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| Faith No More To Reunite
February 24, 2009 at 12:49 pm
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| European tour is offhandedly announced in press release regarding singer Mike Patton.
By James Montgomery, with additional reporting by Jem Aswad and Rodrigo Perez 
Faith No More in 1990
Photo: Paul Natkin/WireImage For some reason, news of two ginormous rock reunions has been buried at the end of press releases in recent weeks. First, there was an e-mail from the Recording Academy, which casually announced that Blink-182 would be reuniting at the Grammy Awards to present an award — which the band of course used to announce their reunion. And now, thanks to a press release touting singer Mike Patton's involvement in the "major motion film 'Crank 2: High Voltage,' " we know that Faith No More — the much-celebrated, much-missed art-rock act that he fronted from 1989 until its dissolution in 1998 — are finally reuniting. That news was, er, broken, in the final line of the press release sent late Monday night, which listed Patton's upcoming performance schedule, including a stop at the Coachella festival and "the highly anticipated reunion tour with Faith No More in Europe this summer." Needless to say, long-suffering FNM fans were pumped. But is the news true? MTV News contacted Patton's publicist, who told us that yes, the Faith No More reunion is happening ... and no, they're not going to be playing any dates in the U.S. (sorry, Coachella fans). This is will be a strictly European affair. Patton won't be doing any interviews to promote the tour, and it's not exactly clear who will be in FNM this time around: Presumably mid-'80s singer Chuck Mosely (who Patton replaced after Mosely was booted for erratic behavior) won't be on board, although it's unclear whether epically-maned guitarist Jim Martin, who left the band in the early '90s under less-than-friendly circumstances, will be coming. Faith No More formed in San Francisco in the early 1980s, and after running through a spate of lead singers (including Courtney Love), settled on Mosely and released their debut LP, We Care a Lot, in 1985. Another album followed, FNM parted ways with Mosely and hired Patton, a musician/ performance artist with an epic vocal range and a manic onstage manner. (Patton was also the lead singer of Mr. Bungle, with whom he continued to work during his stint in FNM.) In 1989, they released The Real Thing, an album which fizzled initially, but thanks to the success of second single "Epic" (and the iconic video, featuring Patton's rapping, Martin's soloing, an exploding piano and a fish gasping for air) quickly began rising up the Billboard albums chart and ultimately went multiplatinum. The band's melding of rock, hip-hop and funk — not to mention Patton's scattershot vocals — would prove hugely influential on the so-called nu-metal acts that would dominate the charts in the latter portion of the decade. FNM followed up the success of The Real Thing with the confounding, contorting Angel Dust, which is widely considered to be one of the most uncommercial follow-ups to a hit album of all time. Full of gnarled song samples, frazzled rock, aboriginal chanting and operatic vocals, the album unsurprisingly failed to catch on with mainstream rock fans here in the states, although a non-album cover of the Commodores' "Easy" provided the band with some mainstream airplay. While touring in support of Angel Dust, Patton seemed to take delight in testing the patience of FNM's audience, standing center stage eating cigarettes (seriously), while perplexed fans headed for the exits. Upset with the direction the band was taking, Martin left in 1993 and was replaced by a revolving-door of guitarists. In the years following its release, Angel Dust has come to be seen as a high-water mark, praised for its constant pushing of sonic barriers and its deft infusion of performance art into rock. Faith No More released two more studio albums before calling it quits in 1998, as Patton chose to focus on even more bizarre projects, like Peeping Tom and Tomahawk, and collaborations with Björk, producer Dan the Automator and others. Most notably, drummer Mike "Puffy" Bordin worked extensively with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath; keyboardist Roddy Bottum continued with his band Imperial Teen. Since FNM split, Patton has often been questioned by fans about the possibility of a reunion. He's always answered that it wasn't going to happen — except now, it appears that it will, and although they're apparently just committing to the European tour for now, anything is possible. Related Artists |
| Robert Pattinson's Newest Fan: Natalie Portman?
February 24, 2009 at 12:00 pm
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| The 'Star Wars' hottie and the 'Twilight' star were spotted together at Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Robert Pattinson
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic Robert Pattinson may have been a bit freaked out about the prospect of presenting at the Oscars, but rumor has it that the "Twilight" star found the perfect way to unwind later Sunday night: by flirting with Natalie Portman. "[Portman] seemed really into him and went right up to say hello once she spotted him," a Pattinson pal told E! Online after they were spotted talking to each other at the famed Vanity Fair Oscar Party. The friend added that "whiskey and Natalie Portman" helped the young star deal with his nerves. Although Pattinson and Portman, who could possibly be a closeted Twilighter, were seen chatting it up at the party, Pattinson reportedly went home all by his lonesome (much to the relief of Team Edward members the world over). "It's insane," Pattinson said of his Oscar gig on the red carpet, where he also discussed work on the upcoming "Twilight" sequels "New Moon" and "Eclipse." "When they first told me about this, I was like, 'No, no, no, no, no, you're joking — or I'm going to have to do something really stupid like get gunged [slimed]!" The man who is better known as Edward Cullen represented "Twilight" alongside "Mamma Mia!" star Amanda Seyfried, where the duo presented a montage of romantic movies. "I had to become a vampire to find the right woman," he joked onstage, demonstrating the difficulties of modern love. Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga's New Moon." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Photos |
| Pussycat Doll Revamps 'Slumdog Millionaire' Song 'Jai Ho'
February 24, 2009 at 11:15 am
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| Nicole Scherzinger adds new English-language vocals to Oscar-winning track.
By Gil Kaufman 
The Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger
Photo: Jakubaszek/ Getty Images The multiple wins by "Slumdog Millionaire" at Sunday's Oscars have a lot of people buzzing about how the little-movie-that-did might build a bridge between Hollywood and Bollywood. And, with the awards-show hangover just barely wearing off, Nicole Scherzinger has already volunteered to lay the first brick. (Check out our "Slumdog"-inspired beginners' guide to Bollywood movies.) The Pussycat Dolls singer has laid down some vocals on a remix of A.R. Rahman's Oscar-winning Best Original Song "Jai Ho," which went up on DesiHits.com on Monday. "It's an honor to be able to collaborate with A.R. Rahman and be a part of the 'Slumdog Millionaire' project in any way," Scherzinger said in a statement. "The movie, the story and the music [were] a gift and very spiritually uplifting for me. ... I can only hope and pray 'Slumdog Millionaire,' and my version of 'Jai Ho' ('You Are My Destiny') touches and connects people all around the world." Though the timing seems fortuitous for Scherzinger, it's not the first time she's hooked up with DesiHits. Last fall, during Fashion Week, the site helped the Dolls jump on the bourgeoning Desi bandwagon by helping to outfit the group in saris designed by Rocky S. for their red-carpet entrance. "With the release of the Pussycat Dolls new remix of 'Jai Ho,' they are continuing to join this popular, international trend by fusing what's hot in the East with the West," DesiHits.com CEO Anjula Acharia-Bath said about the collaboration between Rahman and Scherzinger. With the song's original frantic beats and uplifting percussion in place, Scherzinger's version replaces the original tune's Hindi words with English lyrics, including the chorus, "You are the reason that I breathe/ You are the reason that I still believe/ You are my destiny/ Jai ho." Related Videos Related Artists |
| Britney Spears' Dad Calls Sam Lutfi A 'Predator'
February 24, 2009 at 9:33 am
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| Jamie Spears testifies for 90 minutes to extend restraining order against Brit's former manager.
