Song is rumored to be next single off the pop singer’s new album, 4. By James Dinh Beyonce Photo: Getty Days after the premiere of the postapocalyptic dance clip for fans are now being treated to the recently leaked tune “Till the End of Time.” Rumored to be the next single off Beyonc
Rick Ross has been making interesting changes to his Maybach Music Group label lately, signing Wale in March 2011 and officially signing Midwestern emcee Stalley last week. Listeners of their music may be surprised that they landed deals with Rick Ross, whose music is known for its extravagant drug-dealing tales and lavish imagery. Still, rap history has had many other free agent signings that were just as odd to see. Read below for more. Janelle Monae to Bad Boy Records After getting her buzz up by appearances on Outkast’s Idlewild and gaining fans with her eccentric style, energetic live performances and conceptual Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase), it seemed common assumption that Janelle Monae would sign with Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon imprint. Instead, the songstress signed to Bad Boy Records under Sean “Diddy” Combs—a mogul who has had former signees launch fan campaigns to free them from the label (The LOX), write books about shady business practices (Mark Curry’s “Dancing with the Devil”), sever ties while in prison (Shyne), and a laundry list of other dubious deals. Result: Janelle Monae isn’t a household name just yet, but her first two Bad Boy releases—the re-released Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition ) and The ArchAndroid —have kept her artistic integrity intact, surprising many die-hard fans that expected Diddy to water her down. She has also garnered a Grammy nomination, festival appearances, tours with the likes of No Doubt, and placement on the 2009 season finale of American Idol. The rest of her career is yet to be seen, but she’s already trumped Diddy’s “Making the Band” outcasts. Snoop Dogg to No Limit Records Calvin Broaddus earned his rep in rap as a West Coast rider. With albums produced by Dr. Dre, guest appearances alongside 2Pac, Death Row Records as his label home, and music videos of him stomping through New York City, Snoop defined what many hip-hop heads will always recognize as the California sound and image. So things were a bit weird when he got out of his Death Row deal and signed to No Limit, Master P’s fledgling label based in New Orleans, La. Result: Snoop’s albums with No Limit continued to gross high record sales with their star power and Master P’s genius branding, but the critical reception was mixed. Da Game Is To Be Sold, Not To Be Told is widely acknowledged as one of his worst albums, but No Limit Top Dogg and Tha Last Meal did a better job of sticking to his West Coast roots with guest appearances and production by Dre, Soopafly, Kokane, Battlecat and more. It’s also arguable that Snoop’s transcendence as a pop culture icon began around his time with No Limit as well. Teena Marie to Cash Money Records Before she passed away in December , Teena Marie was a legendary R&B/soul singer who was signed to Motown Records in the late 70s/early 80s, and Epic/CBS Records until 1990. Known for her collaborations with Rick James and her soulful voice, Marie was dubbed as the “Ivory Queen of Soul.” Such an established artist of her tenure wouldn’t ever fit in on the “Classics” sub-label Lil Wayne and Baby “Birdman” Williams’ Cash Money Records, then, right? Result: While many were perplexed by the move, her results weren’t as bad as someone may have expected. La Dona earned a gold certification with its sales and became the highest-charting album of her career, peaking at no. 6 on the Billboard 200. She was also nominated for a 2005 Grammy Award for the single “Still In Love.” Not bad for her first album with Cash Money, and her first official album since 1994′s Passion Play . Her last album with the label, Sapphire , didn’t perform as well, but still got some positive reviews. Nas to Def Jam Nas and Jay-Z had one of the most memorable beefs in hip-hop history. Nas accused Hov of biting styles, disrespecting his own fallen comrade and “selling (his) soul for riches,” while Jay dissed Nas’ rap catalog and called out his baby’s mother for being promiscuous. So it surprised many that Nas would sign to Def Jam Records in 2006, two years after when Jay-Z was named president of the label. Result: Nas’ album Hip-Hop Is Dead definitely showcased its Def Jam production budget, supplementing longtime collaborators L.E.S. and Salaam Remi with the likes of Scott Storch, will.i.am and Kanye West. The album also got generally positive reviews and a Grammy nomination, but to some, felt too much like Nas was trying too hard to make a “Def Jam album.” Untitled and Distant Relatives garnered the most attention, though. The former used a controversial original title of ”Nigger” to bring ears to its detailed dissertation of black