Tag Archives: song

Adam Lambert Says Tour Will Only Be As Wild As His Audience

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘If I’m feeling a bunch of people viscerally wanting to grab at me, I’ll let them grab at me,’ singer says. By Jim Cantiello Adam Lambert Photo: MTV News Adam Lambert is never one to censor himself, either onstage or during interviews, so when the unpredictable glam-pop star announced his first headlining tour, some expected he’d deliver a wild and raunchy rock-and-roll show. It turns out Lambert’s Glam Nation Tour , currently playing to packed venues across the United States, is a relatively family-friendly affair. MTV News caught up with the singer backstage at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square, where he shrugged off assumptions that his sold-out shows would not be suitable for grandma. “What did you expect, nudity?” he laughed. Although the choreography is no more suggestive than a Pussycat Dolls concert, Adam admitted that some nights are more outrageous than others. “Nothing’s as planned as people think. … I’m kind of fly by the seat of my pants,” Lambert told MTV News. “It’s like a mirror… and whatever the audience is throwing at you, you kind of reflect, and vice versa. If I’m feeling a bunch of people viscerally wanting to grab at me, I’ll let them grab at me, if I can reach them. … If there’s a cute boy in the audience, I met get a little …you know.” Energy from his band also inspires Adam to push boundaries. Explaining Tuesday night’s off-the-cuff face-licking with bassist Tommy Joe Ratliff, Lambert conceded, “I was feeling it. He had extra lip gloss on. It looked pretty. It grabbed my eye.” But no matter how revved up the “Idol” star gets — and no matter how many cute boys are cheering him on from the front row — he’s learned his limits since causing a stir by simulating oral sex onstage at the American Music Awards last year. “That’s for my bedroom.” Do you want Adam Lambert to let loose onstage, or would you rather he concentrated on singing? Share your opinions below. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Adam Lambert Related Photos Adam Lambert Brings His Glam Nation Tour To New York Related Artists Adam Lambert

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Drake Says Original ‘Light It Up’ Verse Was ‘Way Harder’

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

In MTV’s ‘Better Than Good Enough’ documentary, Drizzy is seen recording new rhymes for Jay-Z-assisted track. By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Shaheem Reid Drake Photo: MTV During MTV’s “Drake: Better Than Good Enough” documentary, the Toronto MC is shown making last-minute adjustments to two songs the day before his debut album, Thank Me Later, is set to be mixed and mastered. One of those tracks, the Jay-Z-assisted “Light Up,” features Drake’s last-minute rhymes. “I like these bars better than the other bars,” he tells his road manager after laying down the new verse and listening to a playback. ” ‘Cause the other bars are so, like, ‘Oh, it’s kiddish.’ This is, like, I really think I’m the sh–, and then Jay comes and puts me in my place.” In an interview with MTV2’s “Sucker Free,” Drake revealed that his original verse was more aggressive and that he used it on a collaboration with a certain Kanye West prot

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Drake Serves Up A Quiet Storm On ‘The Tonight Show’

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Rising star delivers hushed version of ‘Find Your Love.’ By Jayson Rodriguez Drake performs on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on Wednesday Photo: NBC Drake reached deep into his R&B consciousness Wednesday night as the rapper/crooner delivered a muted rendition of his hit “Find Your Love” during an acoustic set on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Decked out in all black (except for his footwear), the So Far Gone star held steady on stage and in hushed vocals opened the number over minimal instrumentation. “I’m more than just an option,” he began, over spare keyboard stabs and drum licks. “Hey, hey, hey/ Refused to be forgotten/ Hey, hey, hey/ I took a chance with my heart/ Hey, hey, hey/ I feel it taking over/ I better find your love.” It wasn’t until nearly halfway through the song when Drake picked up the tempo, though still measured and restrained. The “Find Your Love” performance marks the second time the Toronto lyricist has appeared on “The Tonight Show.” Last June, Drake joined Jamie Foxx on the Conan O’Brien edition of the late night franchise as the two performed the actor’s “Digital Girl” remix. At the time, Drake had only finished his verse to the song just hours before, recalling days later how nervous he was trying to remember his lyrics. “The biggest challenge of that whole day, aside from being on ‘Conan’ and being nervous initially about that, was [trying to] remember the 24-bar verse I just recorded the night before,” Drake told MTV News at the time. “It was an all-around challenging day, but when I’m under pressure, I always seem to rise to the occasion in some form.” MTV followed Drake in the weeks leading up to the release of his new LP, Thank Me Later. The “Drake: Better Than Good Enough” documentary will re-air on MTV Thursday at 6 p.m., Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at 12 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m. Related Videos ‘Drake: Better Than Good Enough’ Related Photos Drake’s Style: From A To Drizzy Related Artists Drake