By Gil Kaufman 
Britney Spears and Sam Lufti in December, 2007
Photo: Toby Canham/Getty Images Just weeks before Britney Spears is slated to kick off her highly anticipated comeback tour, her personal life is once again looking like a three-ring circus. In a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday, Brit's dad, Jamie Spears, testified for 90 minutes about what he claimed was predatory behavior by the singer's ex-manager, Osama "Sam" Lutfi. According to The Associated Press, Jamie Spears made an impassioned plea in a rare open-court hearing about why he thinks a long-term restraining order should be issued against Lutfi and Spears' former boyfriend Adnan Ghalib. Spears' father called Lutfi a "predator," repeated allegations that Lutfi had ground medication into his daughter's food and said he thought Lutfi was a danger to the family. He did little, however, to establish that Lutfi had been in contact with Britney since a conservatorship was established a year ago to allow Jamie Spears to oversee his daughter's affairs. Lutfi's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said that Spears' testimony did not prove that a more permanent restraining order is necessary. Spears admitted under questioning from Lutfi's lawyer that he was not aware of any recent conversations between Lutfi and Britney. But Spears claimed that Lutfi had called Britney, tried to get Britney to call him and tried to relay a "Merry Christmas" message through the singer's hairdresser. He also said he found a call from Britney to Lutfi on a prepaid cell phone that his security team confiscated from her last month, which contained numbers for Lutfi and Ghalib. If Lutfi did contact Spears, it would be in violation of the court order in place against him to keep his distance from the singer. TMZ reported that a nanny heard Britney talking to Ghalib and Lutfi on the prepaid phone early one morning and alerted Jamie Spears to the situation. Jamie Spears testified that Britney told him the phone was given to her at a hotel by someone who said it was from Lutfi and Ghalib. Lutfi's lawyer argued that a "restraining order is for severe harassing conduct that causes substantial emotional distress" and that Spears' testimony "doesn't remotely come close to that." According to NBC News, Lutfi denied that any of the communications with Britney were of a threatening nature. "I have not, in any alleged communications with Britney, her hairdresser or any other person, threatened any act of violence against Britney or her family," Lutfi reportedly said in a sworn declaration. Earlier his month, Lutfi sued Jamie Spears for non-payment of management fees and Britney's mother, Lynne, for defamation; he is also suing Jamie Spears for battery. Judge Aviva K. Bobb ruled to extend the temporary restraining order against Lutfi, Ghalib and attorney Jon Eardley — who once claimed to represent Spears — until at least Wednesday, at which point Bobb is expected to rule on the request for a more permanent restraining order, according to the AP. Spears, Lutfi and Ghalib were not present at Monday's hearing. The temporary order instructs the three men to stay at least 250 yards away from Spears, her parents and her children, and bars them from helping others file legal papers on Britney's behalf. Related Photos Related Artists |
| 50 Cent Says Rihanna Photo Changed His Perspective On Chris Brown Arrest
February 24, 2009 at 8:04 am
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| Rapper had mentioned alleged altercation in online comedy skits, until he realized 'it's not funny.'
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Stephen Totilo 
50 Cent
Photo: MTV News 50 Cent admittedly shows less compassion than the average person when it comes to going to war in rap battles. However, in other issues, 50 has a heart, and even he knows when to not cross the line. The Queens MC told MTV News on Tuesday afternoon (February 24) that he has changed his mind: Chris Brown and Rihanna's alleged altercation is no laughing matter. On his Web site, ThisIs50.com, Fif has made references to the pair's recent, apparently violent incident in the "Pimpin' Curly" series as well as in his Saturday morning animated disses to Rick Ross. He featured Ross as a cop and Chris and Rihanna as characters from the game "Street Fighter." "Officer Ricky" eventually arrests Brown and tosses him in jail along with Suge Knight. "I thought that was something you could use for humor, like any other comedian would utilize current events to put into their actual [presentation], being humorous a little bit," 50 explained while promoting his new video game, "50 Cent: Blood on the Sand," which hit stores Tuesday. "I put [reference to the incident] in a 'Pimpin' Curly' skit a little bit. From the perspective of the character, I mentioned it." 50 says those comedic references were made prior to TMZ posting a photograph of a badly beaten Rihanna. He immediately changed his mind about making light of the situation. "After I saw the photograph, that wasn't funny anymore," 50 said. "I didn't have any information on it. You're just going on what the public actually had. It shifts the whole thing. Even if you're saying you're in a dysfunctional relationship, I understand that. There's a point when you're already past a woman fighting you back. You look at [the picture], and it's obviously past that point. There's some issues there that definitely gotta be addressed. Not to take any shots at Chris or Rihanna or take sides in any way, [but] it's really not cool. It's not funny anymore, so there will definitely be no more reference to that from me in any way." The Chris Brown/ Rihanna altercation is still under investigation by police. Brown was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats and is out on bail. The topic has rocked the entertainment world, as everyone from Jay-Z to Kanye West to Ne-Yo has spoken out about what allegedly happened. Get resources and information about domestic violence, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Lil Wayne Producers Play N Skillz Lead Dallas Hip-Hop Scene
February 24, 2009 at 7:52 am
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| 'We are blessed,' Play, of the double-Grammy-winning duo, says.
By Shaheem Reid 
Play N Skillz
Photo: WireImage DALLAS — Play N Skillz could definitely get used to this. Two Grammy ceremonies, two Grammy Awards — the brothers from Dallas, haven't come away empty-handed yet. "We are blessed," Play said the day after this year's Grammy Awards. Play and his brother Skillz won a Grammy in 2007 for their work on Chamillionaire's "Ridin' Dirty" and, just a few weeks ago, took another trophy home when Lil Wayne was honored with Rap Album of the Year. The duo produced the monster "Got Money." "It was the best album of 2008; one of the best albums in a long time, hip-hop-wise," Play said of Lil Wayne's latest LP. "It's a blessing to be a part of Tha Carter III and have a single." The fact that "Got Money" even made it into Lil Wayne's hands is a miracle. The track was originally erased by an engineer, and the duo had to make it all over from scratch. Then, Slim Thug, Plies and Pitbull all recorded verses over the instrumental at one time or another, but due to label politics or creative differences chose not to use the song for their projects. T-Pain then took custody of the record, but sat on it for so long that Play N Skillz almost asked for it back. Eventually, Pain passed the record to Wayne, who worked his magic. "It was a marathon," Play said. "That album had so many release dates ... then we was hoping our song didn't get leaked. We was hoping that this song didn't end up on DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz 28 and then don't make it to the album." Juan Carlos "Play" Salinas and his sibling Oscar "Skillz" have been dreaming of making music since they were kids. The two were born to Venezuelan immigrants and lived a large part of their lives in a two-bedroom apartment. When their parents saw how serious the DJs-turned-producers were about making music, they moved to the living room and let the brothers convert the master bedroom into a mini-studio. Play N Skillz would eventually pay their parents back by buying them a house, which was a great surprise to mom and pops. Before their big breakthrough with Chamillionaire, Lil' Flip put them in the game with his You Gotta Feel Me LP. Now cats such as 50 Cent, Bun B and, of course, T-Pain and Lil Wayne hit them up regularly for tracks. On the night they spoke to MTV News in Dallas, they had three different sessions going with Slim Thug, Pitbull and Paul Wall, all longtime friends. "For Paul, we're trying to push the envelope with this one," Skillz said. "Everyone's heard him on screwed and chopped records ... Jermaine Dupri did a good job on a couple records with him," Play added. "We're trying to do something a little different with him, and he's willing to take a chance. We're