history, and the latter was a joint album with Damien Marley that fused hip-hop with reggae and covered African ancestry, poverty and the diamond trade. Pusha T to G.O.O.D. Music Despite GLC (Gangsta L Crisis) being one of G.O.O.D. Music’s founding artists, most media and fan praise for Kanye West and his label was rooted in it being an antithesis to street rap. Up until last year, previous signees had included “conscious” emcee Common, R&B vocalist John Legend, emo rapster Kid Cudi and fly kid Big Sean. So despite having an assorted clientele of emcees he lent beats to, many were surprised to see Kanye sign Pusha T , who had earned a rep for drug-pushing raps as half of Clipse. Result: Pusha T made his official GOOD Music debut on Kanye’s “Runaway,” and it was obvious from there that their musical marriage would be beneficial to both of them. Aside from Ye’s superior soundbeds matching the Virginia emcee’s mic presence, Pusha’s cold-hearted rhymes perfectly coincide with the asshole demeanor that his new label head often assumes. The chemistry was further solidified by Pusha’s enjoyable Fear of God mixtape. Honorable Mention: Peedi Crakk to The Roots In retrospect, Peedi Crakk joining The Roots makes sense with them both hailing from Philly and with Jay-Z having a working relationship with the band. Still, it was surprising to see a Roc-A-Fella emcee whose name implied selling drugs join forces with a Grammy-nominated act known for their conscious, introspective lyrics and envelope-pushing content. While this isn’t a label signing like the other five it stands out as one of the oddest pairings we’ve ever seen. Result: Ever since he made his Roots debut on Game Theory, Peedi has shown an incredible chemistry with the group. His energetic, high-pitched voice deftly contrasts Black Thought’s tough-as-nails vocals, and his melodic delivery meshes with the group’s live musicality. Two of the three Roots albums he’s been a member for—Game Theory and How I Got Over—were nominated for Grammy awards, and all three of them (including Rising Down) have been critically acclaimed as worthy additions to their already respectable catalog. RELATED POSTS: Teedra Moses To Release “Luxurious Undergrind” Mixtape As Maybach Music Group Debut Pusha T Says He Didn’t Smash Lebron James Baby Mother Janelle Monae & Bruno Mars Join Forces For “Hooligans In Wondaland” Tour
No. Despite popular belief, this story wasn’t about me. You can stop sending your emails in. I’m not welded to a chair. I am just married to one and never get off my fat ass and sure sometimes there’s piss and shit all over this bitch from laziness and eagerness to get you the latest drunkenstepfather post…but I have the ability to get up if I really have to. I just don’t really like doing it…. That’s all I have to say about that. FOLLOW ME
Here’s a good enough way to start the day – even if the video is from years ago and every single Rosa Acosta fan has already jerked off to it – cuz being as up to date on pop culture as I am – I still don’t know who Rosa Acosta is – but have a feeling she’s in hip hop videos – cuz this is the kind of ass that works in those environments…..right? FOLLOW ME
‘Anytime Britney comes to the Palms, we always welcome her with open arms,’ George Maloof tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears performs in Las Vegas on Friday Photo: Splash News Online Last Friday, Britney Spears brought her own razzle-dazzle to the already-glittering city of Las Vegas. She played a fan-pleasing three-song set at Rain nightclub at the Palms Hotel and Casino, where the show was being taped for an MTV special airing this week. Hours before Britney took the stage, MTV News caught up with Palms owner George Maloof, who gushed about how awesome it was to have Britney on hand for her first Femme Fatale live performance. “I think this one’s going to be really over-the-top,” he said of Spears’ show, which will be included in the MTV special. “And we’re all excited about her new album, and I heard it’s spectacular, so here we go: Britney Spears at the Palms.” Spears hyped the release of Femme Fatale in a big way during Friday’s nightclub set, performing lead singles “Hold It Against Me” and “Till the World Ends” while also debuting the will.i.am-produced “Big Fat Bass.” Each track required a new body-hugging costume — including a black latex catsuit covered in red LED lights — to accommodate her trademark dance moves. Check out photos from Britney’s Las Vegas show . Maloof, who has known Britney for the better part of the last decade, said that while he’s friendly with the star, he’s still excited that she chose his hotel for the performance. “It’s the biggest star in the world, so it’s an honor for us. And anytime Britney comes to the Palms, we always welcome her with open arms, so it’s going to be great,” he said. “We try and keep it a secret. It’s pretty difficult in this day and age, but there’s so much anticipation.” Spears wasn’t the only