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Gucci Mane ‘Can’t See’ Recording With Young Jeezy Again

During ‘RapFix Live,’ Royce Da 5’9″ also shares his thoughts on hip-hop beefs. By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Sway Calloway Sway Calloway, Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame Photo: MTV News Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy have squashed their beef again, but don’t expect any new music from the Atlanta rappers. MTV News’ “RapFix Live” caught up with Gucci Mane for his first on-camera interview since his release from prison, and the “Lemonade” rapper confirmed to Sway Calloway that he and his longtime rival decided to squelch any further altercations between their respective teams. “On the strength of [the fact that] anything could have happened between not just me and him [but] between our camps, we just came to a sit-down of just respecting the fact that somebody can get hurt, and it ain’t going to be us,” Gucci said. “That’s what made us do that.” Although the two trap stars came to rap prominence almost simultaneously — Jeezy was featured on Gucci’s early hit “So Icey” — they began feuding soon after. Things quickly went from words on wax to real violence. In 2005, five men who were allegedly party of Jeezy’s camp, stormed into a home where Gucci was visiting a woman. One of those men, who was thought to be affiliated with Jeezy (which he has vehemently denied), was later found dead . Barbs were traded in song thereafter, with occasional confrontations between the two factions. However, during a 2009 radio interview with DJ Drama , Gucci — calling in from jail — and Jeezy said they were squashing their differences and mentioned the possibility of collaborating. But Mr. La Flare, who just dropped his Ferrari Boyz collaboration with Waka Flocka Flame , offered an “I don’t think so” when asked about the possibility of him and Jeezy creating music together again, adding, “We started the conversation, but I can’t see it happening.” Royce Da 5’9″, also a guest on Wednesday’s edition of “RapFix Live,” who famously feuded with D12 years ago, is no stranger to rap beefs and offered his own insight on the matter. “People need to realize that a lot of these beefs that stem from rap or stem from other things, it doesn’t mean you have to make a song just because you squashed the beef,” Nickel Nine said. “People should just appreciate that they’re not beefing anymore; that’s great in itself. They can stop there, and it’s OK.” Fortunately for rap fans, the Detroit lyricist has recorded with a number of individuals he, at one point, wasn’t on good terms with. Notable among them is Eminem, with the pair releasing Hell: The Sequel as Bad Meets Evil last June. Before Royce finally met up with Slim Shady again — the two had stopped speaking in 2003 — he first ended his beef with the late Proof and then the rest of D12. Sometime after, word got back to Eminem that there were no longer any issues between the MCs, and he called Royce. The phone call put in perspective how inconsequential all the previous back-and-forth was. “I answered the phone. He said, ‘Royce, it’s Marshall,’ ” Royce recalled. “I said, ‘What’s up, Marshall?’ And then we just started laughing. It’s like embarrassing. It’s so childish. That’s what happens when you in your 20s: You grow out of that.” Do you think we’ll ever hear music from Gucci and Jeezy again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ With Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame And Royce Da 5’9″ Related Artists Gucci Mane Young Jeezy

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Gucci Mane ‘Can’t See’ Recording With Young Jeezy Again

Britney Spears’ VMA Promo: Go Behind The Scenes!