recording a song called 'Cadillac' right now. It's an ode to all the Cadillacs we ride out here. It sounds like he's talking to a woman, like he's in love with a woman, but it's his car. It's a remake of a Ready For the World record. It's something different for Paul." As for Slim, the brothers — who released their own album in 2004, The Process — say it's a miracle they even are getting work done with Thugger, as they usually go to the club instead of record. Pitbull is the wild card. "Pit is incredible," Skillz added. "He works fast." "You just gotta keep up with him," Play chimed in. "He's one of those guys you never know what's gonna happen. He can give you a girl record, he'll make a house record, he can tear you up lyrically. It's always fun working with him. There's nothing we can't try." In addition to working with established acts, Play N Skillz are looking forward to helping some of the local talent blow, like their artists Bug Tuck and Tum Tum. They say that Dallas' new burgeoning music scene is primed for mainstream love. "The wave of technology has really helped people," Play said of songs such as the GS Boyz's "Stanky Legg" and B-Hamp's "Do the Ricky Bobby" that have gotten big on the Internet and are starting to spread nationally on radio. "Now records are getting started on YouTube and MySpace. They get popular there and, believe it or not, some of these [radio] programmers are going onto these Web sites and looking for talent." Dallas has a lot to offer! In the coming days, we're bringing you details on the city's burgeoning hip-hop movement — from dances to fashion to hairstyles and, of course, the music. We got it all, so keep checking back for more during Dallas Week. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Ne-Yo Opens Up About Domestic Abuse
February 24, 2009 at 6:19 am
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| 'All of a sudden [domestic abuse is] big news because it went down between Chris Brown and Rihanna — that sucks,' singer says.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Saimon Kos 
Ne-Yo
Photo: MTV News Talking with MTV News on Monday, Ne-Yo spoke about the alleged altercation between his friends Chris Brown and Rihanna. The singer said that he spoke with Rihanna and she said she's "fine," and said that he wants to speak with Brown about the situation. "She says she's fine," he said. "She didn't go into detail about what happened. I understand it's a painful situation; I didn't push." During that same interview, Ne-Yo opened up about the problems of domestic abuse and said he'd seen it in his own home growing up. "At the end of the day, it's wrong," he said. "There's always another way to handle any situation, be it an argument, whatever the case may be. There's always another way to handle it. I come from a household where stuff like that went on between my mother and my father. I just know for a fact there's another way to go. There's always another way to go." Brown has said that his former stepfather abused his mother, although the stepfather has disputed his account. "Abuse of any form — be it physical, be it verbal, whatever the case may be — has been going on and is going on right now," Ne-Yo continued. "It's been a problem. It just sucks that it has to happen to people who are in the spotlight for people to actually start talking about it." While he stresses the need for the issue to be out in the open, he said he's cynical about the attention it's receiving from some quarters. "Now everybody wants to start this club or write this song about it," he said. "And it's like, what about the millions and millions of women that have been battered and are being battered all over the world right now? What about them? "All of a sudden its big news because it went down between Chris Brown and Rihanna," he added. "That sucks to me." Get resources and information about domestic violence, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Wannabes Norman Gentle, Adam Lambert, Megan Corkrey Up Next
February 24, 2009 at 3:39 am
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| Show will be pre-empted by President Obama's address, returns Wednesday.
By Gil Kaufman 
Megan Corkrey
Photo: FOX Don't adjust your dials: Your TiVo didn't miss "American Idol" this week. The show is merely kicking back a night to make room for President Obama's address Tuesday night (February 24). But things crank up again Wednesday with group-two auditions, which will yield the second trio of singers going on to the show's top 12. The next round is filled with singers who've flown mostly under the radar to date, plus a few drama queens who have managed to get their share of the spotlight since the first auditions. First on that list, of course, is Nick "Norman Gentle" Mitchell, 27, the spangly shirt-and-headband-wearing pride of Brookfield High School — which also spawned season two's 10th-place finisher, Julia DeMato. The comedian/singer is one of the most unlikely "Idol" top-36 contestants to date, and it remains to be seen if his funnyman shtick will fly with voters after he charmed the judges in Hollywood. Also on the roster is flamboyant singer Adam Lambert, 26, who has won praise and some criticism for his musical-theater, diva-esque vocals; Megan Corkrey, 22, the divorced mother whose soulful voice is as colorful as her sleeve of tattoos; and 16-year-old Starkville, Mississippi soul belter, and "Team Diva" survivor, Jasmine Murray. The other 16-year-old on the block is Los Angeles' Allison Iraheta, who recently told the Los Angeles Times that she idolizes Pink, Jack White and Franz Ferdinand. Bearded crooner Kai Kalama, who used to rock out in a band called Offwhite with his brother, is in the mix, as is Kalamazoo's mini-Justin Timberlake, Matt Giraud, who has released two albums already, including 2006's Mind, Body and Soul. Oklahoma's nice-guy welder, Matt Breitzke, 27, will get another chance, along with a handful of below-the-radar longshots: Jesse Langseth (whose brother is Grammy-winning guitarist/singer Jonny Lang); 28-year-old Jeanine Vailes; child actress and season-seven washout Mishavonna Henson; and ukulele strummer Kris Allen, who could be a dark-horse adversary to early favorite Danny Gokey. Whoever advances to the top 12 following Thursday's show will join the three top contenders from last week's first round of cuts: Gokey, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver. Next week will see the next 12 singers vie for the final three audience-approved slots: Alex Wagner Trugman, Arianna Afsar, Felicia Barton, Jorge Nuñez, Ju'Not Joyner, Kendall Beard, Kristen McNamara, Lil Rounds, Nathaniel Marshall, Scott MacIntyre, Taylor Vaifanua and Von Smith. And next Thursday, the revamped wild-card round will bring back 12 booted contestants vying for the final three spots in the top 12. At press time, a spokesperson for the show said the details on the format of the wild-card round were not yet available. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos |
| 'Hills' Star Audrina Patridge Robbed, Posts Surveillance Footage Online
February 24, 2009 at 3:09 am
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| Video shows a man and woman leaving Audrina's house with bags full of her belongings.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Audrina Patridge
Photo: MTV After announcing on her blog that she had been robbed Sunday night, "Hills" star Audrina Patridge promised that she would release the surveillance footage to the public in hopes of finding the two thieves: a man and a woman. "I had a really rough day today," she wrote in the post. "I got home late last night and realized that my house had been robbed. It was pretty devastating!" The surveillance footage, posted on Patridge's site as promised, clearly shows the duo walking around the grounds near Patridge's home before going to her door, breaking in and walking out with two bags full of stuff. Patridge offered people a number to call if they recognize the intruders. "Any tips would be most appreciated," she wrote. She also wrote that she has alerted police about the incident. While most of what they took was "replaceable," Patridge wrote, "They took off with a few very sentimental things too. "I spent most of the morning filling out police reports and going through the house room by room, making lists of everything that had been taken," she wrote. "Definitely not a good way to start the week." Patridge isn't a stranger to drama. Just Tuesday (February 24), the trailer for the new season of "The Hills" hit the Web, and it features enough turmoil and fighting to last most people three lifetimes. Last season, Audrina was roommates with Lo Bosworth and Lauren Conrad before moving out on her own. |
| N.O.R.E. Calls Fatburger Arrest 'A Good Night Gone Bad'
February 24, 2009 at 1:19 am
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| 'I'm definitely not gonna walk away from a problem,' MC says of altercation in Miami.