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Eminem Handpicked Pink For Recovery Collabo

Posted on June 23, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘When he brought up Pink, I thought she’d murder it,’ producer DJ Khalil says of replacing original singer on ‘Won’t Back Down.’ By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Matt Elias Eminem Photo: Robyn Beck/ AFP/ Getty Images Eminem’s rumbling “Won’t Back Down” is among the most defiant records on Recovery and the addition of Pink only upped the attitude on the standout track. And it was all the Detroit MC’s idea to tap the outspoken pop singer to add vocals on the number, according to the track’s producer, DJ Khalil. “That was Em’s idea,” Khalil told MTV News of the collaboration. The Aftermath producer revealed that a different artist was initially featured on the song, but Pink owned the collabo with her punked-out rendition. “He called me, and originally we had another vocalist, Liz Rodrigues, who is in my group,” Khalil explained. “I have a group called the New Royales and they’re based in Canada; Liz is from Toronto. Originally she was on the song, but she was already on “25 to Life” and “Almost Famous.” So, we were thinking, ‘Who else could we get for this record that would actually fit?’ “When he brought up Pink, I thought she would kill it, she’d murder it. He set up the session in Malibu and we did the session and she was done in like 20 minutes. She nailed it in her way. I was kind of married to the original, but once I heard what she did and she put her stamp on it, it was like perfect, ’cause she just brought the attitude out.” The organ-heavy production featured Eminem shooting off a rapid-fire stream of punch lines. “Listen, garden tool/ Don’t make me introduce you to my power tool,” Em spits. “You know the f—ing drill/ How you douche bags feel?/ Knowing you’re disposable, Summer’s Eve, Massengill.” Khalil said his intricate production style is what led Eminem to recruit him to work on Recovery. The Shady lyricist had to adapt to rapping over his particular style. “They were into my production, and it’s different than everybody else’s, because it’s dense,” Khalil explained. “There’s a lot of music going on. Even with ‘Won’t Back Down,’ [Eminem] told me the track was beating him down. He had to scream to be able to rap over that track. They just wanted what I do.” What do you think of Em and Pink’s “Won’t Back Down”? Share your thoughts in the comments! It’s Eminem Week at MTV News, so stick with us as we celebrate the release of Recovery and take you inside the making of Em’s latest album. Related Artists Eminem Pink

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Eminem Wanted Recovery To Be ‘Different,’ Alex Da Kid Recalls

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘He was looking for new things,’ the ‘Love the Way You Lie’ producer tells MTV News. By Jayson Rodriguez Eminem Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images Despite countless attempts to get in touch with the Shady Records camp, Alex Da Kid kept striking out. The British producer contacted Eminem’s management and sent various beats, but none of them made the Detroit MC take notice. Then Alex produced B.o.B’s “Airplanes,” featuring Paramore’s Hayley Williams, and suddenly, Em was the one reaching out to him. The rapper loved “Airplanes” so much that he dropped a verse for the remix, “Airplanes, Part II.” It wasn’t until later, however, that the Shady One realized the producer of B.o.B’s hit was the same guy who was sending him musical samplings. According to Alex Da Kid, Em’s camp then reached out and requested “something different.” “A lot of time, generally in the industry, [artists] will say they want something different, but they don’t know what that is until they hear it,” said Alex, who produced Recovery ‘s “Love the Way You Lie,” featuring Rihanna . “So you kind of just go out there yourself. ‘Cause if you chase what they did before, it never really works out, and I wanna do different things anyway. That’s my thing. I took his past work into account, but he was looking for new things, and I did my thing, and luckily it worked out.” The producer, who also helmed Nicki Minaj’s first single, “Massive Attack,” sent over only one beat, and Eminem jumped at the record. The result was “Love the Way You Lie,” an ode of sorts to the rapper’s tumultuous relationship with ex-wife Kim. Rihanna recently spoke about the collaboration and explained how Eminem got her to appear on the track. “They reached out to us directly, and they just said, ‘We have this song, and we just think Rihanna would be perfect to sing it,’ ” Rihanna recalled in an interview with E!’s Ben Lyons. “And, of course, I was like, ‘OK, if I love it, I’ll definitely do it, because I love Eminem.’ And I love the song. “It’s really beautiful, and it really stands out,” Rihanna added. “It’s a really unique record. I’m really excited about it.” What do you think of “Love the Way You Lie”? Share your thoughts in the comments. It’s Eminem Week at MTV News, so stick with us as we celebrate the release of Recovery and take you inside the making of Em’s latest album. Related Artists Eminem

