Tag Archives: pittsburgh

Travis Barker Gives Twin Berlin An ‘Incredible’ Opportunity

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Blink-182 drummer helped ‘Your Next Record’ contest winners put together their brand-new EP, There Goes My Virtue. By Matt Elias Travis Barker Photo: MTV News Blink-182 ‘s Travis Barker is giving a boost to Boston rock trio Twin Berlin’s EP release Wednesday (February 1). The veteran drummer handpicked the unsigned band out of a sea of submissions for Guitar Center’s “Your Next Record” contest. As part of the grand prize, Twin Berlin got to record a three-song EP produced by Barker himself, resulting in There Goes My Virtue . MTV News caught up with Barker and the band back in November, when they were tinkering away at Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles. Although he’s a percussionist at heart, Barker said he wasn’t just looking for the next great drummer. “There were some bands in the Guitar Center contest that were amazing drummers, but it was more a song thing for [Twin Berlin] — a great song,” Barker said. “They seem hungry, and they all have great personalities and attitudes about the whole thing. I just wanted to help emphasize what they were already doing and clean things up, maybe suggest arrangement ideas, just little things that will make a difference.” For Twin Berlin, the contest was a natural fit. “[Bassist] Sean is a huge Blink fan and everything, and we all really like Travis a lot,” drummer James Janocha said. “So we just figured, ‘Hey, why not enter?’ ” Barker recalled, “When they gave me all the bands’ songs, I didn’t know what the bands’ names were, I didn’t know what the guys looked like, I didn’t know how many people were in the group — it was purely based on one song, and that one song just won me over. I listened to the CD probably every day for three weeks, and that song just resonated with me.” The song Barker refers to, “Can’t Take, Take, Take,” ended up as the first track on the new EP, rounded out by “Don’t Hang Around” and “Give Up on Me.” While the trifecta of songs represents Twin Berlin’s gritty, unapologetic style of rock and roll, the recording process was far from their familiar DIY surroundings. “To get the chance to be able to work in a studio like this, it’s incredible,” guitarist/vocalist Matt Lopez said. “We used to record in this guy’s shed, so this is pretty insane.” Share your review of Twin Berlin’s new EP in the comments below!

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Mac Miller Takes Us Backstage For Pittsburgh Homecoming

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Last night was like my first real Pittsburgh show where I’m somebody now,’ MC told MTV News back in December. By Rob Markman Mac Miller Photo: MTV News Mac Miller wasn’t always this popular, and his concerts weren’t always quite so packed. “I performed for five people at a ‘hood-ass club, and no one looked at me,” Mac recalled of one of his earliest shows as a teen in Pittsburgh. “They were like, ‘Who’s this little-ass white kid?’ ” How times have changed. On December 9, the Blue Slide Park MC returned to his hometown to perform a pair of sold-out shows at Stage AE, with a gang of hits and a #1 album under his belt and a legion of new fans. A year prior, in December 2010, he opened for Rostrum Records labelmate and buddy Wiz Khalifa at the same venue, but for Mac, things didn’t go so well. “I was opening for Wiz at Stage AE, like, the same exact show, his homecoming,” Mac remembered. “I actually had just came off my first little tour. I did, like, a two-week run, and I lost my voice on it. So I did both those Pittsburgh shows with no voice, and I sounded like sh–.” Mac Miller returns to Pittsburgh’s Blue Slide Park. Mac’s voice wasn’t a problem during his concerts in December. Before the first show, anxious concertgoers chanted, “We want Mac, we want Mac,” as the now 20-year old MC made his way from his backstage dressing room to the stage, where he led a prayer circle with his Most Dope crew right before the curtains opened. Miller ran through crowd favorites like “Best Day Ever,” “Knock, Knock,” “Donald Trump” and “Party on Fifth Ave.” The crowd jumped-up, pumped their fists and sang along all night throughout both shows — then again that’s the standard for a Mac Miller concert. But even the slow and personal “Missed Calls” from his BSP album got a nice reaction, which to the young MC proved that his music is really connecting with his audience. “I’m like the fun rapper, right? Me, Mac Miller, the symbol of fun, but when I do ‘Missed Calls,’ it’s like cool, good music,” he told MTV News backstage after his December 9 show. “It’s dope to see that vibe in the room of people just enjoying a song that’s not about fun, that’s not a party anthem, that’s just a song about some real sh– that I made about a relationship.” It’s his favorite song on the album, by the way. Wiz Khalifa motivates Pittsburgh’s up-and-coming artists. For Mac, going back to the ‘Burgh was a high like no other. “Last night was like my first real Pittsburgh show where I’m somebody now,” he said December 10 as he took MTV News on a tour through his beloved Blue Slide Park. “I just wanted to say ‘Pittsburgh’ over and over again — not to get the crowd hyped, but to able to say that, man. I was home. I’m home, and there’s 3,000 people rockin’ with me.” Stick with MTV News all week as Mac Miller takes us back to the ‘Burgh and spotlights the city’s vibrant hip-hop scene. Then tune into RapFix Live” today at 4 p.m. on MTV.com for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from Mac’s hometown shows. Related Videos Back To The ‘Burgh With Mac Miller And Wiz Khalifa