By Shaheem Reid 
N.O.R.E. arrest mug shot
Photo: AP Photo/ Miami Beach Police Department N.O.R.E. made an unofficial remix of Jamie Foxx's "Blame It on the Alcohol," and after being arrested early Sunday morning in Miami, the Queens MC is doing exactly that: blaming the incident on alcohol. The only thing is, the MC didn't even have a drink. "It was crazy," Noreaga said via phone Monday about the altercation at a Miami Beach Fatburger. The rapper is accused of punching an unidentified in the face and throwing yellow liquid on him. "At the end of the day, I'm not the type of person that runs around starting trouble. But I can't be provoked too much. I was walking to the bathroom, the guy offered me to have a drink with him. I told him I don't drink, but even when I do drink, I don't drink brown liquor. "That's what people do — they have liquor left over from the club," Nore continued. "They take the liquor out of the club and have it in their cars. This was 4 or 5 in the morning. So the dude, he kept offering me something I don't mess with. It got out of control at one point. I went to the bathroom, came back, told the dude, 'Yo, chill. I'm not that type of person.' I'm not an instigator, but I'm definitely not a chump. I'm definitely not gonna walk away from a problem." N.O.R.E. said he couldn't elaborate much further, but he did say that he didn't throw yellow liquid on anyone. He thinks the alcohol he was offered might be what ended up on the other man. The Queens rapper also said that when he asked, according to the police report, "Do you know who I am?," he was not being arrogant. He said he was unsure if the other man knew who he was or mistook him for another celebrity. "I don't wanna say that part is fully made up," he said. "At the end of the day, I'm a person who hates fame. I wish I could be the original Ghostface when Ghostface came out with the mask and all that. I couldn't understand. I think that's what the dude told police. The guy changed around the story to make it seem like we were antagonizing him, when in fact, it was the other way around. That's not who I am. Honestly, I'm not sure, if the dude knew who I was or if his friends knew who I was. If he didn't know who I was, why would I provoke him like, 'Listen, a--hole, this is who I am so you know who to tell the police'? Maybe somewhere along the line he thought Nore was a sucker, or maybe he didn't really know who I was. All my crew got locked up. Everybody is out. I'm able to laugh at the incident, because nobody was hurt. Even the 'victim,' him, his friends, nobody was injured. It was a good night gone bad. At the end of the day, love to homeboy, [but] I hope I don't ever see him again in life." Nore's humor about the incident isn't just about those involved. He also wants to poke fun at blogger Perez Hilton. N.O. said he was surprised to see Perez had the incident on his blog Monday. Hilton wrote "Busted!" on Nore's mugshot and called the rapper a "Queen" and a "d-----bag." "Perez Hilton called me a d-----bag," Nore laughed off. "This dude is hilarious. I'm gonna let Perez Hilton have it, because it's so funny that a fat gay guy called me a d-----bag. He called me a 'queen' too. He called me 'Pitbull.' I'm gonna have fun with it." N.O.R.E. didn't waste any time. On his Web site, 57thAve.com, he posted a spoof video in which someone impersonating Hilton robs him of all his jewelry, including his iced-out carton of Newport cigarettes. Related Artists |
| Bow Wow 'Shocked' By Rihanna Photo
February 24, 2009 at 1:11 am
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| Rapper, who calls Chris Brown a 'good friend,' says the photo 'speaks for itself.'
By Gil Kaufman 
Bow Wow
Photo: Mike Coppola/ FilmMagic Bow Wow knows what it's like to be in the spotlight as a young artist in a high-profile relationship with another singer (in his case, Ciara), and he knows how intense the media glare can be. But he also reportedly told OK! magazine that while he hasn't spoken to former tour mate Chris Brown or Rihanna since their alleged altercation on the eve of the Grammys, which resulted in Brown's arrest on suspicion of making criminal threats, he was shocked by the picture that leaked last week showing Rihanna bruised and battered following the alleged incident. "Just shocking," Bow Wow reportedly told the magazine. "I mean, we heard what happened but we really didn't get a visual for it. But I mean, hey, man. The picture speaks for itself." The rapper, promoting his latest album, New Jack City II, said that when he first heard about the alleged incident, he was skeptical. "I mean, being in the business, the first thing is, 'Ah, it's false, another rumor, bloggers just wanting to have traffic to their site,' " he said. "But when the story was unfolding, it was kind of shocking to all. Chris is a good friend of mine. We've had the opportunity to tour together. And then Rihanna, she's just a beautiful person. Period. Never done no wrong to nobody." But Bow Wow, who was the target of much speculation during his teenage romance with Ciara, pleaded for the singers' privacy until the facts of the case are more well known. "I've been in a high profile relationship before and I know how it feels when everybody's in your business," he said. "It just puts more pressure. And the only way they're going to get over the situation is just to let them deal with it. And that's what I really want to do. I'm praying for them both. "At the end of the day," he continued, "I've always believed in whatever happens with people's business ... my mom always told me don't get into [it]. And the situation is so major I think they just need their space and I think they need to deal with it." A spokesperson for Bow Wow confirmed that the rapper spoke to the magazine. Bow Wow's comments came on the same day that Ne-Yo told MTV News that he had spoken to Rihanna and said she was "fine," and that he wants to speak to Brown about the situation. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Bill Clinton Explains Why AIDS Is Still A Crisis
February 23, 2009 at 11:49 am
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| 'We got a little bit careless about prevention, and I think we got a little lax on testing,' the former president says.
By Garth Bardsley, with reporting by Sway J. Calloway 
Bill Clinton
Photo: MTV News The number of new HIV infections in the United States is higher than previously thought, according to the Center for Disease Control, and former President Bill Clinton believes he knows, at least partly, why. "I think we got a little bit careless about prevention, and I think we got a little lax on testing," Clinton told MTV News. "And I think it's time for us to go back to basics, especially with very discreet groups where the infection rates are going up." In particular, the former president mentioned women of color "who are involved with men who have often been imprisoned, who have been infected and may not know it. We need to get into a whole new range of testing of people who are in those risk groups." The urgency of the AIDS crisis has lessened, he theorized, because of the success of HIV-fighting medicines. "People look at Magic Johnson, and his massive magnificence, and they think he'll be around until he's 80-something, and I think he probably will be," Clinton said. In a conversation with Sway last Thursday, Clinton discussed how his foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), has been working both with worldwide governments and pharmaceutical companies to make medicine more affordable for those who need it. (From the same interview, read what Bill Clinton had to say about President Obama and being a father in the White House.) CGI, along with several other non-governmental agencies, including the Gates Foundation, has helped to bring the cost of medicine in poor countries down from $600 a year to $60 a year. "People don't have to die now because the medicine isn't available or it's too expensive," he said. "What's killing people in poor countries now is the absence of health systems." To prove his point, Clinton cited the AIDS clinic directly around the corner from his office in Harlem, and contrasted it with medical care in poorer countries like Ethiopia. "[The Harlem clinic] has got a tough case load, you know — former drug addicts, people who've been in jail, people who were into prostitution, it's tough," he said. But the sheer existence of the clinic means the system is working. "Eighty-five percent of them take their medicine in a proper way, and they support each other," he said. "They're doing great because there's a facility there." In a country such as Ethiopia, even though medicine is now affordable, other issues surface. "In the entire country of 80 million, there are only 700 clinics," Clinton said. "So we're trying to [get that number] to 3,500 clinics. What we really need to do is build just basic clinics, test people to see if they are positive, give them medicine, and measure their counts to see if the medicine is working." Clinton seems optimistic that this is possible, saying the clinics don't even need highly skilled nurses, just "trained community folk." "People are dying today, and more people are getting infected today than we can treat every year, solely because we don't have comprehensive health-care systems in poor countries, like that represented by the clinic around the corner here," he said. For more information on HIV/AIDS prevention, visit Think.MTV.com's It's Your (Sex) Life group. |
| Gossip Site Defends Posting Of Rihanna Photo
February 23, 2009 at 9:21 am
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| Harvey Levin says TMZ obtained the picture legally.
