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| T.I. Sentenced To A Year And A Day In Prison
March 27, 2009 at 12:24 pm
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| MC gets expected sentence on felony weapons charges.
By Jayson Rodriguez 
T.I. at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in Atlanta on Friday
Photo: Ben Rose/ WireImage ATLANTA — A Northern Georgia District judge sentenced T.I. to one year and one day in prison on Friday (March 27) for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards, calling the rapper's plea deal "experimental" but a phenomenal success. Judge Charles Pannell Jr. told the rapper he had more than exceeded the court's expectations, and he hoped his case would inspire similar plea deals. "I'm resistant to the lockup mentality," Judge Pannell told the courtroom. "I hope this sentencing leads to other experiments that will protect the community and show a respect for the law." Tip is scheduled to report to prison voluntarily within the next six to eight weeks. However, the judge acknowledged that the rapper has agreed-upon commitments that will not allow him to enter prison before May 19. Under the plea deal, T.I. (real name: Clifford Harris) must submit to a number of rigorous requirements after his release from prison. The rapper will be subjected to an audit of his finances, drug counseling, DNA testing and random searches of his property, and he will not be able to own firearms. He will also be under home confinement after his release under the same pre-trial conditions, which included a curfew, permission-only travel and a court-appointed supervisor. A number of supporters spoke before the judge on behalf of T.I.'s legal team. Bishop Eddie Long said T.I. "deeply impressed" him, citing the rapper's moving Easter speech delivered to 30,000 of Long's supporters in Atlanta. Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young said he was asked to "help" the rapper by a mutual acquaintance, but that T.I. helped him more than he could ever help the rapper. Young recalled meeting a young Tupac Shakur and how the late rapper agreed to meet the church activist in Atlanta to work together. "Unfortunately, he never made it, due to his death," Young said, hoping the judge would spare T.I. so he could continue to help children in Atlanta. Shortly before 9:30 a.m., the rapper arrived at the 23rd-floor chamber. His manager, Jason Geter, was present beforehand. The sterile building was largely quiet as federal workers, lawyers and citizens slowly filed in. The courtroom was filled with a mix of teens, curious employees from the building, and the rapper's family, including his longtime partner, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle. A hushed tone overtook the room with T.I.'s entrance. Lawyers and latecomers were still entering. T.I., wearing a charcoal-gray suit, black dress shirt and matching tie, was greeted warmly by his legal team. His spirits appeared up as he flashed a smile to different people as he scanned the room. T.I. — who will discuss how he feels about his upcoming jail time on "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on MTV — made a plea deal last March that suggested if he completed 1,000 hours of community service before sentencing, paid a $100,000 fine and agreed to complete another 500 hours of community service after his time behind bars, he would be sentenced to a year and a day in prison. According to court reports, T.I. has completed 1,030 hours of community service, not counting his MTV show. He's also completed 305 days of his required one-year home confinement. After his release, he will be confined for the rest of the term. He was required to pay a $300 fine immediately and make due on his $100,000 fine. The plea deal sentence is notable, according to legal experts, because of the specific length. If T.I. were to be sentenced to one year in prison, for example, he would be required to complete the entire sentence. The sentence of one year and one day could allow T.I. to be released earlier for good behavior, if warranted. T.I. delivered a sober 10-minute speech before his sentencing was officially announced by the judge. In his remarks, he brought up several of his personal contradictions, including his misguided youth and excellent education, his wish to bear arms legally and his inability to do so, and his sorrow at seeing his best friend, Philant Johnson, murdered. He also talked about how the jaded aftermath of Johnson's death led to his troubled behavior. "This has been the most insightful moment in my life," he concluded. "I've taken the great lesson from it and I will use it in my life. With that, I bid you adieu." After the 45-minute hearing, the rapper held an impromptu press conference inside the Richard B. Russell Federal Building. He thanked his supporters, his family and his legal team. He then posed for pictures with fans and young children. MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. [This story was originally published on 03.27.09 at 10:47 a.m. ET] Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| T.I. Upbeat As He Enters Atlanta Courtroom For Sentencing
March 27, 2009 at 10:28 am
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| Tip smiles and waves to people in courtroom.
