‘I can be the first hip-hop artist to do Vegas every night,’ Wayne tells MTV News. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway Lil Wayne Photo: MTV News Lil Wayne may have extended his I Am Still Music Tour through the summer, but he isn’t going to stop there. “I actually plan on being one of those artists that can go on a tour when they’re like 40, like U2, Michael Jackson,” Lil Wayne told Sway during an interview after the taping of his “MTV2 Presents: Lil Wayne Unplugged.” With his upcoming Tha Carter IV set to drop August 24, Weezy added 40 more dates, creating a second leg of his I Am Still Music run. As it stands now, the tour will conclude on September 11 in Woodlands, Texas. This past weekend, the Young Money CEO played the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, and has no plans of slowing down. “I actually plan on being one of those artists, with all the music and all the work I’m putting out, I believe that later on down the line, I can do Vegas. I can be the first hip-hop artist to do Vegas every night. That’s the plan.” Fans got a televised taste of Weezy’s live show when Birdman Jr. performed for the cameras during his “Unplugged” special, which aired on MTV 2 on Sunday. Wayne rocked with a full band and ran through proven hits like “Fireman,” “A Milli” and “Lollipop,” as well as new favorites like “Nightmares of the Bottom” and “6 Foot, 7 Foot.” It isn’t all rap either. During his live shows, Wayne dips into his rock catalog, doing songs from his gold-selling Rebirth album as well. It’s his deep and diversified well of tunes that will ensure that Wayne never goes home, unless he chooses to do so. “I plan on touring forever, actually,” he said. “Probably when I’m like 50, I might be like, ‘Let’s go, gimme some dates.’ ” Related Videos MTV2 Presents Unplugged Lil Wayne MTV News Extended Play: Lil Wayne Related Photos MTV2 Presents Unplugged Lil Wayne Related Artists Lil Wayne
J.J. Abrams movie is only non-sequel in the top five. By Ryan J. Downey Joel Courtney in “Super 8” Photo: Paramount “Super 8” took the #1 spot at the box office over the weekend. The film’s $37 million opening isn’t on par with recent summer blockbusters, but it did beat studio expectations, according to reports. And “Super 8” bears the distinction of being the only non-sequel in the weekend’s top five. The “Super 8” marketing campaign employed many of the tactics used to promote 2008’s “Cloverfield,” which was produced by “Super 8” writer/ director J.J. Abrams. The movie stars a cast of relative unknowns and features a plot that was largely kept hidden in the trailers. Abrams devised “Super 8” as something of an homage to the work of Steven Spielberg, who served as producer. Reviews have been largely positive. “For all its obvious touches of Spielbergia, ‘Super 8’ feels a whole lot like ‘The Iron Giant’ meets ‘Stand by Me,’ ” wrote FEARnet’s Scott Weinberg. “Super 8” was produced by Paramount, which like MTV is owned by Viacom. The weekend’s only other new movie in wide release was “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer,” a children’s film based on the widely popular series of books by Megan McDonald, who co-wrote the script. The movie opened poorly, landing at #7 with just $6.2 million. And it’s one of the worst reviewed films of the year so far, according to critical aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. “X-Men: First Class” was #2 in its second week of release with $25 million for a $98.8 million total. The superhero prequel is the best reviewed of the franchise since 2003’s “X2: X-Men United.” Meanwhile, “The Hangover Part II” passed “Fast Five” to become the highest-grossing movie of 2011 thus far. The buddy comedy took in $18.5 million for a $216.5 million domestic total. Critics have largely panned the film, although co-star Zach Galifianakis detailed plans for another sequel in a recent interview with magazine (he did not confirm his involvement). “Kung Fu Panda 2” came in at #4 at the box office. The animated sequel, which features Jack Black as the voice of the title character, took in $16.6 million for a $126.9 million total. “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” was #5 with $10.8 million for a $208.7 million total. This weekend’s new releases include “Green Lantern,” starring Ryan Reynolds as the DC Comics superhero; “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” starring Jim Carrey; and the PG-13 romance “The Art of Getting By.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Super 8.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Super 8’ Related Photos Tom Cruise, Elle Fanning, More At ‘Super 8’ Premiere