By Gil Kaufman 
Rihanna (file)
Photo: Steve Granitz/ WireImage Even as the Los Angeles Police Department conducts an internal investigation into how a picture of a battered Rihanna made its way onto the Internet last week, TMZ executive producer Harvey Levin told Fox News that he obtained the disturbing image legally. "It is a photograph of Rihanna that was taken shortly after the alleged beating a couple of weeks ago," Levin said during an appearance on Greta Van Sustren's "On The Record" show on Friday, noting that the LAPD essentially confirmed that the photo was real by launching the investigation. "We, obviously, believed at the time, convincingly, that it was Rihanna and put it up on the site. ... I'm not saying anything bad at all about the LAPD. I mean, what they needed to do, they felt, was conduct an internal-affairs investigation because they felt there was a leak. In so doing ... they did authenticate the picture." Levin would not reveal how TMZ obtained the photo, but he said they did not initially believe that it was an image taken by the LAPD. "And we still are still not convinced it is," he said of the shot, which drew fire from Rihanna's father and many fans, who called the leak "inappropriate." In launching an investigation into the leak of the photo — which appears to have been taken following the alleged altercation between Rihanna and her boyfriend, Chris Brown, on February 8 — the LAPD said the image "has the appearance of one taken during an official domestic-violence investigation." The LAPD has not named Rihanna as the alleged victim in the case, per department rules, but on Friday, following the release of the photo, Rihanna finally broke her silence. "At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," her representatives said in a statement. "She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time." Following the bombshell posting of the post-altercation photo, TMZ also put up an image over the weekend of the singer getting out of a car in Los Angeles on Thursday, one of the first pictures of Rihanna in public since Grammy weekend. Levin defended the posting of the Rihanna picture, saying that it presents both sides of the story on the alleged incident, which has brought the issue of domestic abuse into the spotlight. "Chris Brown is not going to just say, 'I'm going to lie down on this one and not fight,' " Levin said of the 19-year-old singer, who issued a statement on February 15 saying he was "sorry and saddened" over the incident. "I guarantee you that Chris Brown is going to mount a defense in this case. I know that. He will mount a defense in this case. So, the picture is not the be-all and the end-all, as far as he's concerned. ... But what it does do is it puts a face on what both sides really have been kind of leaking out over the last couple of weeks. ... Well, the bottom line is, here's the photograph, here's the end result. And frankly, Greta, I think it's pretty horrifying." Brown, who turned himself in on the night of the Grammys and was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, has not been charged in the incident. Go here for domestic violence resources, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Rick Ross Vows To Outsell 50 Cent: Mixtape Monday
February 23, 2009 at 7:52 am
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| Plus: Flo Rida keeps it 'hood with Freestyle Kronikles 3.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes 
Rick Ross
Photo: Def Jam Artist: Flo Rida Representing: Miami Mixtape: Freestyle Kronikles 3 411: One thing to get out there before we start: DJs, no disrespect to any y'all out there. (What up, Dram? We gotta go to Grand Luxe again soon!) We know the competition to get the music out there first is at an all-time fever pitch. But if you're going to leak a record, at least wait until the person doing the song gets a chance to lay his vocals. Reference tracks don't mean anything, if you really think about it. Now, let's get down to business. We're keeping it all Miami this week. Flo Rida (sorry for keeping you out in the snow) is our main pick this week, then later, Ricky Ross has some lofty goals for himself. Look out for that. When you're selling records at Flo Rida's pace, you can make fun of yourself. "I guess they can call me a two-hit wonder," he joked, standing in New York's Times Square last week. Flo had just received the news that his new single "Right Round" broke iTunes' singles record for digital downloads in one week — more than 635,000 sold, topping 50 Cent, Eminem and Dr. Dre's record for "Crack a Bottle." "Don't say that; you're giving me goose bumps," Flo said of the track's success. "Right Round" is the first single from his March 31 LP, R.O.O.T.S. (Route of Overcoming the Struggle). Rick Ross, Brisco, Ne-Yo, Akon and Pitbull are all featured. No matter how much pop love he gets, he's not leaving his rap roots. Flo and DJ Kronik connected thoughts for the mixtape Freestyle Kronikles 3. "I'mma be putting out tapes for a long time, but this Freestyle Kronikles 3, it was hard to do a mixtape on the road, overseas," Flo Rida said. "A lot of times, they didn't even use the same voltage, so it's kind of hard to hook up the U.S. connections to the overseas connections, but at the same time, I had to put out a tape." Joints To Check For » "Who Hotter Than Me" freestyle. "That's the Plies beat. I'm from the M.I. Yayo, the state of Florida, the Sunshine State," Flo declared. "I had to jump on that record and put a little freestyle on it. That beat has that 'hood knock, that bass, that bottom." » "Live Your Life" freestyle. "I recorded this when I was in London," Rida described. "We went in the closet [to lay the vocals]. I had my studio on the road. I felt like, you know, I'm definitely living life by being Mr. International. I'm traveling to places like Africa, Sweden, doing 50,000 in Denmark. That's where the inspiration came from. You'll hear some versatility. A lot of times I do the party records, but this time I'm giving you straight 'hood. Like when I first came out with the 'Birthday Cake' record, when I pulled out the 'Everybody Gotta Eat.' People know I'm well-rounded, still doing my thing in the 'hood. But it's a little different now. I got the Maybach, the mansion. I'm blessed. Thanks to my fans." » "Just Know Dat" street mix (featuring Brisco and Lil Wayne). "Just know that I'm here to stay," Flo Rida said. "Brisco put it down very lyrically. That's my twin. Every time he do something, I always wanna do the remix, or vice versa. Shout-out to Weezy. He always lets me know: 'Flo, you got something.' I know I always have to bring my A-game when I jump on the track with him." Don't Sleep: Other Notable Selections This Week » Don Cannon and Derty Den - Heatwave
» DJ Young Cee and Nas - Queensbridge Chronicles
» Dutty Laundry and Project Pat - Back 2 Da Hood
» Evil Empire and Young Jeezy - "The American Dream" DVD
» Trae Tha Truth and Rob G - Both Sides of the Fence (Black N Brown Sounds Vol. 1) 'Hood's Heavy Rotation: Bubbling Below The Radar » Fonzworth Bentley (featuring Anthony Hamilton) - "Greener"
» Jay Rock (featuring the Game, Busta Rhymes and Gorilla Zoe) - "All My Life" remix
» Maino (featuring Busta Rhymes, Red Cafe and Uncle Murda) - "Murdergram 2009"
» Naledge - "I'm in Chicago Bi---" The Streets Is Talking: News & Notes From The Underground Rick Ross says if you judge him on making music, then his Deeper Than Rap LP (due March 24) should make a bigger splash on the SoundScan charts than 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin'. "That's for sport," Ross said about his dis raps aimed at 50. The Miami monster said his underground records won't overshadow the hits on his album. "My freestyles as you could hear them, 'Kiss My Pinky Ring,' I do them in 20 minutes and put them out there. Those crumble empires. People listening to how potent the music is. That's all this really is for me. I'm not really excited yet. All this is a platform for me to show people how talented I am. How much better of a lyricist I am. So if [50] sold 10 [million], my next album should sell 12." All the extra aside, Ross is spitting on all the Deeper Than Rap records that have leaked so far. The album is sounding like it will definitely be one of the premier offerings of 2009. "On Top of the World" came out Friday, and a week before that, he dropped "Cigar Music." " 'Cigar Music,' that song is, after you release a song like 'Mafia Music,' it's like playing chess," he said. "Once you clean the table, once you make your moves, once you're satisfied with your result, once you understand the opponent, at some point you gotta sit back and fire up your cigar. That's what I did that record for. It's the calm after the storm. It's timeless music and a preview to let than fans know how much my music has matured. Shout-out to Bink [who produced the track]. I think it's a record that can be appreciated by people who really love clean music." Deeper Than Rap has guest spots from Nas, Mary J. Blige and Lil Wayne, and last week on "106 & Park," Kanye West revealed he will be featured on "Maybach Music 2." For other artists featured in Mixtape Monday, check out Mixtape Mondays Headlines. Related Videos |
| Ne-Yo Spoke With Rihanna About Altercation, Wants To Talk To Chris Brown
February 23, 2009 at 7:28 am
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| Singer says Rihanna is 'fine,' but the leaked photo 'hurt me to my heart.'