Promo reflects on Brit’s career and inspirations while looking ahead to August 28 awards show. By Christina Garibaldi Britney Spears in her 2011 VMA promo Photo: Roderick Trestrail II/ MTV On Thursday (August 11), Britney Spears took over MTV when her Video Music Awards promo made its debut and MTV News was there when she filmed it. The 30-second promo interlaces Spears’ latest hit “I Wanna Go” with her own “Slave 4 U,” Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” and Madonna’s “Everybody” as dancers dressed in Brit’s most-famous outfits crowd around her. There’s also a nod to Michael Jackson, with a poster on the wall that says “Billy Jean,” in reference to MJ’s hit “Billie Jean,” and a dancer who mimics the late King of Pop’s iconic moves. At the end of the promo, Spears stands in front of a wall that cryptically reads “A Tribute to Britney Spears” before the date of the VMAs — 8.28 — flashes on the screen. Stay tuned to see what it all means … Spears, whose “Till the World Ends” is nominated for Best Pop Video and Best Choreography, filmed the promo last month in Miami, and MTV News was on the set for a behind-the-scenes look. “The general concept of what we are going for is basically called ‘The Muse Factory,’ ” director Jahai Brightly explained. “It’s where all your favorite artists that are going to be at the Video Music Awards this year meet and explore their influences and inspirations.” The promo pulls from Spears’ own musical influences from over the years, which is portrayed through the set design, wardrobe and, of course, through Brit herself. In the promo, Spears pays homage to Madonna, Michael and Janet, whom she calls “the people I’ve grown up listening to and totally inspire [me].” The promo doesn’t just show the pop star’s own musical icons; it also reminds us of what a musical force Spears is as well. “We are going to be exploring her past styles,” Brightly said of Spears’ classic looks. “In particular, past six styles that represent each of her albums, with the seventh one being the current incarnation.” Spears, whose outfit was designed to represent her current style, is dressed in a custom-made studded leather jacket, a shredded black T-shirt and her signature cutoff jean shorts. The promo begins with Spears paying homage to her latest album, Femme Fatale. “I did the opening segment, where I’m at the mirror and I’m representing how many albums I’ve done, which is number seven,” Spears said. Spears then begins her journey down memory lane, where she is surrounded by dancers dressed up in some of her signature video looks, such as the flight-attendant costume in “Toxic” and her infamous red catsuit in “Oops! … I Did It Again.” “I’m walking down a hallway and I’m seeing memorabilia of all my performances that I’ve done in the past,” Spears said. “All my dancers are dressed up in my old outfits, which it’s really cool.” What do you think of Britney’s VMA promo? Let us know in the comments! The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live on Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT. See the list of nominees, revisit last year’s highlights and vote for your favorites in the general categories by visiting VMA.MTV.com . Related Photos VMA 2011: Behind The Scenes At The Promo Shoot Related Artists Britney Spears

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Britney Spears’ VMA Promo: Go Behind The Scenes!

Jay-Z And Kanye’s ‘Otis’ Video: Maybach Massacre

Subtly swaggadocious video, directed by Spike Jonze, sees the dynamic duo chopping up a Maybach — just for the heck of it. By James Montgomery Jay-Z and Kanye West in their “Otis” video Photo: Roc-A-Fella It would be darn-near impossible for Jay-Z and Kanye West ‘s “Otis” video to match the braggadocious blitz of the song itself, but give them credit for at least coming close. Because while the Spike-Jonze directed clip (which just premiered on MTV and MTV.com) doesn’t feature a single Gulfstream G450, Cuban cigar, Hermes clutch or Benz, it is still a subtly swagged-out affair — a cocksure, cool thing in which the dynamic duo take a saber saw to a glistening new Maybach and turn it into a tricked-out “Thunderdome” cruiser, then do doughnuts in a parking lot with a gaggle of models packed in the back. Oh, and there are some fireworks too. And really, on the swag scale, that ranks somewhere between 10 and 30 thousand 100 million , which certainly makes “Otis” one of the more assured videos to come down the pipeline in a long while. And give credit to all parties involved that they realized they really didn’t need to do much of anything else in the clip; after all, ‘Ye, Hov and Jonze are certainly three of the biggest stars in the world, and their collaboration could’ve easily devolved into the realm of self-parody (see the late, not-so-great Diddy and Nas team-up “Hate Me Now” ). Instead, we get a video that’s little more than a couple of dudes (and Aziz Ansari) tooling around in a parking lot — which, really, is all “Otis” needs to be. Because like Watch the Throne , the album from which it comes , the main attraction of “Otis” lies in the fact that it features roughly 50 percent of the biggest rap names in the game (not to say the song isn’t also great, because it is). There’s a genuine thrill in watching West and Jay hang over each other while delivering their verses or crack up behind the wheel of the Maybach; in a way, it’s like we’re getting a tiny glimpse into their private world. And that’s what makes the video such a treat. What do the critics think of Watch the Throne ? Unlike his previous collaborations with West — the maudlin short film “We Were Once a Fairytale” or the deceptively simple “Flashing Lights” — with “Otis,” Jonze plays it relatively straight. There are the same tracking shots he’s used in old Beastie Boys videos, and the blown-out color palette recalls even earlier work like R.E.M.’s “Crush With Eyeliner” or “Electrolite.” He’s staying true to his roots, which, given the caliber of everyone involved, is an accomplishment in its own right. So while “Otis” might not be what you were expecting, in a lot of ways, it’s even more. There’s an unabashed joy to it, and there’s no denying the power of its singular image, either: slicing and dicing a Maybach (average sticker price: $380,000) is a bold, ballsy declaration, indeed. One that speaks louder than a million boasts. What did you think of the “Otis” video? Share your thoughts on Facebook or tweet your reactions and videos @MTVNews with the hashtag #MTVOtis ! Related Videos JAY Z and Kanye West: “Otis” Playlist Related Artists Jay-Z Kanye West