By Jayson Rodriguez 
T.I. (file)
Photo: Chelsea Lauren/ WireImage ATLANTA — It's a dreary, warm and wet morning in Atlanta as T.I. prepares for his sentencing on felony weapons charges at the Richard B. Russell Federal Courthouse Friday morning (March 27). Shortly before 9:30 a.m., the rapper arrived at the 23rd-floor chamber, where he will appear before Judge Charles Pannell Jr. His manager, Jason Geter, was present beforehand. The sterile building was largely quiet as federal workers, lawyers, and citizens slowly filed in. In the courtroom, there's a mix of teens, curious employees from the building, and the rapper's family, including his longtime partner, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle. A hushed tone overtook the room with T.I.'s entrance. Lawyers were still entering. T.I. was greeted warmly by his legal team. He's wearing a charcoal grey suit, dark dress shirt and matching tie. His spirits appeared up as he flashed a smile to different people as he scans the room. Outside, a number of media outlets awaited word, just like T.I., on whether the rapper's plea deal will be honored or not. On Friday, T.I. will appear in an Atlanta court to be sentenced for felony weapons charges. The rapper, who was arrested in 2007 after trying to illegally purchase firearms, had previously worked out a plea deal that significantly cut down his jail time. T.I. — who will discuss how he feels about his upcoming jail time on "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on MTV — made a plea deal last March that suggested if he completed 1,000 hours of community service before sentencing, paid a $100,000 fine and agreed to complete another 500 hours of community service after his time behind bars, he would be sentenced to a year and a day in prison. The sentence is notable, according to legal experts, because of the specific length. If T.I. were to be sentenced to one year in prison, for example, he would be required to complete the entire sentence. The sentence of one year and one day could allow T.I. to be released earlier for good behavior, if warranted. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Artists |
| Britney Spears Issues Statement About Alleged Roadie/Cop Fight
March 27, 2009 at 10:10 am
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| Singer says she does not condone the contracted workers' violent behavior.
By Gil Kaufman 
Britney Spears
Photo: Soul Brother/ FilmMagic A day after two men affiliated with her Circus tour were arrested for allegedly getting into a fight with some Pittsburgh police officers, Britney Spears issued a statement on the incident. "Last night two employees of a company contracted to provide equipment for 'The Circus Starring Britney Spears' tour were arrested in Pittsburgh, PA," read the statement posted on Spears' site on Thursday. "However, neither of the men involved are employees of the tour or Ms. Spears. The two individuals have since been dismissed by their employer. 'The Circus Starring Britney Spears' tour does not support or tolerate this type of behavior." According to Pittsburgh's WPXI, on Wednesday night, police saw a man named Rockey Dickey punching another man in the face and when they moved in to break up the fight, Dickey allegedly turned and took a swing at one of the officers. When police tried to handcuff Dickey, he reportedly did not cooperate and wound up getting Tasered because he was kicking his legs and flailing his arms as they tried to subdue him. Meanwhile, another hired hand on the tour, Alex Montes, allegedly attempted to step in and help Dickey by putting one of the officers in a headlock. Montes reportedly tried to leave the scene but was arrested a short time later. Pittsburgh's WPXI reports that both have been charged with criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, with Dickey scoring an extra pair of charges for simple assault and resisting arrest. The men posted $100,000 bond each on Thursday and were released from Allegheny County Jail. Montes' mother told the station that this is her son's first tour with Spears and that he does not usually get into trouble. Spears is slated to play Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh Friday night; a spokesperson for the singer could not be reached for comment at press time. Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Shows Michael Sarver The Door
March 27, 2009 at 9:12 am
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| Matt Giraud, Scott MacIntyre round out the bottom three.