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2 Chainz To Announce New Deal On ‘RapFix Live’

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Me and you got a lot of things we got to talk about face-to-face,’ 2 Chainz tells MTV News’ Sway Calloway. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway 2 Chainz Photo: MTV News 2 Chainz is riding around and getting it and soon he will have even more money to spend. Word is that the Atlanta rap standout is close to signing a new record contract, and on Wednesday he will stop by “RapFix Live” to announce his new deal. “I think I’m gonna come sit on the sofa Wednesday. Me and you got a lot of things we got to talk about face-to-face,” 2 Chainz told Sway when he Skyped into last week’s episode of “RapFix Live.” “It should be a good day Wednesday. I’m coming up to New York and have a few finalized meetings also,” he added. On Monday (January 30), Chainz, who got his start as Tity Boi in the rap duo Playaz Circle, will be performing his first major New York concert at SOB’s. Over the past year, 2 Chainz has reinvented himself as a solo artist and taken a hold on rap’s underground thanks to catchy anthems like his latest single “Spend It.” After his NYC concert, the “Duffle Bag Boy” rapper will be running around the city tying up loose ends before he sits with Sway on Wednesday. By that time he will be ready to announce his new recording home exclusively on “RapFix Live.” “Might as well let the cat out the bag,” he said. Mac Miller is another of rap’s most exciting newcomers, and MTV News recently went back to the ‘Burgh with the “Donald Trump” rapper when he performed a pair of homecoming shows in December. All week long, MTV News will be spotlighting Pittsburgh’s growing hip-hop scene with exclusive interviews and video content. On Wednesday, fans can tune in to watch backstage and concert footage from Mac’s Pittsburgh show. You don’t want to miss it! Catch 2 Chainz and Mac Miller on “RapFix Live” Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com, and be sure to join the Twitter conversation using the hashtag #RapFixLive. Send your questions for the artists to @MTVRapFix! Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ With Bow Wow And Too $hort

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So Much For That: God’s Only Begotten Quarterback Tim Tebow Gets Embarrassed By The Patriots, Jesus Tweets An Explanation

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

Awww! Poor wittle Tebow . Just like that, Tim Tebow’s special journey this season concluded Saturday night. A story that transcended the game and captivated those who don’t follow the sport came to an end with one cold thud. The Denver Broncos ran into the AFC’s top-seeded New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, and the gadget offense that launched Tebowmania was no match against 34-year-old Tom Brady, a polished postseason performer seven years removed from his last Super Bowl championship. Tebow became the first NFL quarterback to deliver six fourth-quarter comebacks in his first 11 starts, and then he knocked out the Pittsburgh Steelers and their top-ranked defense in the wild-card round last Sunday with an 80-yard touchdown pass in overtime. He was ineffective in this setting, forced to endure derisive chants of “Tebow!” There were no heroics. Instead, it was fireworks from Brady as he tied an NFL postseason record with six touchdown passes in a 45-10 victory in a divisional round game. By the time Brady threw the sixth touchdown pass early in the third quarter, Tebow had completed three passes for 28 yards. The last quarterback to throw for six touchdowns passes in a postseason game had been Steve Young in Super Bowl XXIX, and Brady didn’t pass when the Patriots got to the four-yard line early in the fourth quarter. “I have no idea [about] records,” Brady said. “We try to go out and execute offensively. … Hopefully, we can go out next week and play even better.” The Patriots ended a postseason losing streak at three games and will play host to the AFC championship game next Sunday against the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens winner. Brady’s NFL-record five touchdown passes in the first half — three to tight end Rob Gronkowski — staked the Patriots to a 35-7 halftime lead. The Patriots didn’t relent and Tebow was befuddled, unable to react when his primary receiver was covered. He completed only nine of 26 passes for 136 yards. He was sacked five times. So what happened? Did Tebow just panic because of the pressure? Did he get distracted during his pre-game prayer? Did some woman tempt him and break his Christian chi? Jesus offered an explanation…