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Jay-Z And Kanye’s ‘Otis’ Video: Maybach Massacre

CC Sabathia Talks Baseball, Family & Hip-Hop [Exclusive Interview]

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If you’re a demeanor, there’s no room to question why so many people love him. CC is making his rounds as the spokesperson for the Pepsi MAX Field of Dreams campaign. Pepsi MAX is giving fans a chance to vote for their dream team of 11 legendary players. Each time a person votes, they will be entered to win a chance to play against the fan selected players on their home field. I ( @JaySpeakEasy ) had a chance to talk to the Yankee pitcher at the MLB Fan Cave. In our brief conversation, we talked about how the Yankee season is going so far, the toughest part of the game, and hip-hop. Let’s get right into it. How do you feel about the Yankees’ season thus far? I feel pretty good. We’ve been having a pretty good year. We’re in second place right now. I think we’ve been playing really well. We had a tough loss against the Angels, but we still have a chance to make the playoffs. So we’ll go from there. What are your thoughts on catcher, Jorge Posada, being benched? It’s tough, man. He’s a legend. He’s done a lot for this organization and a lot for this city. I think it is just tough to see somebody go through that. But Posada will be right back where he belongs soon enough. I’m confident in that. How would you like the Yankee season to end? Hopefully, we win the World Series. I mean, that’s why I came to New York because we have a chance of winning it every year. Everybody knows that. That’s pretty cool and a special feeling to have. How do you balance family with being on the road and traveling majority of the year? That is a hard thing to deal with during the season, but in the summertime, my kids are out of school. I get to hang out with them and spend the time they need when the summer hits. We do whatever we can on days I’m off. But it is part of the life. I get to come home for the off season and they have at home everyday for four months. I wouldn’t trade the time with my family for anything. I know you’re a big hip hop fan. Who is the rapper you would say most represents your pitching style? Rick Ross . I think he has the style and attitude are the representation of my pitching style. He is confident and headstrong. My feel like I pitch with a confidence. That’s why I have to go with Rick Ross on that one. Plus, I’m a huge fan of his. What albums are you listening to now? Well, you know Watch The Throne just dropped so I’m bumping that heavy. That’s really it. I’m not listening to anything else as of now. Jay-Z and Kanye West have a great album out. I’m definitely enjoying all of the tracks. I have no favorite yet. Well, thank you for speaking with me. I’m just going to need one favor from you. Speak to whoever you need to speak to, but the people in the bleacher seats are going to need some shade. It’s way too hot for that. [laughs] Oh, ya’ll a little hot over there? I’ll see what I can do. [laughs] Related Posts: Manny Ramirez Retires From Baseball Over Drug Suspension 25 Reasons We Love Michael Jordan Is Kendrick Perkins Boston’s New Babe Ruth?

CC Sabathia Talks Baseball, Family & Hip-Hop [Exclusive Interview]

Lil Wayne “She Will” Pt. 2 [BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO]

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Lil Wayne’s “She Will” is the next single off high highly anticipated Tha Carter IV . Wayne so graciously let us in the studio with him by having someone record him while he rapped over the track. Wayne seemed super excited about a particular line in one of his verses “Eat her til’ she cry, call it wine and dine.” Drake is also featured on the track! Lil Wayne “Put The Light On Me” [NEW MUSIC] Rocko Brings Out Jeezy & Jeezy Brings Out Lil Wayne [VIDEO & PHOTOS] Rumored Track List For Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter IV” Revealed Listen To Lil Wayne’s “Sorry 4 The Wait” Mixtape! Lil Wayne “Tunechi’s Back” [NEW MUSIC]

Lil Wayne “She Will” Pt. 2 [BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO]

