 2 Chainz broke the news to host Sway Calloway that he had been working with Kanye West for months, but now the cat is surely out of the bag. In addition to appearing on the new G.O.O.D. Music single “Mercy,” West popped up at 2 Chainz’s SXSW set , and this week he made a silent appearance alongside the Atlanta rapper on BET’s “106 and Park.” “That’s my dog and he doesn’t do press — he didn’t wanna do it period — and they kind of forced his hand,” 2 Chainz told MTV News of West’s “106 and Park” appearance, from the set of MTV’s “Hip Hop Squares . “I was like, ‘You don’t have to say nothing, bro,’ because at the end of the day I knew he was up there supporting me, period.” “I do a lot of things behind the scenes that people don’t know [about], and they only see [what happens] on ‘106 and Park,’ ” 2 Chainz continued. “So that would’ve been another event where they wouldn’t have known Kanye was back there, I wouldn’t have name-dropped, that would’ve been part of my process of just working hard and grinding it out.” Although ‘Ye’s appearance was clearly not planned, it seems like everything worked out for the best. “When he came out, it spilled the beans out the bag, but it was cool,” Chainz says. “It was good for hip-hop that he came out and showed support. He wasn’t trying to take the shine, but he’s just a megastar, anywhere he goes it’s gonna happen.” When he joined Sway on “RapFix Live,” 2 Chainz, formerly known as Tity Boi, explained the dynamic of his relationship with ‘Ye. “For the most part, when we started building our relationship, we found out we had more things in common than different from a musical standpoint,” he said. “It’s no secret that I came from the hustle background, from that trap, and it’s no secret that he’s maybe more of a hipster swag, backpack kinda guy. So I think it’ll be interesting when you just drop that in the pot, in the blender, and see the outcome and results of some of that.” 2 Chainz’s upcoming album Based on a T.R.U. Story is set for an August 14 release, with the first official single slated to drop on May 1. What did you think of Kanye’s silent appearance on ‘106 and Park’? Leave your comment below! Related Artists 2 Chainz Kanye West

Read more:
Kanye West’s Support Is ‘Good For Hip-Hop,’ 2 Chainz Says

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

Q-Tip Signs To Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Label

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I’m excited to solidify my working relationship with Kanye,’ veteran rapper says of new deal. By Nadeska Alexis Q-Tip Photo: Getty Images Kanye West and his G.O.O.D. Music team are steadily building anticipation for their upcoming group album , but the latest news from Kanye’s all-star camp is that has joined their ranks. On Wednesday (April 11), Universal Republic chairman and CEO Barry Weiss announced that the veteran rapper and producer is the latest addition to the G.O.O.D Music family, which operates under Def Jam Recordings. Q-Tip, who built his legacy as a member of the iconic group A Tribe Called Quest, released his last solo album, the previously shelved Kamaal/ The Abstract, in 2009. The Renaissance came out in 2008. They were released via Motown and Battery Records. Now he’s set to drop his fourth solo LP, tentatively titled The Last Zulu, under the G.O.O.D. Music/ Def Jam umbrella. “I’m excited to be a part of the great iconic Def Jam label,” Q-Tip said in a statement. “I’m humbled to be a part of such a storied history. To reconnect with Barry Weiss is a great thing. As far as G.O.O.D. Music, I’m excited to solidify my working relationship with Kanye, and I look forward to all the opportunities that lie ahead in our partnership. I will do my best to present the most cutting-edge music I can.” Q-Tip and Kanye have worked closely together in the past, most recently teaming up for production on West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Watch the Throne, his joint album with Jay-Z. Weiss, who worked with Q-Tip during his tenure with A Tribe Called Quest on Jive Records in the 1990s, says that he’s “thrilled to be working with Q-Tip once again.” With Q-Tip now on board, it’s likely that the Queens native will leave his mark on the upcoming G.O.O.D. Music album, which is set to the debut this spring. The album’s first single, Mercy dropped last week with features from Big Sean, Pusha T and fellow Def Jam signee 2 Chainz. Q-Tip will join a label whose roster includes John Legend, Kid Cudi, Big Sean, Pusha T, Cyhi Da Prynce, Mr. Hudson and Mos Def. Related Artists Q-Tip Kanye West

