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Kimbra Hits Stage At mtvU Woodie Awards Festival

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Singer is adjusting to the fame that’s followed the success of ‘Somebody That I Used to Know,’ her collabo with Gotye. By Christina Garibaldi Kimbra Photo: Getty Images You may have heard her voice on Gotye’s smash hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” but everyone will soon be familiar with her name: Kimbra. The New Zealand pop singer will take the stage Thursday (March 15) at the 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival during SXSW. So what can fans expect from this newcomer when she hits the stage? Well, MTV News caught up with Kimbra last month in New York, and she told us all about her live performances. “Live experience is definitely quite different,” she said. “I think the record shows a more intimate or reflective side of what I do, but the live show is all about showing more of that aggression.” After working on her debut album for more than three years, the 21-year-old singer/songwriter released Vows in Australia in 2011. It includes catchy and diverse songs like “Cameo Lover” and her latest single, “Good Intent.” Kimbra is set to release Vows in the U.S. on May 22; this version will feature additional songs that she recorded Stateside. “I started working on it when I was 17; now I’m 21,” Kimbra said of the LP. “I think there was a lot of development that needed to happen before I felt like I had something to say musically and lyrically. So yeah, there were some frustrating moments making the album, but I’m glad I took the time I did to make it, and I’m happy with it now. I definitely explore a lot on the album. It’s called Vows, so it talks a bit about the idea of commitment and making promises, but also breaking promises and how you deal with that.” Kimbra has a refreshing yet soulful sound, which she credits to her eclectic taste in music. “It’s hard to describe in a few words,” she said of her sound. “But I’m definitely influenced by some R&B. I also loved musical theater as a kid, so I think that’s what brings more theatrical elements to the music. I’d like to think it’s Prague-pop or something like that. I like to think it’s progressive in some way, but still pop music at the end of the day.” Kimbra is still trying to get used to the newfound fame that’s come with the success of Gotye’s hit. The video, which features the pair without clothing, currently has over 111 million views on YouTube . “We did vocals to that song, at least my verse, in my bedroom, [and] really chilled out,” Kimbra said of recording the track. “I think at the time we were like, ‘Yeah, it’s a cool song,’ but we didn’t think it would be quite what it’s been, so I think it’s a humbling experience for both of us.” Following her performance at the Woodies fest, Kimbra will be hitting the road with Gotye in March and will be back on tour in May with Foster the People . The Woodies invade SXSW on March 15 with the Woodies Festival. The best of the 2012 mtvU Woodies will air on MTV and mtvU on March 18 at 8 p.m. ET. Related Videos 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival Performances Related Photos 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival: Performances 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Nominees Related Artists Kimbra

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Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Story To Tell’ Shows He Could ‘Do It All’

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Big’s charisma, his sense of humor is what used to catch me,’ Lil’ Cease tells MTV News of late rapper’s prowess on the mic. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway Notorious B.I.G. Photo: MTV News The ability to tell a story is one of the most revered skills a rapper can possess. Slick Rick, Ice Cube, Nas and Ghostface are all heralded as master storytellers. The Notorious B.I.G. is also considered among rap’s greats, thanks to his vivid collection of story raps like “Warning,” “Somebody’s Gotta Die” and Lil’ Cease’s favorite, “I Got a Story to Tell.” “My favorite record — and I still think I get the same feeling today as when he recorded it — is ‘I Got a Story to Tell,’ ” Cease told MTV News’ Sway Calloway. The Buckwild-produced “I Got a Story to Tell” is bare-bones as far as rap tracks go. With its drum track reminiscent of MC Lyte’s “Paper Thin” and its sparse acoustic guitar strokes, the song’s beat is the perfect background for Big to weave his complex robbery tale. In addition to its detailed imagery, the late rapper injected a healthy dose of humor into the track; that, for Cease, is the song’s greatest quality. “Me and Big used to listen to records all the time, and when I heard ‘Story to Tell,’ just the story line … Big’s charisma, his sense of humor is what used to catch me about him,” he said. “He could take you off and on, light switch. It could be so hard and in a minute you’ll be crying, laughing in tears, like, hold up, you gotta rewind that back.” On the song, Big warns against having one-night stands with women who may be married or have boyfriends. He opens by painting a club scene. When the party is over, Biggie ends up riding home with a woman he’s just met. It turns out, however, that the temptress lives with her man, an unnamed NBA basketball player. When the two are in the throes of passion, her 6’5″ boyfriend comes home early, and B.I.G. is forced to tie the woman up and fake a robbery. At the end of the almost five-minute-long record, Biggie retells the story in prose. “He didn’t want anybody in that room to be confused with what he was saying, so he would explain to the room,” DJ Clark Kent said of Biggie’s in-studio routine. “To be great, you have to be able to do it all, and he was just sitting there laying down the format to let you know, ‘I can do it all. I can rhyme, I can do the metaphors, I can do the punch lines, I can do the stories, I can make you think, I can make you dance, I can make you chant,’ ” Cease said. “He made sure he balanced himself and made himself that well-rounded rapper, and ‘Story to Tell’ just [has] one of those feelings of being great.” Join MTV News as we celebrate the Notorious B.I.G.’s life on the 15th anniversary of his death. From now through March 25, we will be rolling out exclusive and commemorative content from Biggie’s closest friends, collaborators and his biggest fans. To join the conversation on Twitter, hit @MTVRapFix using the hashtag #biggie15. Related Videos Remembering Notorious B.I.G. Related Photos Remembering The Notorious B.I.G. Related Artists Notorious B.I.G.

