Drake and Rick Ross play up each other’s upcoming albums. By Rob Markman Rick Ross Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage LOS ANGELES — Trying to determine something as subjective as what constitutes a hip-hop classic is an impossible task, but there are a few albums that are widely recognized crown-holders. Among them are the Notorious B.I.G. ‘s Ready to Die and Snoop Dogg ‘s Doggystyle, and it is in this same regard that Drake holds Rick Ross ‘ upcoming fifth album. “This guy right here,” Drake said motioning to Ross as the two sat at Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV release party Sunday, “That God Forgives I Don’t ; the only way I can describe it is like Doggystyle or Ready to Die or Clipse Lord Willin’ or any of the albums that I collected and held on to as a kid — whether it was cassette or CD.” Drake’s measure may not be an objective one, but it isn’t farfetched, considering that many have credited Ross with improving as an artist with each album he puts out. As of now, the album is still being recorded and only a select few have been able to hear it. DJ Khaled also sang Rozay’s praises when MTV News interviewed him back in July. ” God Forgives I Don’t is a classic-in-the-making. Let me tell you something right now: This album is so crazy from the beginning of what I’ve been in the studio hearing already,” he said. “I can’t give you too much because I’m going to let him do that, because that’s his project, but I could tell you right now it’s classic and he is talking that talk .” The Bawse isn’t the only one with an album dropping soon. On October 24, Drake plans to release his sophomore LP, but the Bawse has already gotten a sneak peek. “I feel extremely grateful to hear a bulk of Take Care. Just to hear this man’s tone of voice and the sh– that he’s saying is just so visual,” Ross said. “And if you’re a true Drake fan — if you love his first album, this one right here, this sh– is uncut.” Related Artists Rick Ross Drake Notorious B.I.G. Snoop Dogg
‘Drake introduced me, it was great,’ Weezy tells MTV News of his 2011 performance. By Rob Markman, with additional reporting by Jim Cantiello Lil Wayne performing at the 2011 VMAs Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage When last year’s Video Music Awards aired, Lil Wayne was in a Rikers Island jail cell serving out an eight-month bid. So when he agreed to participate in this year’s VMAs , he knew it had to be big. Not only did Weezy close out the awards show on Sunday night, he timed his Tha Carter IV for a midnight digital release, so fans could purchase the album shortly after watching him on TV. “This was actually very important to me,” Weezy F. told MTV News correspondent Jim Cantiello after closing the big show. “I’ve actually never had a moment like this.” Kicking off the performance with “How to Love,” Wayne started out subdued. Dressed in a white tee, fedora and black-and-white cheetah-print pants, he crooned the words to the acoustic ballad. But by the end of the first verse, the Young Money CEO went into full-on rock mode, stripping his shirt and tossing his hat as he jammed out to a Black Sabbath-inspired rendition of his street single “John.” Wayne even jumped into the crowd and greeted his friend and collaborator on the song, Rick Ross . After making his way back to the stage, the Rebirth rapper picked up a guitar and began to play a few notes before slamming it to the ground in true rock star fashion. All in all, it seemed to be an enjoyable night for Weezy and his YMCMB family. After Nicki Minaj won Best Hip-Hop Video , Wayne, Birdman, Mack Maine and Tyga happily celebrated in the aisles of the Nokia Theatre. “This is my first time, period, so I’m just ecstatic, I’m amazed,” Wayne said about closing the VMAs. “I already have Moonmen at home, so I was good with that. Nicki Minaj got a Moonman, so that was awesome. I got to perform, Drake introduced me, it was great.” Tell us what you thought of Wayne’s VMA performance in the comments below! Related Videos VMA 2011: Performances VMA 2011: Backstage Interviews Related Photos VMA 2011: Show Highlights Related Artists Lil Wayne Rick Ross Drake Nicki Minaj
I am a comedy snob. I don’t know why. Maybe it is because I don’t find anything funny and I don’t laugh…or maybe it is because I’m not impressed when I see assholes making stupid dick and fart jokes night after night like I’m watching a repeat scripted performance that they’ve practiced in front of the mirror 100 times before performing it live 100 times….just once I’d like to see a comedian just fucking wing it and be funny without vomiting out rehearsed shit… I am also a hater of all things mainstream, popular, and frat boy…. So I don’t hate Dane Cook for being a huge success in the college scene cuz people are idiots and like everything their friends tell them to. He’s really successful doing his bullshit…But I don’t think he’s funny…. And funny or not, he gets groupie pussy, for just being Dane Cook….now I’m not sure if this girl is actually a handicap, but she looks like she could be, all young with her camel toe and as someone who’s down with fucking handicaps cuz they can’t communicate the words “no” in all their gurgles and yawns so it’s not rape. To See the Rest of the Pics FOLLOW THIS LINK