Link:
Q-Tip Signs To Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Label

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Jay-Z Recalls Rise From Public Housing To Boardroom In Rocawear Ad

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I don’t know if you’re ever done; it’s almost like climbing a mountain,’ Hov says in new clip. By Nadeska Alexis Jay-Z in the “Rocawear Presents Jay-Z From Marcy to Barclays” commercial Photo: Rocawear Even after 16 fruitful years in the game, Jay-Z continues to push himself, achieving new career milestones with each passing year. In a new ad for his Rocawear clothing line, titled “Marcy to Barclays,” the Brooklyn-bred mogul reflects on his rise to the top. “Marcy to Barclays” references Jay-Z’s investment in the NBA Nets and their transition to the newly constructed Barclays Center, which the team will inhabit in Downtown Brooklyn beginning this fall. The 30-second, black-and-white clip begins with snapshots of New York City and the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, where Jay grew up. “Wherever you grow up, it’s your root, and I’m a kid from the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn,” he begins in a voice-over. As the scenery changes to incorporate shots of Jay in the studio and at his Rocawear offices, the mogul begins to reflect on the drive that’s led him to so much success. “I don’t know if you’re ever done; it’s almost like climbing a mountain,” he says. “You see another mountain, then you go to the next one and the next one. “My goal was to have one gold album, and that was it,” he adds, considering the impressive arc of his career since his 1996 debut, with Reasonable Doubt. “Then it became … I want to show that artists can ascend to the executive ranks.” To say that Jay has achieved new career highs in the past year alone would be an understatement. In February, he performed a pair of sold-out charity shows at Carnegie Hall in New York, a groundbreaking moment for a hip-hop artist. “Any time I get a chance to expand and broaden the reach of hip-hop is a great thing for me on a personal level,” Jay told MTV News when he originally announced the pair of shows at Carnegie Hall. Related Artists Jay-Z

View original post here:
Jay-Z Recalls Rise From Public Housing To Boardroom In Rocawear Ad

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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

‘Hammer Dance’ Video A ‘Day In The Life’ Of Slaughterhouse

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘When it’s done, you’ll see how authentic it is,’ Crooked I tells MTV News on the video set. By Nadeska Alexis Slaughterhouse on the set of “Hammer Dance” Photo: MTV News Slaughterhouse passed through Austin, Texas, to perform at the Shady 2.0 Showcase during South by Southwest earlier this month, and while they were in town, the boys — Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9”, Crooked I and Joell Ortiz — slotted some time to film the video for their latest single, “Hammer Dance.” MTV News caught up with the four rappers on set, where they explained the video’s concept and give an update on their upcoming album, Welcome to: Our House. “I think it’s just a day in the life of Slaughterhouse, a lot of energy,” Crooked I told MTV News. “We’re gonna give fans a chance to shine, and I think when it’s done, you’ll see how authentic it is. When we roll into town, we jell with people, no matter where they are, who they are, what part of the world they’re from. We’re just average dudes trying to do extraordinary things.” “Hammer Dance” is the latest single from the group’s sophomore album, which is expected to debut this summer. Slaughterhouse wouldn’t give a specific release date just yet, but they did reveal that their Shady Records boss, Eminem, is in the final stages of mixing. “[We’re] still working out minor tweaks, [but] it’s way more done than people know,” Royce said. “Marshall is actually mixing right now. He’s actually mixed the entire album, and that wasn’t even the original plan, so we’re super excited about that. He’s just taking songs to another level.” Eminem is known for his hands-off approach with artists, but the Detroit native was very much involved in the creation of Welcome to: Our House, as the group explained. “Real talk: A lot of people don’t give Eminem enough credit for his production and his arrangement and his mixing,” Crooked I said. “What he’s doing to add to the album is phenomenal, and I think he deserves props and a salute for that.” “He’s turning it into a movie,” Royce concluded. “It’s becoming way more visual, when he comes and puts his stamp on it, if you will.” What are you expecting from new Slaughterhouse music? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Slaughterhouse

More here:
‘Hammer Dance’ Video A ‘Day In The Life’ Of Slaughterhouse

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hollywood, Music

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