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VIDEO: Denver Broncos Beat Pittsburgh Steelers With 80-Yard TD Pass

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

http://www.youtube.com/v/WeVh0XnCwM8

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No words needed here. Enjoy it Broncos Country! Tim Tebow hits Demaryius Thomas on an 80-yard touchdown pass, the longest to end a post-season overtime game in NFL history: Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Mile High Report Discovery Date : 09/01/2012 02:49 Number of articles : 2

VIDEO: Denver Broncos Beat Pittsburgh Steelers With 80-Yard TD Pass

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Mac Miller Brings ‘Party’ To ‘NYE In NYC 2012’

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

During Saturday night’s live MTV special, MC re-creates ’80s -inspired ‘Party on Fifth Ave’ video. By James Dinh Mac Miller (file) Photo: Getty Images NEW YORK — Underground-turned-chart topping MC Mac Miller was treated quite nicely by 2011, and he ended the year on a high note when he served up a performance of “Party on Fifth Ave” during MTV’s “NYE in NYC 2012” on Saturday night. To re-create the tune’s ’80s-inspired clip, Miller arrived on set with high energy and never ceased his interaction with the audience. Dressed in a vintage jacket, tuxedo shirt and backward cap, the Pittsburgh rapper bounced alongside his crew of appropriately dressed friends and dancers in front of the audience as he spit the DJ Mark the 45 King-sampling tune. “There’s a party on Fifth Ave., hit me if you try’n a go/ I can be there in like 20/ I’mma honk it and come runnin’, ’cause we gotta hit the road/ Make you sure you got a clean shirt, clean pants, new shoes/ Or just hitch a ride there, you choose,” he rapped in front of the jumping crowd. MTV News spoke with the MC backstage during the event, where he shared his thoughts on the big night. “It’s funny because, in the moment, it just feels like another day at work,” the MC told us. “This is what I do for a living. But then, in actuality, stepping back and thinking about it, performing live on MTV for the News Year’s Eve with millions of people watching is pretty crazy.” Asked why he chose to recreate the clip, Miller explained, “I just think it’s a funny video, and I wanted to do something more than just stand up there and rap or something. We wanted to do something funky, and I wanted to keep all my homeys involved — get their faces on national TV.” Mac wasn’t the only performer to rock out until 2012 as Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, J. Cole and Jason Der

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‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Trailer: Some Burning Questions

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

What’s with Bruce Wayne’s cane, and did Catwoman steal Mrs. Wayne’s pearls? By Kevin P. Sullivan Christian Bale in the new “Dark Knight Rises” trailer Photo: Warner Bros. If you’re able to tear yourself away from the new theatrical trailer for “The Dark Knight Rises,” you should be applauded. The two-minute trailer packs so much goodness in that it can be hard to focus on anything else. Other fans like you have already begun to post detailed trailer analyses and lists of supposed Easter eggs trying to unlock every secret the new preview holds. We have a few questions of our own that need answering, so here is our list of the burning questions from the “Dark Knight Rises” theatrical trailer. What’s with the cane? The trailer doesn’t come right out and say it, but it doesn’t take much scrutinizing to see that Bruce Wayne walks with a cane in two scenes. Early in the trailer, you can see Bruce and his cane reflected in the cloche and from the side as he passes the camera. He also appears to be favoring one side during the masquerade scenes with Selina Kyle and Miranda Tate. It’s hard to imagine Nolan choosing to feature Bane as the main villain and neglecting to make reference to the act he’s most famous for, breaking Batman’s back. The cane could signal some manifestation of the moment from “Knightfall.” Are there two Robin references in the trailer? The blogosphere blew up Monday with theories that the stadium scene features two references to the Boy Wonder, thus confirming his presence in the movie, but both have been sufficiently debunked. Whether you noticed the first depended on whether you follow the NFL. When fans saw that the player who outruns the earthquake was named “Ward,” they had either two reactions: “Oh hey, that’s Hines Ward, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” or “I have no idea who Hines Ward is, so that’s a reference to Robin’s status as Batman’s ward!” The other reference was most likely the work of a crafty background actor. Among the fans in the stadium, one person held up a large “R” that spelled out the team name “Rogues.” Eagle-eyed viewers noticed that the “R” resembles the stylized one used for the Robin logo, but as Empire pointed out, most of the 10,000 extras for that scene brought their own props to set. Did Catwoman steal Mrs. Wayne’s pearls? Reddit user “mpty” noticed something interesting while rewatching “Batman Begins.” The pearls Selina Kyle dons in the trailer resemble the set Thomas Wayne shows young Bruce in the original movie. This could be the first we see of Catwoman’s famous hobby, burglary. So much of her portrayal in the trailer focuses on her advocacy for the 99 percent. This may be the first hint at the other side of Ms. Kyle. Is there a flashback to “Batman Begins”-era Bruce Wayne? Christian Bale speaks his only line in the trailer while wearing clothes and sporting a beard that haven’t been around since his early days as a world traveler. He looks very similar to how he did during his training with the League of Shadows. We know the last film in the trilogy doubles back to cover some territory from the first movie; perhaps we’re seeing that here. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Dark Knight Rises.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos Experts Analyze The ‘Dark Knight Rises’ Teaser Trailer Related Photos ‘Dark Knight Rises’ Trailer: 5 Key Scenes On The Set Of ‘The Dark Knight Rises’