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Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Story To Tell’ Shows He Could ‘Do It All’

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Lady Gaga Ponders Motherhood With Oprah Winfrey

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Yes, I want kids, I want a soccer team and I want a husband,’ singer tells the talk show maven. By Jocelyn Vena Lady Gaga on “Oprah’s Next Chapter” Photo: OWN/Harpo Inc. Lady Gaga has never come across a topic that she won’t open up about. And in a new, candid interview with Oprah Winfrey on her show ” Oprah’s Next Chapter ,” Mother Monster chats about someday actually becoming a mother. “Yes, I want kids, I want a soccer team and I want a husband,” she said in the special, which airs Sunday on Winfrey’s OWN cable network. “Yeah, I do. Well, you know, I’m being superfluous. I don’t want to have one kid. I want to have a few.” Gaga, who is currently planning her Born This Way world tour , noted that her plan to be a mom won’t happen anytime soon. “I want to experience that,” she said making a baby bump with her hands and laughing, “[but] not yet.” Most of the special was filmed in Gaga’s native New York City, but part was also filmed at Harvard University last month. The singer and the talk show host were on hand at the prestigious college to launch Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation . “I just have one thing to say before we get started: We got Oprah! … Thank you from all of us — from my entire team, from my mother, from the bottom of the hearts of so many people who believe in what we’re doing today,” Gaga said at the launch. She explained that the foundation seeks to empower the youth of America, adding, “How can we inspire young people to know they have the power to be brave?” Related Artists Lady Gaga

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‘Hunger Games’ Midnight Premiere: Pack For Survival

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Don’t brave the wilds of the theater on March 23 without stashing these Hobnobbing -recommended necessities. By Amy Wilkinson Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate The Tributes of the 74th annual Hunger Games enter the arena in just over a week. We have it on good authority that they’ve been training for weeks now, but we’re more concerned about you. Are you ready? Sure, you probably bought your midnight premiere tickets eons ago, but that can’t be the only provisions you’ve made for the bloodbath. After all, if we’ve learned anything from Suzanne Collins’ dystopian drama, it’s that preparation (and quick thinking) can be the difference between survival and having your face mauled by a Muttation. And though your local multiplex probably isn’t hiding a hive of tracker jackers under your seat, the wilds of a midnight premiere boast their own perils. Just in case you’re not stockpiled with the proper rations, this week’s Hobnobbing is dedicated to getting you Games ready. Here’s your midnight premiere checklist: Storage Before you even think of stepping foot in the cineplex, you need a sturdy, lightweight bag to store your provisions. Take a cue from Katniss, and keep your stuff in a spiffy orange backpack. We like The North Face’s Borealis Backpack , a sleek model with two big pockets, allowing for quick stashing and dashing if necessary. (Not to mention it will probably stand up to an unexpected fire assault better than that old Duane Reade plastic bag hiding under your bed.) Edibles You’ll need to keep up your strength while staking your claim on a primo theater seat, so calorie-loading is key. But there’s no reason your foodstuffs can’t be fun too. New York bakery Eleni’s boasts a Down With the Capitol gift box full of “Games”-themed cookies (dibs on Gale!). Or you can bake up your own (just like Peeta!) using a recipe from Fictional Food . Because, really, there’s no need to be hungry in your arena. Shelter Whether you’re stuck shivering outside the theater or in an aggressively air-conditioned lobby, you’ll want to keep yourself warm and cozy. We’re pretty partial to this bright pink Team Peeta sweatshirt we found on Etsy . Plus, it can double as a pillow if you want to take a quick Kat nap. Entertainment OK, reality check: It is likely — despite the high-stress, high-anxiety conditions of the midnight premiere — that you might get, well, a little bored. Temper a case of the dulls (and psych yourself up even more!) by popping in your ear buds and jamming to “The Hunger Games” soundtrack, which drops March 20. Taylor Swift will thank you. Inspiration If all else fails, take encouragement from loyal District 12 stylist Cinna: “I’m not allowed to bet, but if I could, my money would be on you.” What will you be packing in your “Hunger Games” go bag? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos Live From ‘The Hunger Games’ Red Carpet Premiere MTV Rough Cut: Gary Ross MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Blazes Into U.K. ‘Hunger Games’ World Premiere Red Carpet