By Shaheem Reid, with reporting by Saimon Kos 
Ne-Yo
Photo: MTV News When Ne-Yo found out about the allegations of violence between Chris Brown and Rihanna, he knew he couldn't get the story from a third party. Concerned for both his friends, the singer wanted to speak to them personally. On Monday afternoon (February 23), a still-stunned Ne-Yo offered his thoughts. "I wanted to talk to them before I made a comment," he said about the much-publicized incident that occurred several hours before the Grammy Awards on February 8. Brown turned himself in to police during the awards show and was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats and released. "I spoke to Rihanna. She says she's fine. She didn't go into detail about what happened. I understand it's a painful situation; I didn't push." Like so many of Rihanna's fans, friends and family members, Ne-Yo said he was grief-stricken after viewing the recently leaked photo of a bruised and apparently battered Rihanna shortly after her altercation with Brown. "I saw the picture," he said solemnly. "That just really — that hurt me to my heart, man. Again, I still don't know what happened, 'cause I haven't had the opportunity to talk to Chris yet. But to take it to that level really hurt my heart. All I can say is, I'm praying for both of them. They're both in my prayers. I haven't had a chance to talk to Chris yet. I just wanna sit down and talk to that dude and just explain if he doesn't understand: 'That's not something that's excusable, bruh. You have to get a little smarter about whatever it is going on in your relationship. You have to get a little smarter about how you handle certain situations.' " Still, Ne-Yo refused to be Brown's judge and jury. "I'm not going to crucify him," Ne-Yo said. "I'm not going to do that. That's still my homeboy at the end of the day. For it to go to that level was wrong. I won't say who was responsible. I won't pick no sides. I'm just saying it was wrong [that] it had to happen like that, and I'm praying for the both of them." Ne-Yo has had very close ties to Brown and Rihanna. In 2006, Brown and Ne-Yo co-headlined a tour that featured Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana. In 2005, Ne-Yo and Rihanna became two of the main pieces of the Def Jam puzzle when then-president Jay-Z had a hand in signing both acts. Ne-Yo penned his duet with Rihanna "I Hate That I Love You." Go here for domestic violence resources, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Blink-182 Timeline: From 'Indefinite Hiatus' To Long-Rumored Reunion
February 23, 2009 at 5:38 am
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| What have the guys been up to the past four years?
By James Montgomery 
Blink-182 at the 2001 MTV European Music Awards
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ ImageDirect Four years ago, Blink-182 shocked the world by announcing they were going on "indefinite hiatus." The news broke in a brief statement from the band's management, one that hinted at internal strife and ended with words that would prove strangely prophetic, given everything that would follow: "While there is no set plan for the band to begin working together again, no one knows what tomorrow may bring." Needless to say, it's been a rather eventful "break," full of squabbles and side projects, grandiose statements and near-death experiences. There were times when things looked bleak, but ultimately (and, to be honest, thankfully), the story ended in reconciliation. So, in celebration of the reunited Blink-182, MTV News decided to take a look back at the past four years by compiling a timeline of our coverage of the band, stories that chronicle Blink's split, spats and survival — not to mention a look ahead at what fans can expect from the band this summer. February 22, 2005: "Blink-182 Announce 'Indefinite Hiatus' As Breakup Rumors Swirl"
The story that started it all. After abruptly canceling an appearance at a Music for Relief benefit concert, Blink fans begin speculating that the band had called it quits (speculation only fueled by a Dave Navarro blog post that said the band "broke up"). A 316-word statement from the band's management only confirms the fears, though it goes to great lengths to say Blink are not splitting up, only taking an "indefinite hiatus." Turns out, they were telling the truth. February 23, 2005: "Travis Barker Sets The Record Straight On Blink-182 Hiatus"
One day after the hiatus is announced, Barker takes to the airwaves, telling Los Angeles radio station KROQ that rumors of in-fighting between Blink were false. April 8, 2005: "Blink-182's Hoppus, Barker Form Electronic Side Project"
In an interview with MTV Radio, Mark Hoppus announces that he and Barker have started +44, which he calls "a project ... which kind of started in Travis' basement." He also advises Blink fans that a reunion may not be in the cards. June 6, 2005: "Blink-182 Reunion Rumor Causes Premature Exhilaration"
Less than four months after they went on hiatus, we get the first Blink reunion rumor. Shockingly, it proves to be false. September 16, 2005: "Blink's Tom DeLonge Promises 'The Greatest Rock And Roll Revolution' "
After nearly seven months of silence, Tom DeLonge announces the formation of his new group, Angels & Airwaves. October 3, 2005: "Tom DeLonge Breaking Silence On Blink With Autobiographical LP, Movie"
In his first interview since the Blink hiatus, DeLonge gets hyperbolic about Angels & Airwaves, saying that "within two years, we'll be the biggest rock act in the world," and talking about the long-in-the-works film that he was making in conjunction with A&A's debut. October 28, 2005: "Tom DeLonge: No More Compromises"
MTV News publishes more of our interview with DeLonge, in which he finally speaks openly about the Blink hiatus. He says he was forced to quit Blink because he wanted to spend more time with his family and admits that since the band split, he hadn't spoken a word to Hoppus or Barker. May 23, 2006: Angels & Airwaves' Debut, We Don't Need To Whisper, Is Released
The album debuts at #4 on the Billboard albums chart, with sales of more than 127,000 copies. July 21, 2006: "Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker Break +44 Silence, Talk 'The Real Tom' "
Hoppus, in his first interview as the frontman of +44, returns fire at DeLonge ... sort of. "I have to say, you're definitely seeing what the real Tom was like, and that's the only comment I'll make about him or his band," he says. August 23, 2006: "+44 Address Blink Breakup On LP, Want Fans To 'Hear The Truth' "
A month later, in another interview, Barker is less reserved when it comes to DeLonge, telling MTV News, "Ever since the whole Blink thing went down, we were left on our own, we were the underdogs." November 14, 2006: +44's Debut, When Your Heart Stops Beating, Is Released
The album debuts at #10, with sales of more than 66,000 copies. May 17, 2007: +44 Work A Cover Of Blink's "What's My Age Again" Into Live Sets
"Travis and I love our history with Blink-182," Hoppus explains. "And it seems a shame to let those songs sit dormant because of what happened two years ago." September 19, 2007: "Angels & Airwaves' Revolution Has Begun — Just Wait 29 Years, Tom DeLonge Insists"
While promoting Angels & Airwaves' second album, I-Empire, DeLonge explains that the musical revolution he intended to start with A&A is, in fact, happening. It just might take awhile before anyone notices. November 6, 2007: I-Empire Is Released
It debuts at #9 on the Billboard albums chart, selling more than 66,500 copies. September 22, 2008: "DJ AM And Travis Barker Critically Injured In Private Plane Crash in South Carolina"
Barker and AM suffer second- and third-degree burns in a plane crash that kills four others, including Barker's assistant, Chris Baker, and security guard, Charles "Che" Still. Hoppus and DeLonge remain silent for weeks following the accident. October 6, 2008: "Tom DeLonge Comments On Travis Barker Plane Crash"
DeLonge breaks his silence about the crash, saying it "blew [his] mind" and adding that no matter what happened between him and Barker in the past, "None of it matters when it comes to somebody getting hurt." November 13, 2008: "Travis Barker Is Healing 'Incredibly Well,' +44 Bandmate Mark Hoppus Says"
Speaking for the first time since the crash, Hoppus tells MTV News that Barker is healing up and itching to get back in the studio. But when it comes to the future of +44, he remains obtuse, saying only that "no matter what I work on, Travis will be part of, for sure." November 19, 2008: "Is A Blink-182 Reunion In The Cards?"