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Miley Cyrus’ MTV Live-Stream Show: The Good Girl Grows Up

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

During six-song set in L.A., singer speaks her mind and performs ‘Who Owns My Heart’ for the first time. By James Montgomery Miley Cyrus performs at the House of Blues in Los Angeles on Monday Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images Her new album is available now. She has a brash new attitude to go along with it. And both of those things were on display Monday night (June 21), as Miley Cyrus took to the House of Blues in Los Angeles for a live-streaming concert called, appropriately enough, “Miley Cyrus: Live in L.A.” Her six-song set — streamed on MTV.com — showcased songs from her just-released Can’t Be Tamed and gave the 17-year-old Cyrus a chance to get a bit rebellious, speaking her mind on a host of topics (including abusive relationships and gay rights), prowling the stage with purpose and even working a profanity or two into the mix. She kicked things off with the title track from Tamed, a strutting, steamy thing that saw her spitting lyrics, tossing her hair, popping her hips and even re-enacting the faux kiss she shared with a female dancer earlier this month on “Britain’s Got Talent” (though, perhaps in the spirit of equal opportunity, she also shared a fake smooch with a male dancer). But it wasn’t all sass. At song’s end, Cyrus showed off her pipes a bit too, extending a “knoooooow” to glorious lengths. That was followed by another Tamed track, “Who Owns My Heart” (which Cyrus introduced by telling the rapt audience that it was the first time she’d ever performed the track live), which galloped along on a shuffling beat and was given added punch thanks to the addition of a live band. There was some heavy panting from Cyrus and a big-time chorus — “Who owns my heart/ Is it love, or is it art?” — that had the crowd shouting along. Loudly. She changed things up a bit with “Liberty Walk,” a song she co-wrote and dedicated to “women who are stuck in abusive relationships … to empower them.” The song — which features a stomping beat and even a bit of rapping from MC — also gave her the chance to slip a couple of “sh–s” by the censors too … much to the delight of the audience. Up next was her cover of Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” which featured some genuinely windswept guitar work, but not Poison main man Bret Michaels (the two performed the tune together last week on “Good Morning America” ) though she did dedicate the song to him and urged the audience to “pray” for his continued health (she also said the song was her mom’s favorite). “Rose” was followed by the anthemic “Robot,” which saw the reappearance of her backup dancers, and then the MTV.com live stream ended with “Heart Beats for Love,” a power-packed ballad that Cyrus introduced by saying that she wrote it “mostly for my gay fans,” adding that she abhorred the fact that, “We have people on this earth who hate someone for loving another.” She then launched herself into the song, eyes closed, making a pair of peace signs with her hands, and by the time the tune had reached its crescendo, everyone in the audience was doing the same, showing (much like everything else on this night) not just the power and confidence of Cyrus’ new songs, but the sway she holds over her fans too. Sway she’s apparently decided to use for good. And, really, that speaks a lot louder than some fake girl-on-girl action any day of the week. What did you think of Miley’s six-song set? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Miley Cyrus Can’t Be Tamed World Album Premiere Live Related Photos The Evolution Of: Miley Cyrus Miley Cyrus’ MTV Live-Stream Show Related Artists Miley Cyrus