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Jennifer Lawrence Says Shooting ‘Catching Fire’ Will Be ‘A Blessing’

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I got to play this character that I love, and then whatever I didn’t like, I can fix next year,’ ‘Hunger Games’ star tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Jennifer Lawrence Photo: MTV News “The Hunger Games.” has yet to hit theaters, but preparations for the next flick in the series, “Catching Fire,” are already in the works. Still, the franchise’s leading lady, Jennifer Lawrence, is just trying to catch her breath for the first film, out March 23, before she can catch fire. “It’s kind of like when we’re there, let’s talk about it. But until then I’m sick of hearing about myself as Katniss,” she laughed to MTV News when asked how she feels about having to hit the set for the next film. “And also we’ve been focusing on getting this one out so much that we haven’t really had time to talk about the second one. I’m sure they’ve had time.” “Catching Fire” picks up where the first novel/movie leaves off. (Warning: Minor spoilers ahead!) With the latest round of the Hunger Games over and Katniss and her pal, Peeta, standing victorious, there’s rebellion under way against the Capitol. But that’s not the only upheaval. There’s a special edition of the Hunger Games announced that will up the stakes once again for the two friends and everyone they know. “I think one and three are my favorites [in the franchise],” she said of her favorite novels in the Suzanne Collins-penned trilogy. “But ‘Catching Fire,’ I’m looking forward to shooting ’cause it kind of becomes more of a war movie.” While some actors might not be ready to commit to a multiple film franchise, the Oscar nominee saw it as a chance to create the Katniss character in a fully realized way. “That was definitely something to take into consideration. But then I was like, I’m an actor so I would be doing a film, at least a movie a year anyway,” she explained. “And then the opportunity to play a character that you love and something you’re really passionate about, that happens rarely, if at all, in somebody’s life. So now it’s a blessing ’cause I got to play this character that I love this year and then whatever I didn’t like, I can fix next year.” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Blazes Into U.K. ‘Hunger Games’ World Premiere Red Carpet The Hunger Games

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Rihanna Says Chris Brown Is The Hottest R&B Singer Out

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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In a recent interview with Ryan Seacrest, Rihanna explained why she chose to record the “Birthday Cake (remix)” with ex Chris Brown, who assaulted her in 2009. Rihanna recalls beginning the collaboration process saying: “The first song that came about was ‘Birthday Cake.’ I mean we ended up recording them at the same time and executing them together, but I reached out to him about doing ‘Birthday Cake’ because that’s the only person that really–it made sense to do the record. Just as a musician despite everything else that was going to be the person. You know I thought about rappers, and I’ve done that so many times, and the hottest R&B artist out right now is Chris Brown. So I wanted him on the track, and then in turn he was like ‘Why don’t you do the remix to my track?’ and it was a trade off. We did two records. One for my fans. One for his fans, and that way our fans can come together. There shouldn’t be a divide. You know? It’s music, and it’s innocent.”

Rihanna Says Chris Brown Is The Hottest R&B Singer Out

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Chris Rock Attacks Cameraman Over Questions About Tea Party [VIDEO]

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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A word to any political pundits looking to get a quote about the Tea Party from Chris Rock , protect your camera! The comedian/actor spazzed on a camera when conservative writer Jason Mattera tried to ensnare Rock with a question about his pointed remarks about the Tea Party in Esquire Magazine . The altercation happened at the Sundance Film Festival and video footage of the incident recently hit the internet. Rock stirred up controversy in an Esquire Magazine interview last year when he told the magazine, “When I see the Tea Party and all this stuff, it actually feels like racism’s almost over. Because this is the last — this is the act up before the sleep. They’re going crazy. They’re insane.” When Mattera asked Chris Rock about those comments, Chris tried to walk away but once he realized he had nowhere to run, he lunged at the camera. Chris Rock’s camp says their lawyers are looking into the video and they have no other comment at this time. What do you think of Chris Rock’s behavior? Share your thoughts in the comments. RELATED: Chris Rock Talks Black Men In Drag In New Vibe 50 Cent, Chris Rock, Tami Roman And More To Attend 2011 Urbanworld Film Fest Chris Rock: “Anything That Keeps Me Off ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Is Good”

Chris Rock Attacks Cameraman Over Questions About Tea Party [VIDEO]

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Barack-etology: President Obama Picks UNC To Win NCAA Tournament! [VIDEO]