big name on the marquee for the show. “Jersey Shore” star DJ Pauly D was also on hand to warm up the crowd. “Pauly D is one of our resident DJs, so we bring the Palms and Pauly D, pop culture together here with Britney Spears, and it’s going to be a madhouse.” For fans who couldn’t be at the Vegas show themselves, Maloof set the scene: “I think they’re going to see pyrotechnics. I think they’re going to see a very sexy show in a very unique and intimate venue that’s one-of-a-kind. … It’ll be a lot of fun. I want to hear the songs. I’m excited about the album, so that’s what I’m looking forward to. I know she can perform, I know she can dance, and I’m just waiting for this great album.” After months of video and song teasers, Spears’ Femme Fatale is due in stores Tuesday, which will also be “Britney Takeover Day” on MTV. Will you be first in line for Britney’s new album on Tuesday? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Britney Spears Brings Down The House In Las Vegas Related Artists Britney Spears
Little monsters gush about pop star outside Madison Square Garden. By MTV News Staff Lady Gaga performs at Madison Square Garden on Monday Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage On Tuesday night, Lady Gaga’s little monsters filed into Madison Square Garden for her second of two nights at the storied New York venue. Her fans talked to MTV News about the impact Mother Monster has had on their lives, and many said she gives them to have the courage to be who they truly are. “I think that Lady Gaga, for me, has given me a new source of inspiration. And she’s so creative … you have to have some sort of reaction to that,” Frank said outside MSG. “And, for me, it’s a positive one.” Donning an outrageous outfit, little monster Ricky joked that Gaga has recently done two things for him: “She made us broke, and she reminds us to be ourselves.” Kevin explained that in a world as vapid as pop can be, Gaga serves as a reminder that true art can be created. “As a music fan, I think it’s fantastic that we finally have someone else now to be like, all about a great message and great music,” he said. “She writes her own music, which you don’t get anymore.” “Lady Gaga’s fantastic,” Michael chimed in. “Again, as an artist, she’s really proven that you can be who you want to be and do what you wanna do and really succeed with it.” Gaga’s connection to her art is what seems to really stick with some fans. “I think Lady Gaga has affected everyone personally,” Garrett explained, “because I think she’s shown the whole artistry of it and making pop culture and art one and one again.” In between all the chatter about her devotion to her music and her craft, one fan noted that Lady Gaga just makes it fine to wear wacky wigs. “She totally made me buy this yellow wig,” Gabriella said. “Without her, I never would have bought it. I’m not even lying.” Has Lady Gaga affected your life? Tell us how in the comments section below! Related Videos Little Monsters React To Lady Gaga’s Madison Square Garden Shows Related Photos Lady Gaga’s Madison Square Garden Performance Related Artists Lady Gaga
Having just recovered from the presence of Jersey Shore , the good folks of The Sunshine State must next deal with The Real Housewives of Miami . We’re very sorry for them. The first season of this new Bravo franchise kicks off on February 22 and the cast members spoke to The Miami New Times this week about what we can expect. Read on for excerpts from the interview … Why did you sign on for this show? Lea Black : At the time I wasn’t sure. And now, I think its become a phenomenon. I think Bravo has created a pop culture phenomenon. At first, I had trepidations about it… It didn’t start out as a Housewives show. It kind evolved into one. And I guess, just live life and see what happens. Take your chances and go for it. What kind of drama can we expect? Lea: It’s going to be fun above the belt drama. I think that Bravo is a master at creating fabulous reality television. I think what they have done is take the best of everything, and make it fun, exciting, and upbeat. There is quite a bit of drama, but I wouldn’t say it’s hair pulling, table flipping drama. I would say it is a different type of drama. People will be fascinated by the characters. Compare yourselves to Jersey Shore. Alexia Echevarria : I mean, we have a completely different cast. The way we carry and behave ourselves is very different too, so I don’t think there is any similarities or comparisons when comparing our shows. Except for maybe we showcase Miami the same way they did – the fabulous places, mingling with different people. At the same time, we’re putting Miami in a completely different light and in a positive light. Are you afraid how your friends/family will be portrayed in the media? Marysol Patton : For me and my clients, it will be great. For my mom, she doesn’t go on the Internet or read weeklies, so I don’t think she will know what to expect.