After earning $37 million and debuting at #1, J.J. Abrams’ movie is looking like a success story so far. By Eric Ditzian Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney in “Super 8” Photo: Paramount As well as anyone, J.J. Abrams knew the challenges facing “Super 8” this summer. It’s not a sequel or based on an existing property; it doesn’t feature any major stars; its central conceit had to remain largely mysterious, and its release date plopped the flick in a crowded field of superheroes, robots and wizards. “We’re a complete anomaly in a summer of huge films,” the director told the Los Angeles Times, “and we don’t want to be so silent or coy that people don’t care or don’t hear about it.” As the film’s June 10 release date neared, it seemed people might not have heard about “Super 8,” nor cared to check it out if they had: Box-office tracking was said to be weak, with a possible opening weekend as low as $25 million. But as reviews continued to be strong, and Paramount staged over 300 Twitter-sponsored screenings at midnight on the Thursday before release, the tide seemed to be turning. And it did. “Super 8” grossed $37 million domestically. That put the alien-invasion film roughly in line with one alien invasion film based on an original idea and starring lesser-known talent (2009’s “District 9”) but slightly below another (2008’s “Cloverfield”). Yet what separates “Super 8” from these other movies is the talent behind the camera: Abrams in the director’s chair and Steven Spielberg taking on a producer role for a film that is an undeniable homage to films like “E.T.” With those names leading the charge, expectations were high as soon as the project was announced in May 2010. And now opinions among industry experts seem to be split. Is $37 million for “Super 8″ a success or a disappointment — or somewhere in between? ” ‘Super 8’ arrived with neither a whimper nor a bang,” explained Brandon Gray of Box Office Mojo . “[E]ven if ‘Super 8’ beat last-minute expectations, that doesn’t necessarily make it a success. The most important expectations for any movie are the ones that are set when a movie is green-lighted as well as the ones that guide a marketing campaign.” Others, however, emphasize that making any sort of box-office declaration would be premature at this point. “For some films, the opening weekend is just the beginning of the story,” said Phil Contrino, editor of Boxoffice.com . “This is one of them. It should hold up well in the weeks to come, and that will make up for the fact that its opening wasn’t exactly earth shattering.” The fact is, even with marquee talent running the show, films often need A-list talent in front of the camera — and plopping down on Leno’s couch — to goose box-office numbers. Contrino suspects that just one big name could have resulted in a $60 million opening for “Super 8.” Yet it should be noted the film reportedly cost only $50 million — about one third the budget of a typical summer tentpole. ” ‘Super 8’ will turn a profit before most of the other films released this summer, and isn’t that the epitome of success?” said Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for Exhibitor Relations. “Yet still it was the #1 film in a crowded marketplace. There is no other way to spin this: Every studio in town would love to have a ‘Super 8’ on their release calendar.” The question now is how the film will do heading into this weekend, when a new superhero flick, “Green Lantern,” arrives. “Cloverfield,” for instance, dropped a staggering 68 percent in its second weekend, despite opening in January. “District 9” held on for a more typical 51 percent drop in August. How will “Super 8” fair? Can it become the sleeper hit of the summer? “It may have a difficult time going up against what looks like it will be the next ‘Iron Man’ in ‘Green Lantern,'” Bock said. “But word of mouth should sustain ‘Super 8’ in the weeks to come, because in a world full of exploitation and in-your-face pop-up ads, audiences will no doubt be charmed by the fact that they’re sitting in a darkened theater without knowing exactly what to expect.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Super 8.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Super 8’ ‘Super 8’: Check Out The Latest Movie Clips Here! Related Photos Tom Cruise, Elle Fanning, More At ‘Super 8’ Premiere The ‘Super 8’ Trailer’s Key Moments
‘Harry Potter’ star is ‘hopeful’ she can pull off the accent for ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower.’ By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Emma Watson Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images What does Emma Watson sound like when she says “Olive Garden” as if she lives just down the road from one in Charlotte, North Carolina? That’s one of the questions we set out to answer with “American Talk,” a little video we shot with the cast of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” last December that had the stars attempting to pop off phrases like they were born and raised in the good ol’ U.S. of A. What started off as a funny bit quickly turned into a viral sensation, nabbing more than 2.2 million views. Watson and her cohorts might have felt a bit insecure about their accents — which they had exactly zero time to practice — but the public loved the whole thing. Since then, however, Watson has gone to work on her American accent for a role in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” an adaptation of the controversial novel about teenage life and sexuality. When we caught up with Watson at the MTV Movie Awards recently, where she was taking a break from the “Wallflower” production, we reminded the Brit actress about her time shooting “American Talk” and asked if the accent was causing her any trouble on set. “I was really nervous!” she said of the MTV bit. “I think it sounded terrible.” Hardly. But she’s since gained a facility for an American accent while shooting in western Pennsylvania. “It’s good. Having been out in Pittsburgh for four weeks — it’s OK,” she said. “It’s good. I’m hopeful about it.” Not that she was interested in giving us a sample while hanging at the Movie Awards afterparty outside the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. “No, please don’t do that! No! No, no, no, no — that’s so unfair!” she cried. “Wait and see the movie.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Photos The Evolution Of: Emma Watson