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Mac Miller Racks Up Huge Wins In His Breakthrough Year

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Blue Slide Park MC earns a spot on MTV News’ 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC list — vote now! By Rob Markman Mac Miller showed promise when he dropped his attention-grabbing K.I.D.S. (Kickin’ Incredibly Dop Sh–) mixtape in 2010, and throughout 2011, the Pittsburgh MC has fully capitalized on his rap buzz, proving that he is a musical force to be reckoned with. Now Miller, who, as an independent artist, earned the #1 album in the country when he dropped Blue Slide Park last month, stands as one of the nominees in MTV News’ list of 2011’s Hottest Breakthrough MCs . After deciding he wanted to be an MC at 15, Mac used hip-hop influences like Big L, OutKast and A Tribe Called Quest as well as rock greats like the Beatles, Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to craft his sound. “My whole thing is being super genuine and being myself,” Mac told MTV News. “Being an MC is a huge part of who I am, but it’s also that other stuff too, like playing instruments and getting into music like that.” There was some early work as part of local group Ill Spoken, but when Miller dropped K.I.D.S. right after graduating from high school, things really began to take off. Anchored by party tracks like “Knock, Knock” and the Lord Finesse-nod “Kool-Aid & Frozen Pizza,” the Rostrum Records spitter started to rack up a series of wins, including his sold-out Incredibly Dope Tour and his appearance on XXL magazine’s 2011 Freshman cover. His next mixtape, Best Day Ever, surprised K.I.D.S. in terms of download numbers, and his first EP, On and On, proved that Mac Miller fans not only would download free projects from the 19-year-old rapper, they’ll also pay for product. Then Mac did the unthinkable when his debut album Blue Slide Park was finally released on November 8, 2011. After selling more than 144,000 copies, BSP became the first indie debut to hit #1 on the Billboard albums chart since 1995’s Dogg Food by Tha Dogg Pound. The album’s accompanying tour was a success as well, selling out every stop along the way. Yes, 2011 may have been his breakout year, but considering all of his accomplishments, Mac Miller is doing better than some vets in the industry. Still, does he have what it takes to win MTV News’ 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs contest? Only time will tell. Hottest Breakthrough MCs was established by MTV News in 2010 as a fan-driven initiative that spotlights, celebrates and cultivates new talent. MTV News chose a pool of young rappers and urged fans to vote for their favorite. When it was all said and done, Wiz Khalifa emerged as the Hottest Breakthrough of last year. The competition was tough, but the Taylor Gang General beat out runner-up Nicki Minaj, ATL group Travis Porter, Diggy Simmons and J. Cole. This year, you can vote for Machine Gun Kelly (or your favorite up-and-comer) over at RapFix.MTV.com , and be sure to check back for daily updates and poll results. Each day, we’ll spotlight a new Hottest Breakthrough MC before we conclude on December 13 when the polls close at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC will be revealed during December 14’s “RapFix Live,” during which the winner will appear as our in-studio guest. There will also be a special announcement about MTV News’ upcoming Hottest MCs in the Game list and debate. To be considered a Hottest Breakthrough MC, an artist cannot have released a major-label full-length album. Finalists from 2010’s Hottest Breakthrough MCs poll will not be eligible for 2011 consideration, so unfortunately, Diggy Simmons and Travis Porter won’t be part of this conversation. Who do you think should be 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC? Share your picks in the comments! Stick with MTV News as we profile the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs before announcing the winner December 13 on “RapFix Live” — vote now! Related Videos 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs Related Artists Mac Miller