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Miley Cyrus, Bret Michaels Perform ‘Every Rose’ For ‘Good Morning America’

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘It’s my mom’s favorite song,’ Cyrus says of the Poison classic. By Jocelyn Vena Bret Michaels and Miley Cyrus perform on “Good Morning America” Photo: ABC Miley Cyrus has declared that she Can’t Be Tamed, and neither, apparently, can her devoted fans, who couldn’t keep their excitement contained as they stormed Central Park in New York City to see Cyrus perform several songs for her appearance on “Good Morning America” on Friday (June 18). But, it wasn’t just Cyrus who got the crowd going, she was also joined by her pal and collaborator Bret Michaels . Cyrus, who will also perform Can’t Be Tamed songs for a concert being live-streamed by MTV on Monday, addressed some recent criticism she’s received for her more mature look and sound. “It’s always going to be hard [to grow up in public], because there’s so much stuff you have to get through in order to get to the stuff that’s real,” she explained. “You have to get through all the people that are ‘yes’ people and get to the people that are real. There are people who are negative just to be that way.” Meanwhile, Michaels gave an update on his health , joking that he just really wanted to hit the stage with Cyrus. “For me and I say this again, I feel blessed because I’m one of the 20 percent [to survive]. It was a scary few days. It’s a nice feeling to know I survived,” he said. “I figure I’m losing organs so fast, I’d better get out there really quick.” Then Cyrus did her thing. In super-skinny black jeans, a David Bowie T-shirt, a studded leather jacket and a group of writhing backup dancers, Miley kicked off her set with her new single, “Can’t Be Tamed.” “This record is completely me, completely what I wanted to say,” she said about the album’s sound. “There’s something about the pop rock sound that’s fun to perform live.” Then Cyrus slowed it down and was joined by Michaels to perform her cover of “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” which she recorded for her new album. Bret not only lent his guitar skills to the track, but he also sang with her on the song. “It’s my mom’s favorite song, so I got un-grounded by doing this song,” she laughed. “I try and put a touch of my family on each of my albums.” Her final song of the morning was her undeniable fan favorite “Party in the USA,” during which she changed the lyrics about a Jay-Z song to a “Michael song,” perhaps as a nod to the late King of Pop who died a year ago next Friday. What did you think of Miley’s performance with Bret Michaels? Share your reviews below. Related Artists Miley Cyrus Bret Michaels

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New Miley Cyrus Single: What Do You Think?

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Yesterday, Miley Cyrus told us that she isn’t trying to dress “slutty” and that she wants people to buy her album ” because of my music .” Okay then. Let’s take Miley up on this premise. The next single she’ll release off “Can’t Be Tamed” is titled “Liberty Walk” and it tells listeners to “say goodbye to the people that tied you up.” Its aim is to be an inspiring anthem, telling people “all that really matters are the steps you take.” Listen below and then sound off… Liberty Walk What do you think of this song?

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Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’ Takes Over Times Square

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Pop star plays three-song set on a makeshift beach in the middle of New York. By James Montgomery Katy Perry performs in Times Square on Tuesday Photo: MTV News Much as she did at her listening party on Monday, Katy Perry turned Times Square into a beachy oasis on Tuesday (June 15) — well, more specifically, the folks at Volkswagen did, but who better to perform at an impromptu bikini blast than the singer of this summer’s first official anthem. Perry took to the stage at the Crossroads of the World, which had been transformed into a sand-filled vista in honor of the launch of the 2011 VW Jetta, and ripped through a taut three-song set that featured plenty of neon, some palm trees and, of course, her biggest hits. Dressed in a skintight, neon-green dress (with pink palm trees), her hair pulled back in a pony tail (no blue wig on this day), Perry first pogo’d through “I Kissed A Girl,” thrusting her fists into the air, with her Day-Glo backing band (in electric shirts, skinny white ties, Ray-Ban shades) bobbing and weaving behind her. “I’m Katy Perry, and this one is just because it’s hot,” she announced — to much “woo!”-ing — as she launched into “Hot N Cold,” which was still just as shiny and over-the-top as it was last year. She prowled the stage and pointed to revelers in the crowd (a feat much tougher than it would seem, considering there was a brand-new Jetta parked between her and the audience). The tune got the onlookers moving and, hoping to build on that momentum, Perry segued into her current single, “California Gurls,” though not before delivering a little speech that made it very clear that despite her West Coast pride, yes, she still does love New York City very much. “This is the first time I’ve sang this song not on a TV show, and I’m a little scared because I’m in New York City,” she laughed (conveniently forgetting that she’d performed the song for ad execs and TV journalists at the CW Upfront event in the city last month). “I love it here, but where are you going when it gets real icy cold, and you can’t walk without your snot freezing? California!” Then the robo-chords kicked in, and the song was off and running, as she nailed the harmonies and strutted confidently. Sure, the VW suits probably weren’t too happy with the “Freak in my Jeep” line, but they had to be thrilled with the way Perry chose to end her set: standing on the hood of a Jetta, waving her hands in the air and leading the crowd in a sing-along of the chorus. And she did it all barefoot. No matter what she may claim in “California Gurls,” stiletto heels are not acceptable footwear for the beach … not even a beach in Times Square. Related Artists Katy Perry