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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President Barack Obama is riding with the North Carolina Tar Heels to take it all in the 2012 NCAA tournament ! “I’m just a sucker for the Tar Heels, what can I tell you,” said Obama to Andy Katz during his traditional selection special on ESPN , “Barack-etology. “ President Obama feels UNC is “an older team, a more experienced team.” “They won it for me last time the last time I picked them, hopefully I’ll be able to get a little redemption,” the president continued. President Obama’s Final Four consists of Ohio State and Missouri , along with North Carolina and Kentucky . Wh o do you think will win? SOURCE RELATED: Barack-etology 2011: President Obama Makes His NCAA Picks [VIDEO] Al Green Says President Obama Nailed “Let’s Stay Together” [VIDEO] Our History Makers: President Barack Obama Drake On President Obama: “I Could Play Him”

Barack-etology: President Obama Picks UNC To Win NCAA Tournament! [VIDEO]

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Ashanti Deals With A Cheating Man In “The Woman You Love” [VIDEO]

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Former Murder Inc. princess Ashanti has made her return! “The Woman You Love” is the first single off of her fifth album, Braveheart . Braveheart is the first project to be released on Ashanti’s own label, Written Entertainment . We find Ashanti riding through space in a starship remembering the trials of a bad relationship. The terrible boyfriend, played by Marcus Patrick , cheats, impregnates another woman, and is downright disrespectful to the R&B star. Check out the video to see if Ashanti forgives her cheating boyfriend or if she leaves him out in space somewhere. What do you think of Ashanti’s comeback video? RELATED: Ashanti Stuns At “Safe House” Premiere Ashanti & Selita Hit Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club Opening: Who Looked Better? [PHOTOS] Ashanti Announces New Single On The Today Show [VIDEO]

Ashanti Deals With A Cheating Man In “The Woman You Love” [VIDEO]

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The Muppets Back Foo Fighters, Nickelback In Musical March Madness

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Kermit the Frog and Walter also begin write-in campaign for ‘Muppet Show’ faves Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. Vote now! By James Montgomery, with reporting by Josh Wigler Walter and Kermit Photo: MTV News The Muppets might not strike you as a particularly hoops-savvy bunch, until you realize they’ve hung out with everyone from Dr. J to Rebecca Lobo and just did a movie with Jason Segel, who is, like, 7 feet tall and can definitely dunk. So obviously, when Kermit the Frog and his pal Walter stopped by the MTV Newsroom earlier this week, we had to get their take on our ongoing Musical March Madness tournament, which pits the 64 biggest bands against one another in a bracket battle for ultimate superiority … just like the actual NCAA basketball tournament, only with more Coheed and Cambria. Vote for your favorite band, discuss and share on Facebook and Twitter in the MTV Musical March Madness interactive bracket! Voting in all first-round MMM matchups runs until Sunday at midnight ET, so there’s still time to help guide your favorites to victory. But for all you last-minute voters out there, here are Kermit’s and Walter’s picks to take it all in this year’s tournament. “I would have to obviously say Green Day, they’re one of my favorite bands,” Kermit said. “My Morning Jacket I love, because they did an album we did called the Green album, and also, I have to say, there’s nothing like a good round of Nickelback to bring out the fierceness in the frog. But really, my favorite is the Foo Fighters, because I love to say ‘Foo.’ ” He really does. Also, who knew Kermit was a Nickelback fan? And while most of Kermit’s picks seem like locks to advance in the tournament (except for the top-seeded Foos, who are getting all they can handle from #16, James Durbin), Walter is taking some risks, picking upset-focused up-and-comers and veteran squads to advance. “I have to go with Florence and the Machine, because they were on ‘Saturday Night Live’ when we hosted with Jason … she’s got a killer voice,” he said. “I also like that song ‘What the Water Gave Me,’ but I hope she’s not talking about, like, giardia or something like that, that terrible bacteria parasite … that’s what the water gave me once. “I love the classics, I’m afraid. I like Van Halen, I gotta pick Van Halen,” he continued. “Oh, and of course, Mumford and Sons. Did you know their frontman was formerly the Amazing Mumford on ‘Sesame Street’? True story.” Vote for your favorite band, discuss and share on Facebook and Twitter in the MTV Musical March Madness interactive bracket! We did not know that. Of course, Walter wasn’t content to just pick underdogs. He decided to launch an impromptu write-in campaign to get another “Muppet” fave in the race for Musical March Madness. “Can I do a write-in?” he asked. “I was a little disappointed in MTV [for not including] Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem . That is my number-one choice. That’s who I’d pick to win it.” MTV’s 2012 Musical March Madness Tournament is under way! Voting in the first round runs until midnight ET on Sunday, March 18, and winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite act made the cut, it’ll be up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM or by downloading one of our custom badges — but get ready, it’s gonna be a war. Related Videos Musical March Madness Returns! Related Photos MTV’s Musical March Madness 2012 Related Artists Nickelback Foo Fighters

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