Actor has been linked to Superman reboots since 2002. By Eric Ditzian Henry Cavill Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images It took Henry Cavill far longer than expected to complete his journey from Krypton to Earth. Years after the British actor first circled the role of Superman, he finally landed the part of the Man of Steel in Zack Snyder’s reboot of the storied comic franchise. It was, indeed, a circuitous path for Cavill, involving brushes with other heroes and the planet’s most swoon-worthy vampire. He’s been this close to becoming a breakout Hollywood star a staggering number of times, but until now he was unable to seal the deal. Now his life is about to change in a big way. As we applaud Cavill for winning the part, let’s take a look back at the ups and downs he endured before signing on to play the world’s most iconic man in tights. 2002 : Though he was mostly known as a stage actor, Cavill’s name cropped up in “Superman” conversations following director Brett Ratner’s stated desire to cast an unknown in the title role of his in-the-works reboot. Ratner also had a strong interest in future “White Collar” star Matthew Bomer , but the studio pushed him in the direction of established talent like Jude Law and Josh Hartnett. It didn’t matter, though: Ratner left the project early the next year. 2003 : McG came aboard to replace Ratner and began to search, like Ratner, for an unknown actor to play Superman. Cavill actually ended up landing the role. “I was attached to the McG ‘Superman’ movie,” he explained to MTV News in 2009. But McG’s version of the film never came to pass and Cavill once again missed out on the opportunity to play the Man of Steel. That same year, following rumors that Cavill was being considered for the role of Batman in Christopher Nolan’s reboot, Christian Bale won the role of the Caped Crusader. 2004 : After McG’s departure from “Superman,” Bryan Singer hopped into the director’s chair and targeted an unknown actor. But the actor wasn’t Cavill. Instead, Brandon Routh won the lead role. “[The McG and Singer versions] were two different movies,” Cavill explained in ’09. “So it wasn’t so much of a sting because it was like, ‘Oh, I got [the role],’ and then the movie just didn’t happen.” 2005 : Cavill wouldn’t have been faulted for avoiding any contact with iconic film characters, but he kept pushing. In ’05, he screen-tested for the role of James Bond in “Casino Royale.” But the part went instead to Daniel Craig, and Cavill, perhaps, was left with his confidence shaken, not stirred. 2007 : By this point, Cavill had mostly appeared in low-profile films like the direct-to-video “Hellraiser: Hellworld” and in supporting roles in higher-profile fare like “Tristan & Isolde.” But the guy got a break when he was cast in the Showtime series “The Tudors,” opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The series enjoyed a successful run, lasting four seasons and earning a Golden Globe nomination in 2007 for best drama. Cavill had also reportedly been “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer’s top pick to play Edward Cullen, but at the end of ’07, the role went to Robert Pattinson. A few years later, we asked Cavill how close he had actually come to playing the vampire. “I’ve heard this, but I haven’t heard from Stephenie,” Cavill told us . “I haven’t spoken to her personally, and I haven’t spoken to the producers.” 2009 : Rumor has it that Cavill was competing for the role of Hal Jordan in the long-gestating big-screen adaptation of “Green Lantern.” And — surprise, surprise — after losing out on Batman and Superman, Cavill failed to land the role. Instead, Ryan Reynolds signed on to play Jordan . 2011 : At long, long last, the guy who missed out on playing some of pop culture’s best known characters officially signs on to play Superman . “In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen,” Snyder said in a statement. “I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Photos Meet Henry Cavill, The New Superman Henry Cavill Imagined As The New Superman
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