With the 20th anniversary of Nirvana’s Nevermind around the corner, today’s biggest acts recall 1991’s other classic albums. By James Montgomery Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik Photo: Warner Bros. In a few short weeks, Nirvana’s epochal Nevermind album turns 20, a milestone that will be marked with much coverage, celebration and consternation in the media — and understandably so. After all, it was a game-changer in every sense of the term, the kind of album that brought about seismic shifts in music, fashion and culture in general, one that defined a generation and, as such, deserves to be mythologized. And, in the coming weeks, we suspect you’ll see no shortage of stories that do just that. While Nevermind casts an indelibly lengthy shadow, it bears mention that there were no shortage of other magical, massive and equally mythological albums that hit stores in 1991 — from mega-platinum rock blockbusters to best-kept indie secrets, and just about everything in between — classics that, had Nirvana never broken through, would probably be getting the royal treatment right now. In 1991, rock truly rocked, so, in celebration of that fact, we’ve asked some of today’s biggest bands to discuss their favorite albums from that rather amazing year. On Wednesday, we heard from Death Cab for Cutie and Blink-182 ; now, Skrillex and Foster the People share their faves. Don’t worry, we’ll give Nevermind its due — but right now, we’re paying tribute to 1991’s other indispensible albums, in the words of their biggest fans. Metallica, The Black Album The one where “old” Metallica ended and “new” Metallica began — at least according to the die-hards — the band’s fifth studio album (it’s technically self-titled, though, come on, who doesn’t call it The Black Album ?) saw them drifting away from their slash-and-burn thrash-metal past into a new, decidedly fuller phase, one fleshed out with orchestral flourishes and an increased focus on the booming rhythm section of Jason Newstead and Lars Ulrich. Though its recording was plagued by battles with producer Bob Rock, The Black Album features the band’s most iconic songs — “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” etc. — and remains their best-selling to date, moving a staggering 22 million copies worldwide. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny its impact, both on the band and the next two decades of hard rock. As Remembered by Skrillex : “Man, The Black Album was me sitting in my room when I was 9 years old, trying to learn all the songs on guitar. That was, for me, rocking out, no reservations, like I was on the stage. And learning the ‘Holier Than Thou’ riff was, like, the biggest achievement, because it’s so hard. Every record on that album is so amazing. … Obviously, ‘Enter Sandman,’ ‘Wherever I May Roam’ … that was the first Metallica song I learned, after ‘Enter Sandman.’ I love The Black Album. It’s perfect; it’s a masterpiece in every way, from front to back, and it’s inspired me, consciously or subconsciously, because I had such a connection to it.” Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blood Sugar Sex Magik One of the most important, celebrated albums of the ’90s alt-rock explosion, Blood Sugar saw the Chili Peppers grow up, get deep and, of course, become hugely famous. While songs like “Give It Away” and “Suck My Kiss” still bobbed and weaved with the band’s visceral energy, it was on tracks like the massive “Under the Bridge” and “Breaking the Girl” where they slowed things down and found their biggest commercial successes. Recorded by producer Rick Rubin in a supposedly haunted mansion in Laurel Canyon, its creation has become the stuff of rock legend, and though the Peppers would subsequently sag beneath its success (guitarist John Frusciante, unable to cope with his sudden fame, quit the band mid-tour) Blood Sugar still stands as perhaps the finest accomplishment of their 28-year career. It would be nearly four years before they released a follow-up, though, given the album’s hugely influential status, you really couldn’t blame them. As Remembered by Mark Pontius, Foster the People : “My favorite record of 1991, and I think the only reason I got this record was my sister had it, and she’s older than me, so it just sort of fell into my lap, is Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik. I think I have to credit that record [for teaching me] a lot of my drumming skills. I loved playing their records, and that one always stuck out to me. It had so much grit, and that was rock and roll at that time of my life.” What is your favorite 1991 rock album? Let us know in the comments below! Related Videos Death Cab, Blink-182, Skrillex Remember Classic Albums From 1991 Related Artists Skrillex Red Hot Chili Peppers Foster the People Metallica Nirvana
With Nevermind anniversary weeks away, music’s biggest bands reflect on the other indispensible albums from a great year for rock. By James Montgomery My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless Photo: Sire On September 24, Nirvana’s epochal Nevermind album turns 20, a milestone that will be marked with much coverage, celebration and consternation in the media … not to mention a sundry of other events, including a high-profile benefit concert at Seattle’s Experience Music Project and a Jon Stewart-hosted Q&A with Nirvana’s surviving members. And understandably so. After all, Nevermind was a game-changer in every sense of the term — the kind of album that brought about seismic shifts in music, fashion and culture in general, one that defined a generation and, as such, deserves to be mythologized. And, in the coming weeks, we suspect you’ll see no shortage of stories that do just that. And while Nevermind casts an indelibly lengthy shadow, it bears mention that there was no shortage of other magical, massive and equally mythological albums that hit stores in 1991 … ones that, had Nirvana never broken through, would probably be getting the royal treatment right now. In 1991, rock truly rocked, so, in celebration of that fact, we’ve asked some of today’s biggest bands to discuss their favorite albums from that rather amazing year. Don’t worry, we’ll give Nevermind its due … but right now, we’re paying tribute to 1991’s other indispensible albums, in the words of their biggest fans. Dinosaur Jr., Green Mind Sludgy, somnambulant fourth album from