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Eminem Surprises E3 Crowd With Guests Travis Barker, Rihanna

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Rapper headlined Activision concert that included Usher, Will.I.Am, Jane’s Addiction and others. By Matt Elias Eminem performs at E3 on Monday Photo: Chris Weeks/ Getty Images LOS ANGELES — Eminem performed an electrifying set at Activision’s E3 party on Monday night, crushing any doubts that he had lost his touch since his long hiatus from the rap game. The Detroit MC headlined a massive bill that included Usher, Will.I.Am, N.E.R.D., Jane’s Addiction, Chris Cornell, David Guetta, Deadmau5 and DJ Z-Trip. Em’s set kicked off with his first surprise of the night at the Staples Center, with Travis Barker jumping behind the drums for an acrobatic drum solo. Em joined him moments later (flanked by D12’s Denaun Porter), taking the stage just before midnight. He was decked out in a black jacket, black jeans and a silver crucifix hanging around his neck. With Em, Barker, Porter and a live band all onstage, the crowd was up on its feet right from the get-go. The six-song set began with “Won’t Back Down,” off of Recovery, which Em just announced would be released on June 21, a day earlier than originally planned . From that moment, there was an energy in the arena that could be felt from the floor all the way up to the luxury suites. Eminem followed with a couple of his recent features — one from B.o.B’s “Airplanes (Part II)” and the other from Drake’s “Forever.” As Drake’s chorus blared, Eminem marched down the stage’s catwalk, chanting “Bounce, bounce, bounce.” He was clearly on his game, bobbing and weaving while he delivered his verses. All of this was punctuated by Barker’s thumping drumbeats, which made it feel more rock show than rap show. After three songs, Eminem addressed his adoring crowd, shouting, “Los Angeles! What the f— is up? Make some motherf—ing noise!” As if he had to ask, Staples Center erupted in ovation. Em then dedicated his next song, “Not Afraid,” to all of the fans that have stuck by his side over the years. His live band was joined by a full orchestra on both sides of the stage. If that wasn’t enough, later in the song, Eminem was joined by an entire gospel choir that numbered in the dozens. Then Eminem sprung his next surprise. “Before I get into this next song,” he said, “I wanna bring out a very special guest.” After a few moments, Barbadian beauty Rihanna appeared onstage with a bright crop of candy-apple-red hair. The duo got right into “Love the Way You Lie” — another new song off the upcoming Recovery. Em and Ri had great chemistry onstage, taking turns sauntering down the catwalk and passing glances at each other throughout the performance. As the song ended, the show seemed to be over. Eminem thanked the crowd and exited the stage. His band stayed on, however, and slowly started playing the opening notes of “Lose Yourself.” As the song built, Eminem stormed back onto the stage and the crowd (as if they could get any louder) exploded. As he ripped through the song, the crowd grew even more excited, with Porter serving as the hype-man. Finally, as the song finished, a shower of gold confetti rained down on the crowd marking the show’s end — but not without its share of surprises. Related Photos Eminem, Usher, More Perform At Activision’s E3 Party Related Artists Eminem Usher Travis Barker Rihanna Jane’s Addiction

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