Shaunie O’Neal Speaks On Evelyn & Jen’s Friendship

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In the first half of our two-part interview with Shaunie O’Neal, she held nothing back as we grilled her on the behind-the-scenes politics surrounding the ever controversial “Basketball Wives” reality series.  As our conversation continued Shaunie revealed her thoughts on “Messy” Meeka, the state of Jen & Evelyn’s friendship and “Basketball Wives: LA”. Do you think Jen had a point about Chad being a media-whore? I think it’s absolutely no one’s business. I always tell Evelyn and everybody else, if she’s happy, I’m happy, that’s my friend. What Chad does, doesn’t do, how he does it, is none of my business. As long as she’s happy or they are happy together, I don’t understand why everyone is all like “is it real, is it fake?” I mean they’ve been together like over a year. But Jen is her friend and had concerns, so it’s not like it’s just the public speculating? There’s so much that you guys miss because it’s an hour long show and they don’t want to be a dead horse over 12 hours of the same subject, there’s a lot that you guys miss. I think that Evelyn and Jen’s relationship…they are not as close as they were, they don’t talk everyday like they used to. We’re not bff’s all the time. So again I don’t know where Jen was coming from or how Jen was trying to come at it. I know she wasn’t trying to hurt Evelyn. I think Evelyn needed to get something off her chess to Jen; Jen probably needed to get a few things off of her chest to Evelyn and friendships do go on roller-coasters sometimes. Sometimes you fall out with your best friend in the whole world for 20 years but you figure it out and that’s all that matters. Did Meeka just leave the show never to be heard from again? Meeka was trying to tape within 12 hours of having the physical altercation with Tami. She didn’t want to leave Rome.  She was all in for coming back and would be all in for another season, but I’m not sure that’s the direction we would take again because it just didn’t seem to work. You’ve been vocal about not feeling the cast of “Basketball Wives: LA”.  Was the LA show a part of your plans for the franchise? I did intend for the show to branch out.  I always wanted us to go to different cities.  I didn’t know the first was going to be in L.A. beceause I was still in the process of filming season three in Miami.  I knew a few of the girls. Gloria from jump was going to be in the L.A. [cast] and I was fine with that. Her sister definitely was not in discussion, I’m a line drawer at some point. I would never have chosen to take that route.  Now as it starts to film and things start to happen, this has turned in to, there’s some basketball wives, fiances, girlfriends and then you have ‘I slept with a Basketball player at one time in my life and I’m on the show.’  That’s not ok with me.  I wanted some women that actually had relationships with these men that aren’t denied. We look forward to seeing how it all goes down on the reunion special next week.  I’m predicting Royce, Evelyn and Tami get in to a physical altercation, Suzy looks confused, Shaunie looks shocked and Jennifer watches while wondering if this is how people on food stamps behave. “Basketball Wives” Tami Roman Dishes On Fight With Meeka, Meeka Responds “Basketball Wives” Tami Roman Sued For Attacking Co-Star Meeka Claxton Shaunie O’Neal Defends “Basketball Wives” Franchise [EXCLUSIVE]

Shaunie O’Neal Speaks On Evelyn & Jen’s Friendship

Jadakiss, Styles P Laugh Off LOX And Detox Comparison

‘Nah, we ain’t longer than Detox, ‘ Styles tells MTV News, comparing group’s first album since 2000 to Dr. Dre’s long-awaited project. By Rob Markman Jadakiss and Styles P Photo: MTV News When the LOX dropped their last album, We Are the Streets, the world had just finished breathing a collective sigh of relief, thankful that their computers didn’t crash in the Y2K scare. Not that the Yonkers, New York, rap trio made up of Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch haven’t been busy dropping solo albums and mixtapes over the past 11 years. “Paperwork, paperwork, it ain’t on us. All I’m gonna say is, LOX-wise, you hear how many verses we do, freestyles we do, songs we do, LOX songs we drop here and there,” Styles P said about the group’s long-awaited third album . “Due to common sense, it’s paperwork. When the paperwork pans out, you got LOX. That’s all I’m gonna say. We would’ve been gave y’all LOX.” The LOX got their start on Diddy’s Bad Boy Records in 1997 after they dropped their debut single, “We’ll Always Love Big Poppa.” The song stood as a dedication to the Notorious B.I.G. after he was murdered earlier that year. In 1998, the group dropped their debut album, Money, Power, Respect, but soon after, they became disgruntled with their label and organized a “Let the LOX Go” campaign to be let out of their Bad Boy contract. Diddy eventually obliged , and the threesome dropped their sophomore album on Ruff Ryders in 2000. Aside from the group effort, each member dropped a number of solo albums on various labels, leaving entangled contracts that are now getting sorted out. “It’s a lot of heads involved with the new LOX album. You got Ruff Ryders, you got Bad Boy, you got Interscope. It’s a lot of politics in one set of paperwork, but it’s gettin’ close,” Styles said. If Dr. Dre’s Detox is rap’s longest-delayed LP, then the LOX aren’t far behind. Jada and P are amused at the comparison. “Nah, we ain’t longer than Detox. We close! We right behind it; we ain’t neck and neck, though,” Styles said, laughing at the notion that his group could eclipse Dre’s drought if the producer’s album is dropped this year as planned. Jadakiss begged to differ, starting a little debate with his rhyme partner. “We passed Detox, ” ‘Kiss proclaimed. “Nah, they said Detox was coming in ’99,” Styles argued. Despite common misconceptions based on the album’s title, it was 1999 when Dre dropped his 2001 LP. Work on his third album was said to have started in 2003 , but details are sketchy. Jada suggests a joint Dr. Dre and LOX album release to satisfy the fan’s demand. “We need to do a double album: the Detox and the new LOX album,” he joked. After a few laughs, Jada got serious and said the group was close to a breakthrough in the legal holdups, but he wouldn’t nail down a specific label where the album would be released. “Big shout-out to J Records, Geffen Records, Atlantic, Warner,” he said. “Big shout-out to all of these labels.” What are you expecting from new LOX music? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Dr. Dre Jadakiss Styles P