The blog post that kick-started everything. Hoppus takes to his personal site, HiMyNameIsMark.com, to write that, in the wake of Barker's near-death situation, he, Barker and DeLonge had begun spending time together. Millions of Blink fans rejoice. December 1, 2008: "Travis Barker Quashes Blink-182 Reunion Rumors"
Sadly, that merriment is short-lived. Speaking to TMZ.com, Barker shoots down Blink reunion talk, saying only "we're friends ... everyone's getting along pretty good." January 12, 2009: "Exclusive: Mark Hoppus Talks Blink-182 Reunion"
In the first of a two-part interview with MTV News, Hoppus doesn't slam the door on the possibility of a Blink reunion, saying only "the future is wide open." In part two of the interview, he announces that he is working on a solo record and that +44 are finished. February 5, 2009: "Blink-182 To Reunite At Grammys"
Buried in the third paragraph of a press release from the Recording Academy is the news that Blink-182 will appear at the Grammy Awards as presenters. Speculation begins to run rampant that some sort of announcement is also looming. February 6, 2009: "Are Blink-182 Working On A New Album?"
The following day, that speculation only increases when Angels & Airwaves member David Kennedy appears to confirm in an online chat that Blink are working on a new album. February 8, 2009: "Blink-182 Confirm Reunion On Grammy Stage"
The rumors are true! The reunited Blink appear onstage together for the first time in more than four years, with Hoppus shouting, "Blink-182 is back!" February 10, 2009: "Will The Blink-182 Reunion Change The World?"
Overly excited music journalist writes rambling, superfan-esque column in praise of a reunited Blink-182, foreseeing a world in which "the reunited Blink will serve as a beacon of light, cutting through the dark fog of negativity that envelops me and pretty much this entire industry. Or maybe they'll just call their new album Boner Jams. Either way, it's fine." Related Artists |
| N.O.R.E. Charged With Battery In Fatburger Incident
February 23, 2009 at 4:55 am
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| On Twitter, MC -- also known as Noreaga -- disputes police report that flowers were involved.
By Shaheem Reid 
N.O.R.E.
Photo: Ray Tamarra/ Getty Images N.O.R.E. — also known as Noreaga — is accused of punching an unidentified man three times at a Fatburger in South Beach, Florida. He was charged with simple battery and disorderly conduct, a police spokesperson told MTV News, who added that the MC threw a "yellow liquid" and was charged with "disrupting the normal flow of business." The spokesperson also told MTV News that Nore allegedly vandalized one of the restaurant's flower bouquets. Miami Beach police arrived at the scene after calls of the disturbance to find Nore leaving with three of his associates; Nore and company were detained and the entire party was arrested. On Monday, Nore took to his Twitter page to contest the report. "There were no flowers involved," he wrote. "Repeat, no flowers." Fans probably got a kick out of flowers being part of the equation — in 2005, Nore reportedly threw a flower pot at Nas during a dispute between the two. Nore also said his history of violence is far behind him, and he has grown. "Seriously though, I am not a man for negative behavior, at least not now in my career and in my life ... I am way too grown to be getting locked up and in jail! LOL." Nore also told fans that he is not deviating from his much-publicized diet. Late last year, he started detailing his exercise regimen and weight loss on vlogs. But he's still eating healthy: He is below the 300 pounds-plus he was at just last summer. He even joked about the 210 pounds he's listed in police reports. "I didn't realize that most off y'all don't know that Johnnie Rockets, McDonald's and Fatburgers all have veggie burgers! LOL." Nore and his partner Capone are releasing another reunion LP on March 17, this one called Channel 10. The first single features Ron Browz and is called "Rotate." On Monday, the pair released a "NY Gucci" remix that also features Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss and Swizz Beatz. Their MP3 blast says that remixes are coming soon. Related Artists |
| Lawyer For Suspect In Jennifer Hudson Family Murders Quits
February 23, 2009 at 4:55 am
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| William Balfour is charged with killing Hudson's mother, brother and nephew.
By Gil Kaufman 
William Balfour (file)
Photo: Newscom/Illinois Department of Corrections Less than a month after a judge agreed to move William Balfour closer to Chicago so the man charged with murdering Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew could more easily consult with his lawyer, that attorney has quit the case. The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday (February 23) that attorney Joshua Kutnick has withdrawn as Balfour's attorney. Kutnick, who did not return MTV News' calls for comment at press time, told the paper that although he believes Balfour is innocent of the crime, he cannot afford to shoulder the burden of the high-profile case alone. "It's the kind of case that involves intense hours," Kutnick said, reportedly after breaking the news to Balfour's mother. "I was gathering all resources, but I couldn't finance it." Balfour, 27, who was transferred from the Statesville Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, to the Cook County Jail in late January at Kutnick's request, was scheduled to have a new lawyer from the public defender's office appointed to his case Monday. Messages left with the Cook County Clerk of Courts were not returned at press time. Balfour is charged with killing Oscar-winning actress/singer Hudson's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew at their Chicago home in October. He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion. Kutnick had said there is no forensic evidence linking his former client to the killings. Hudson had been in seclusion since the murders, but has recently begun making some public appearances, including singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl earlier this month and performing at the Grammys. The singer has also announced a spring tour with Robin Thicke. Related Artists |
| L.A. Reid Has High Hopes For Jay-Z's Blueprint 3
February 23, 2009 at 3:49 am
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| The Island Def Jam chairman also says he still believes in Jermaine Dupri.