Amherst, Massachusetts’ premier purveyors of bad-posture rock, Green Mind represents Dino Jr. at a great divide: Not only is it their first album without original member Lou Barlow, it’s also their first for major label Sire Records. Still, neither of those factors managed to sap its power, as mastermind J Mascis shouldered the load (it’s basically a solo album) on tracks like the squalling “The Wagon” and the roiling “Puke & Cry.” Of course, the band would later reconcile, but Green Mind still stands as a high-water mark, one that, from its iconic cover image to its shambolic moments of pure grandiosity, still stands the test of time. As remembered by Mark Hoppus, Blink-182 : “I got it when it came out and I just loved it, from the second that I listened to it. And I remember going to watch them at the Hollywood Palladium, and I think, actually, Nirvana opened that show maybe, or maybe not. [ Editor’s note: Nirvana did, in fact, open for Dino Jr. at the Palladium in June 1991. ] But they played the Palladium, and it was the loudest show that I’d ever been to and my ears rang for three days afterwards and I was deathly afraid that I’d permanently ruined my hearing, which I probably did, but it was well worth it.” My Bloody Valentine, Loveless The rare album that can be summarized entirely by its cover, MBV’s Loveless is 48-odd minutes of guitars slowly corroding, collapsing and combusting into a gloriously woozy, decidedly pink hue. Then again, you should probably listen to it, if only to marvel at the sheer size of the thing: an epic sonic collage that echoes for days, full of ringing, winging chords, ruddy drum loops and ethereal, barely there vocals. It sounded like nothing else at the time and, really, that’s still true today. Recorded in 19 different studios over the course of two years, it brought the band and its label, Creation, to the brink and was so huge an endeavor (in every regard) that, 20 years later, MBV have yet to record the follow-up. But that hasn’t stopped an entire generation of musicians from taking cues from Kevin Shields’ masterful din, most notably, the rather tricky art of learning how not to play guitar. As remembered by Brian Oblivion, Cults : “In the same vein as Nevermind, Loveless is another game-changing album. There’s that clich
Formerly available for purchase as a book and a DVD, Seven Words That Can Change the World, the DVD, is now available online at no charge: http://vimeo.com/27391444 (PRWeb August 30, 2011) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/8/prweb8744151.htm Broadcasting platform : Vimeo Source : PRWeb – Daily News Feed Discovery Date : 30/08/2011 10:14 Number of articles : 2
Javaris Crittenton, the former shooting guard for Georgia Tech University and the Washington Wizards, is officially a wanted man. The 24-year old is accused of killing Jullian Jones on August 19, a mother of four, in a botched attempt to retaliate against the person who robbed him in April. Considered “armed and dangerous” by the Atlanta police, authorities have released the following poster of Crittenton: The FBI believes Crittenton is in Los Angeles and has put up a cash reward for information leading to his arrest. Meanwhile, Gilbert Arena – who actually drew guns with Crittenton inside the Washington locker room two years ago – has Tweeted the following in response to the case: I really wanna say sumthing but i wont becuz theirs a dead woman involved.
With the new TV season fast approaching, THG and our friends at TV Fanatic are here to update readers on what’s to come on your favorite returning program. Last week, we delivered a primer on The Vampire Diaries . Now, it’s on to one of the most intense shows on television. Follow this link for a longer rundown of Sons of Anarchy spoilers and consider the following trailer/teases… Sons of Anarchy Trailer There will be a marriage on the season premiere. There will be a 14-month time jump. Tara will have given birth to Jax’s second son and named him Thomas. There will be a new sheriff in Charming. Clay will have more difficulty than ever with his hands. Jax will consider giving up SAMCRO for his new family.
Minnesota Congresswoman and GOP Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann was apparently quoted as saying that essentially, last week’s earthquake and this past weekend’s Hurricane Irene were messages from God. God’s point: Federal deficits are totally out of control! Bachmann told Floridians Sunday that Irene and the quake felt along much of the East Coast last week were messages from God to warn “politicians” to start heeding divine guidance … via small government conservatives, obvi. “I don’t know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We’ve had an earthquake; we’ve had a hurricane. He said, ‘Are you going to start listening to me here?'” Bachmann told a crowd in Sarasota, Fla. “Listen to the American people, because the American people are roaring. They know government is on a morbid obesity diet and we’ve got to rein in spending.” Michele is evidently trying to link God’s will and natural disasters with those who believe the U.S. government is too large and intrudes too much on people. Bachmann’s comments come on the heels of similar remarks that Glenn Beck, the former Fox News personality, made about the tsunami that hit Japan. Both feel this great nation is a financially and morally bankrupt mess, one increasingly vulnerable to the horrors of big-government liberals and/or God. Of course, hurricanes will also become increasingly common as ocean water temperatures rise due to global warming … which they deny even exists. For what it’s worth, a Bachmann spokeswoman said the candidate was joking and that her comments weren’t serious. That very well could be the case. The fact that it even has to be clarified, however? Wow. [Photo: Pacific Coast News]