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Jadakiss, Styles P Laugh Off LOX And Detox Comparison

NeedToBreathe Give Taylor Swift Fans A Little ‘Rock And Roll’

‘We’ll see the mom wearing a NeedToBreathe shirt and the kid wearing the Taylor Swift shirt!’ lead singer Bear Rinehart tells MTV News of fans on tour. By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker, with additional reporting by Morgan Schwartz NeedToBreathe Photo: MTV News As Taylor Swift ‘s super successful Speak Now Tour makes its way across North America this summer, her “rock-and-dance-a-billy” opening act NeedToBreathe took a moment out of their grueling schedule to tell MTV News all about life on the road with one of today’s biggest stars. “We’ve been a band for almost 11 years,” lead singer Bear Rinehart said. “It’s been little steps along the way, you know? Playing in our hometown for the first time at a club that we loved, and then getting signed by Atlantic Records, and then Taylor called and wanted us to tour with her ’cause she’s a fan.” During the four-man band’s first soundcheck of the tour, the guys were surprised to discover just how much of a NeedToBreathe fan Taylor is. “[It was] her and her family sitting out in the crowd, like, singing along to every word of the songs that we’re doing in the soundcheck,” drummer Joe Stillwell recalled. “It’s a little surreal to kind of see that from somebody that you see on such a big scale all the time.” While South Carolina’s NeedToBreathe have been on the music scene for a while now, the Speak Now tour has been an experience unlike any other for the group. “We haven’t played in venues this big, so that’s been a little bit to get used to,” Bear noted. “The first night you walk out there and there’s 20,000 people, it’s like, ‘Whoa, this is pretty intense!’ ” “Her fans, for the most part, are younger than our fanbase,” said lead guitarist Bo Rinehart (Bear’s brother). “Some of these people, it’s the first rock and roll show they’ve ever been to,” Bear said with a laugh about Taylor’s hard-core fans. “Sometimes we’ll see the mom wearing a NeedToBreathe shirt and the kid wearing the Taylor Swift shirt!” The band’s fourth studio album, The Reckoning, hits stores in September. Will you catch the Speak Now Tour? Tell us your thoughts on NeedToBreathe in the comments below! Related Videos Opening Act: Artists To Look Out For Related Artists needtobreathe Taylor Swift

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NeedToBreathe Give Taylor Swift Fans A Little ‘Rock And Roll’

NeedToBreathe Give Taylor Swift Fans A Little ‘Rock And Roll’

‘We’ll see the mom wearing a NeedToBreathe shirt and the kid wearing the Taylor Swift shirt!’ lead singer Bear Rinehart tells MTV News of fans on tour. By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker, with additional reporting by Morgan Schwartz NeedToBreathe Photo: MTV News As Taylor Swift ‘s super successful Speak Now Tour makes its way across North America this summer, her “rock-and-dance-a-billy” opening act NeedToBreathe took a moment out of their grueling schedule to tell MTV News all about life on the road with one of today’s biggest stars. “We’ve been a band for almost 11 years,” lead singer Bear Rinehart said. “It’s been little steps along the way, you know? Playing in our hometown for the first time at a club that we loved, and then getting signed by Atlantic Records, and then Taylor called and wanted us to tour with her ’cause she’s a fan.” During the four-man band’s first soundcheck of the tour, the guys were surprised to discover just how much of a NeedToBreathe fan Taylor is. “[It was] her and her family sitting out in the crowd, like, singing along to every word of the songs that we’re doing in the soundcheck,” drummer Joe Stillwell recalled. “It’s a little surreal to kind of see that from somebody that you see on such a big scale all the time.” While South Carolina’s NeedToBreathe have been on the music scene for a while now, the Speak Now tour has been an experience unlike any other for the group. “We haven’t played in venues this big, so that’s been a little bit to get used to,” Bear noted. “The first night you walk out there and there’s 20,000 people, it’s like, ‘Whoa, this is pretty intense!’ ” “Her fans, for the most part, are younger than our fanbase,” said lead guitarist Bo Rinehart (Bear’s brother). “Some of these people, it’s the first rock and roll show they’ve ever been to,” Bear said with a laugh about Taylor’s hard-core fans. “Sometimes we’ll see the mom wearing a NeedToBreathe shirt and the kid wearing the Taylor Swift shirt!” The band’s fourth studio album, The Reckoning, hits stores in September. Will you catch the Speak Now Tour? Tell us your thoughts on NeedToBreathe in the comments below! Related Videos Opening Act: Artists To Look Out For Related Artists needtobreathe Taylor Swift