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Mac Miller Returns Home For Tour Closer

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

The Pittsburgh native went back to his roots for his Blue Slide Park tour closer. Photo: Getty Images Related Artists Mac Miller

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Rick Ross, Drake, Wiz Khalifa Lead Most Wanted 2012 Tapes

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

With our awards for 2011’s best online release in the rearview, Mixtape Daily selects next year’s most anticipated. By Rob Markman Rick Ross Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ Getty Images Mixtape Daily: Most Anticipated Tapes Of 2012 2011 has been notable for hip-hop mixtape releases. Veteran artists like Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy released mixtapes Sorry 4 the Wait and The Real Is Back, respectively, to build anticipation for their major-label albums. Pusha T and 2 Chainz used their ’11 tapes to brand themselves as soloists after breaking out from their respective Clipse and Playaz Circle roots, while Future and A$AP Rocky emerged as two of the year’s top newcomers. So with the past 12 months almost completely in our rearview, Mixtape Daily looks ahead to 2012 in anticipation of some upcoming gems. Rick Ross and Drake’s Y.O.L.O. (You Only Live Once) Their chemistry is undeniable. After getting together on songs like “Aston Martin Music,” DJ Khaled’s “I’m On One” and “Lord Knows” (the latter off Drizzy’s Take Care ), Drake and Ricky Rozay are planning to hook up on a tag-team mixtape. At first, it sounded as if this was one of those dream collaborations that gets talked about but never executed, but both Drake and Ross have separately confirmed the project. “It’s official, the music is most definitely official,” Ross assured MTV News. “But, you know, me being a boss, I’m trying to find a way that we could put that on the shelves for the world, baby. But it’s most definitely official.” Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Wale and more took prizes for Best 2011 Mixtapes! Fabolous’ There Is No Competition 3 (Death Comes in 3s) Funeral Fab is going back in. In 2011, he took a break from his There Is No Competition series and instead offered up The S.O.U.L. Tape, but on last month F-A-B-O tweeted an update: “There Is No Competition 3 — Death Comes In 3’s…. Coming Soon #TiNc3[.” Niiiiiiiice. Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Allderdice > In 2010, Wiz brought us the modern-day classic Kush and Orange Juice. This year, he not only dropped the much darker Cabin Fever, he also released his debut album, Rolling Papers. Next up is Khalifa’s ninth solo mixtape, Taylor Allderdice, named after his Pittsburgh high school. In preparation for the tape, the TGOD captain has already released a smoked-out video for “Dessert,” his take on Wale’s “Bait.” Big Sean’s FFOE (Finally Famous Over Everything) Snagging a #1 rap hit this year hasn’t curbed Big Sean’s hunger. Before he drops his sophomore LP in 2012, the G.O.O.D. Music spitter will release FFOE. “I feel like a lot of people who get to put albums out either forget about the mixtape circuit or disregard it. But I know that’s what got me here, the mixtapes,” Sean recently told “RapFix Live.” “I was able to sell out shows doing mixtapes, so I don’t take that lightly. I’m working on the new mixtape, putting real time into it.” Big K.R.I.T.’s 4Eva & a Day With his previous mixtapes — K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, 2011 Mixtape Daily favorite ReturnOf4Eva — K.R.I.T. has set a standard that focuses on high-quality production and album-style attention to detail. Now, the Mississippi upstart can boast one of the game’s most anticipated major-label debuts with his upcoming Live From the Underground. But before that, K.R.I.T. will drop 4Eva & a Day as a free online download. “Based off the experience of touring in the past year, I’m creating this free album from scratch as we speak,” he told Pitchfork . “I have locked myself back in the studio — 4Eva & a Day coming soon on bigkrit.com.” For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Videos Rick Ross, Meek Mill, N.O.R.E. And More On ‘RapFix Live’ Related Artists Rick Ross Drake Wiz Khalifa

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