Wayne embraced his former Cash Money mate onstage during his Friday night set. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Ade Mangum Mannie Fresh at Bonnaroo 2011 Photo: MTV News MANCHESTER, Tennessee – One of the highlights of Lil Wayne’s headlining set at Bonnaroo on Friday – at least to the folks in attendance who’ve followed Weezy’s career since his Hot Boys days – was the moment when he brought Cash Money founding father Mannie Fresh onstage, ending a longtime separation that had existed since 2005, when Fresh parted ways with Birdman and the label under decidedly acrimonious conditions. When the two embraced onstage, it was symbolic in more ways than one: Not only did it show that Mannie and Wayne had never really been at odds, but it was a rather important passing of the torch too. And Fresh told MTV News as much, earlier in the day on Friday, when he said that the two really never been rivals … and hinted at bigger things to come later in the evening. “It’s a possibility. Like I said, there’s no beef. No animosity,” Fresh said. “I got a great deal of respect for Wayne. You know, from where he started to where he at right now. He’s on top of his game. So it’s a possibility [we could reunite]. You never know.” And as anyone who was in attendance for Wayne’s set could attest, that possibility definitely became a reality. For his part, Fresh wouldn’t speak about just how the pair settled their differences, but now that they’ve gone public with their reunion, could the duo could get back to their collaborative ways? It’s something Fresh isn’t about to write off. “That would be hot,” he said. “But, you know, my half, I’m there. We’re going to leave the rest of it on him, you know what I’m saying?” Would you like to see Wayne reconnect with Mannie Fresh in the studio? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos Bonnaroo 2011 Behind The Scenes Related Photos Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2011 Related Artists Mannie Fresh Lil Wayne
Jennifer Hudson was rushed to the hospital this morning after performing at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield as part of “Good Morning America’s” Summer Concert Series. The situation was so serious, she had to cancel her CBS appearance that was scheduled for later today. TMZ reports that: “After performing on ‘Good Morning America’ earlier today, Jennifer Hudson went to the hospital due to severe abdominal pains. She was treated for food poisoning and released.” Here’s to hoping she recovers quickly! “Spotlight” Interview Jennifer Hudson Signs Deal To Write Weight Loss Memoir Jennifer Hudson Joins “Three Stooges” Film Remake Flo Rida Busted For DUI In $1.7 Million Bugatti BLACK MUSIC MOMENT #55: Master P’s No Limit Records Founded FACT OF THE DAY: Wiz Khalifa Was Born A Military Brat
Laila Ali’s baby daughter is here, and we’ve finally got some pics. Born April 4, baby Sydney joins her big brother CJ, 2½. When Laila and her husband, former NFL star Curtis Conway, decided to have a second child, she thought she wanted another boy, but now she’s glad she was blessed otherwise. “Before I got pregnant with Sydney I started paying attention to girls with their moms and I thought, ‘Oh, I want a girl.’ They are like a little mini me.” The mother and daughter have already established a girls-only ritual. “Because I get up so much with her, we are sleeping in a separate room. My favorite time is the evening when CJ goes to sleep and I have her in the room and it’s quiet. We have our quiet moment together.” And Laila can’t wait to teacher her daughter: “How to cook and how to be a lady” and “how to be strong but still be feminine and confident.” Mariah Carey’s Baby Nursery Cost How Much?!? [PHOTO] FIRST PICS: Paula Patton & Robin Thicke’s Son Khloe Kardashian & More Win At Forbes Entrepreneur Event [PHOTOS]
Hip-Hop Wired caught up with Big Boi this week as he discussed his new endorsement deal with Crown Royal whisky, “The Crown Life.” The hip hop legend and one half of OutKast also gave an update on the supergroup with him, Pill and Killer Mike as well as few more insights inside the world of the ATLien. Peep the interview below: RELATED: Big Boi, Killer Mike & Pill At Crown Royal Black Event [PHOTOS] RELATED: ATL’s Own Pill Talks About Deal With Rick Ross’ Maybach Music [EXCLUSIVE] RELATED: Mike Bigga AKA Killer Mike Talks New Album, ATL Face Tats & More [EXCLUSIVE] RELATED: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Big Boi Talks Solo Album, OutKast Label Drama
Raven-Symoné showed off her natural curls while attending the Simon G. Jewelry Annual “Summer Soiree” at The Palazzo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas recently. Looking pretty in pink, she rocked a ruffled one-shoulder dress, nude pumps and a playful bow. Raven-Symone: “My Perfect Man Would Be A Mannequin” Raven-Symone Shows Off Amazing New Body For Shoot [PHOTOS] 30 Under 30: Raven Symone FACT OF THE DAY: Ashanti Was Once A Bad Girl Remember Snoop’s Perm & Curls? THEN & NOW: 1990s Music Icons CLASS OF 2001: Was G-Dep The Last Bad “Boy” Standing?