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NeedToBreathe Give Taylor Swift Fans A Little ‘Rock And Roll’

Diddy Wants Machine Gun Kelly To Stay ‘True To Himself’

‘This kid, I think he’s a star,’ Diddy tells Sway on MTV News’ ‘RapFix Live.’ By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway Diddy and Machine Gun Kelly Photo: MTV News Diddy ‘s ear for talent is unquestionable. After playing an instrumental role in the careers of Jodeci and Mary J. Blige , the Bad Boy founder went on to discover the Notorious B.I.G. , Mase, 112 and Faith Evans. His newest signee may not fit the Bad Boy mold, but Diddy is excited nonetheless — so excited that he Skyped into “RapFix Live” while on vacation in Spain to chat it up with Sway about his newest artist, Machine Gun Kelly . “Yes, I signed MGK,” Diddy confirmed. “This kid, I think he’s a star. He’s one of the best live performers I’ve ever seen to come out in a minute.” Influenced by DMX , Cleveland, Ohio’s Machine Gun Kelly began battle-rapping around 2004 while he was still in high school. His passion grew from the corner ciphers to the studio, where he would lay tracks for his 2006 mixtape, Stamp of Approval. Back then, the MC (who got the Machine Gun part of his moniker because of his rapid-fire raps) was just getting his feet wet. In 2010, MGK would drop two tapes, 100 Words and Runnin’ and his breakthrough Lace Up. From there, the energetic spitter would develop his following thanks to his spirited live performance. The hip-hop mogul marveled at the existing fanbase Kelly had before even signing the deal. “He has just such a movement, just hundreds and thousands of loyal fans that came from the place he came from in different parts of the country,” Diddy gushed. “He wasn’t always the coolest kid in school, and just the process of growing up and the problems that they all encounter, they relate to him in such a way.” On the surface, MGK may not fit what many would perceive as the Bad Boy mold. He is a white, skinny, tatted-up kid from Cleveland who is influenced by punk music just as much as he is influenced by rap. For Combs, it’s a non-issue. “One of the things as an executive and someone that runs a record company is that I change so much as far as my respect for artists whether they succeed or fail. I think it’s important to empower the artist,” he said. “He will not be changing for Bad Boy; he will not have a typical Bad Boy swag. He’s not going to be popping champagne or driving around in Bentleys. He’s gonna be him and true to himself. He has a lot of creative control in his project.” Kelly, who recently graduated from sleeping on a futon to a mattress in his manager’s mother’s house, agrees. He assured his fans that he won’t be changing his lifestyle very much. “We’re kind of all about that ‘I don’t like to look better than my fans,’ so maybe one day I’ll change, but I pray to God I just stay the same,” he said. “We had a bidding war before he came in, but Puff is Puff,” MGK said. “Honestly, I really want to treasure this almost-famous stage as much as we can, while we still can. It’s crazy, because Ohio is one thing; we have this great hometown love. We’ll do 4,000 in one show, but then we just did Texas and it was probably 60 to 100 people, still doin’ holes in the wall, and it’s so cool.” He won’t be doing those venues much longer. MGK confirmed that he signed a two-album deal with Bad Boy and will be dropping his debut album, also called Lace Up, in the first quarter of 2012. “No push-backs with us, baby,” he bragged. “Not happening. The fans are not allowing that to go down.” Have you checked out Machine Gun Kelly’s music? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ With Game, Diddy And Machine Gun Kelly Related Artists Machine Gun Kelly Diddy

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Diddy Wants Machine Gun Kelly To Stay ‘True To Himself’