By Shaheem Reid 
L.A. Reid
Photo: MTV News Island Def Jam's chairman is watching to see what Jay-Z does with Blueprint 3 just as (or even more) intently as the average Hov fan. The record exec says it's not unrealistic to think the album will come out on Def Jam instead of through his Live Nation deal. "We still have an arrangement with Jay-Z," Reid said recently in Los Angeles. "He and I are really good friends, and we enjoy working together, and we're hoping we could figure it out. If we can't figure it out, it won't lessen my interest in his record and in his career. My relationship with him goes much deeper than what company it's on. To me, the Blueprint 3 is an important album, however it comes out. If it comes out in a cereal box, it doesn't matter to me. As long as it's one of the great records of our time." Reid says Blueprint 3 is not just important for Jay and the company that releases it. "I wanna know that artists like Jay-Z and business people like Jay-Z can have a 40-year career," L.A. explained. "I wanna see the first hip-hop artist have a 40 year career. I wanna know that hip-hop has the legs, and it wasn't a trend in music. It wasn't something that can come and go, but it will stick around and last. No different from rock music, no different from pop music." When Jay left Def Jam as a business exec last year, Reid said it was done very amicably. The same cannot be said for Jermaine Dupri, who was in charge of the acts coming out of Island Records' Urban Music department, including girlfriend Janet Jackson. When JD left the label in January, it was in a huff, and he publicly accused L.A. of being jealous and hindering his performance. "I'm dealing with a lot of jealousy and have been since I first came in the business," Dupri told Essence.com. "When you're younger, they don't want to listen to you because they know you are keener and people listen to the younger person in the office. In corporate America, this is something that I started feeling a lot. "I saw a side of him that I had never seen before and that to me was a jealous side," Dupri added. "I don't know if I should be around people who are jealous of me. Mariah Carey sold more records in that entire Def Jam building, and all of that was through my singles; so I'm looking like the golden boy. I only started thinking about it after I left." For his part, Reid says he didn't take Dupri's comments to heart. He says in his mind, nothing has changed between the two of them. "Jermaine is a hit maker," Reid said. "Jermaine will always be a hit maker. Maybe this wasn't the best fit for Jermaine. It doesn't lessen my belief in him or affect my friendship with him, no matter what have may been said or written." Related Videos Related Artists |
| Gaslight Anthem: From Basement Gigs To Opening For Springsteen In Two Years
February 23, 2009 at 1:21 am
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| Home-state blue-collar punk band will open for the Boss this summer.
By Melanie Wolfson 
Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon
Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images Imagine going from playing shows in dingy New Jersey basements to opening for Bruce Springsteen in London's massive Hyde Park. Then imagine it all happening in less than two years. That's the case for the Gaslight Anthem, the Garden State's latest progenitors of blue-collar, heart-on-your-sleeve punk. The secret to their success? It's as simple as timing, according to lead singer Brian Fallon. "I think it was just that the right record struck a right chord with people. I really don't know — you can't plan for that sort of thing," Fallon told MTV News last week from a tour stop in Germany. "That's what people were looking for and we just happened to be the ones there to do it. I'd say we're pretty fortunate to be here." Formed in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 2005, Fallon and the Anthem — guitarist Alex Rosamilia, bassist Alex Levine and drummer Benny Horowitz — earned a dedicated following based on the strength of their debut, 2007's Sink or Swim, but surged into the spotlight with last year's The '59 Sound, a sandpaper-rough yet strangely saccharine blast of retro punk that owed as much to Springsteen's sweaty live sets as it did to the buttoned-down, dreamy pop of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The album gained international acclaim (it even placed at #3 on MTV's "Best Albums of 2008" list) and an exponentially growing fan base ... one that includes everything from teen punks to middle-aged parents who welcome the Boss-like tradition the band embraces. "It's totally weird because you don't expect people to be singing your songs when you're touring all over the world, and for people to know your songs just like they do at home," Fallon said. "It's exciting, but you get the whole mixture — you're partly unsure about it, and you're partly happy about it. You're not sure where it's all coming from or if it's going too fast." And to that point, though they were tapped by the Boss himself to serve as the opening act at June's Hard Rock Calling Festival in London, Fallon still doesn't consider the Gaslight Anthem to be anything more than proud carriers of the New Brunswick banner. Emerging from a decades-old scene that has given rise to bands like Thursday, the Bouncing Souls and Lifetime, the band still hold their Jersey ties close. "Geoff [Rickly] and the guys from Thursday have always rooted for us. They always helped us out, even from the beginning. Frankie [Iero] from My Chemical Romance always comes to our shows, and the Bouncing Souls have helped us out a ton, along with a bunch of other dudes," Fallon said. "They're our peers, our friends and the people who we've come from the same scene as, and they've embraced us. It's weird because they're these big bands, but they treat us like we're the kid down the block." But for these new kids on the Jersey block, the whole ride has been a quick one to the top. Currently on tour in Europe and slated to kick off their first U.S. headlining jaunt in a few weeks, they'll spend the summer doing the rounds on the festival circuit. Still, despite the critical praise and the full touring schedule, Fallon isn't buying the hype. To him, music is his job ... and things have been pretty busy at the office of late. "Especially lately, people are always like, 'How do you deal with fame?' And I'm like, 'Listen man, we're not famous. It's not like it's different from anything else. This is my job and I'm just trying to do the best I can,'" he sighed. "I just want to put on a good show and make good records that honestly deserve the $15.99 or whatever it is to buy them. I'm more worried about that than whether we're the biggest band or how fast we got anywhere. To me, it's still the same as it was back then." Related Artists |
| Nicole Richie, Good Charlotte's Joel Madden Expecting Baby #2
February 22, 2009 at 6:32 am
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| Just over a year after daughter Harlow was born, couple announces Nicole Richie is pregnant again.
By MTV News staff 
Harlow Winter Kate Madden and Nicole Richie
Photo: Jason Mitchell/ FilmMagic Barely a year after their daughter, Harlow Winter Kate Madden, was born, Nicole Richie and Good Charlotte's Joel Madden have announced that they're expecting another child. In a post titled "Better Than Winning an OSCAR" on Good Charlotte's Web site, Madden, 29, wrote: "What's better than winning an Oscar? I am so happy to tell everyone that Harlow is going to be a big sister! God has truly blessed my family. Hope you're all feeling as good as I am right now." In the months since Harlow's birth, the couple have spoken extensively about being new parents. Just a few weeks after Harlow was born, Joel told MTV News last year, "Being a father is nothing you can plan for. You've got to take it one day at a time, and there's no manual or anything like that. It's not a conscious change, it just happens to you all of a sudden. We had Harlow, and suddenly our priorities changed. We've both done a lot in our lives, had a lot of fun, but now it's time to be parents, which is a different kind of fun. The priority is our daughter and the kind of family we build around her." Madden also spoke about how he and Richie split the parenting duties. "If anything, I'm the parent who gives the baby whatever she wants," he laughed. "Nicole has her on a schedule. She knows exactly what she needs. I just spoil her. If she's crying, I'll take her out of the crib and give her whatever she wants, so it's a good balance." And though Harlow has been photographed extensively by the media, Madden said that he and Richie are trying to be sure that Harlow will grow up as far removed from the Hollywood scene as possible. "We're very serious about raising her the right way. ... We're both very hands-on about our daughter, because she's the priority," Madden said. "I still am able to go out occasionally. I'm still able to DJ, and [Good Charlotte] will be going on tour, but for the most part, I don't go out with Harlow to places where I think that she could be put in danger. That aspect of Hollywood isn't a part of my life. You have to respect what it is, but you don't have to participate in it." Related Artists | | |  |
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