By Gil Kaufman 
Matt Giraud, Michael Sarver and Ryan Seacrest on "American Idol" on Thursday
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images/ Fox The "American Idol" judges are being awfully stingy with their one-time save. Another night, another "sorry, see ya," as the competition got pared down to nine finalists Thursday night after a record vote resulted in Michael Sarver clocking out of the competition. The lovable Jasper, Texas, native was done in by Motown week and, more likely, judge Simon Cowell's comment the night before that the oil-field worker with the surprisingly sweet voice simply couldn't win the singing contest. But before Sarver sang his way home, he was joined in the bottom three by a pair of newcomers, previous fan favorites Matt Giraud and Scott MacIntyre. As usual, the show kicked off with a group sing-along, this time to a Diana Ross medley of "You Keep Me Hangin' On," "You're All I Need to Get By" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." And now that the cat is out of the bag, it was very obvious the contestants were lip-synching to a pre-recorded track. Before the bad news came down, season-two winner Ruben Studdard was back at center stage, singing his new Stargate-produced single, the silky smooth "Together." The show also featured mentor Smokey Robinson singing "You're the One for Me" with Joss Stone, who brought her signature hippie soul vibe to the slow-grind duet, and there was an unannounced special-guest medley from Motown legend Stevie Wonder, who soared through "My Cherie Amour," "Superstition," "Overjoyed" and "All About the Love Again." When the results finally started coming in, Adam Lambert easily scooted through thanks to his stunning performance of "Tracks of My Tears," but the news was not so hot for Giraud, who made his first trip to the bottom three despite relatively good marks for his take on Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." Kris Allen, who was told on Wednesday night that he needed to gain some confidence, again assumed he was on his way to the bottom when told to stand up, but he was wrong. Despite a surprisingly less-than-stellar performance, Lil Rounds skated through, while Sarver made the long walk to the bottom three again. Teen sensation Allison Iraheta avoided the bottom two weeks in a row, while Anoop Desai advanced despite the male judges saying he was a bit boring. And even after his first truly off night, Danny Gokey also passed to safety. That left MacIntyre and Megan Joy awaiting judgment after both got poor marks, and, for the first time, Mac had to be escorted to the all-male bottom three. That was the one true shocker, considering Simon had told Megan Joy that she might have punched her ticket to oblivion with a disappointing version of Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life." It wasn't a long trip for MacIntyre, who was back in the safety zone just moments after getting a taste of the bottom. Asked if Giraud or Sarver might be subject to the judges' save, Simon said they were there because the public didn't like their performances, but that whoever got the nod might be able to save themselves with a good second performance. After more than 36 million votes — what host Ryan Seacrest said was the highest vote total for a top 10 in the show's history — Giraud took a seat and Sarver was left singing for his life. He growled and skittered through, fittingly, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," only to face a panel of judges who had not yet made up their minds. After an agonizing, frenzied additional round of deliberation, Simon announced simply, "Michael, you're going home, sorry." Sarver, 27, smiled broadly watching his montage, shedding no tears while scoring the season's first group hug as he told his family he was coming home. "Idol" is back to its usual Tuesday/ Wednesday schedule next week, with last season's winner, David Cook, scheduled to drop in for the elimination show to perform his new single, "Come Back to Me," as well as a visit from dance diva Lady Gaga, who will sing her hit "Poker Face." Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| T.I.'s 'Road To Redemption' Co-Stars Support Him At His Sentencing
March 27, 2009 at 8:47 am
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| 'I know when he gets out he's gonna keep turning around his life,' one kid says.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway 
T.I.'s 'Road To Redemption' Co-Stars and Sway
Photo: MTV News Atlanta — Throughout T.I.'s court hearing on Friday morning, a number of supporters reiterated that the rapper's work with at-risk youth was reason to show him mercy in his sentencing. T.I.'s lawyer specifically cited his client's 262 public appearances the past 12 months at various schools, youth groups and churches. Perhaps no group could better explain the benefits of T.I.'s mentorship than the group of kids he helped on the eight episodes of his show "T.I.'s Road to Redemption." "It was surprising when he showed up," Donald, who appeared in episode seven, told MTV News about meeting Tip. "It's like, 'T.I.'s in my house right now.' But on the other side of my mind, I'm thinking, 'He's here for a cause, and I did this, so that's why he's here.' And we had to get to work." Donald and a few other participants were present at the courthouse when T.I.'s sentence became official. The group left with the rapper afterward to share breakfast with him, and later in the evening they're scheduled to attend the Atlanta Hawks basketball game versus the Boston Celtics. Tip is also set to deliver a gift to each of the kids for staying on their straight paths. "I feel better now [as a person], 'cause a year ago I wasn't even going to school," episode eight's Cynthia said. "I didn't go all last year — I was getting locked up. But now I'm just focused. I'm staying in school, even though it's boring. But I have to do it, because I want to be something in life." Trey, who appeared in the show's second episode, reflected on his family. His father was recently released from prison and he said together they're helping each other stay on the right path. He also explained how his behavior lead to his younger cousins following his negative actions — but now he said it's his responsibility to reverse the course. "After the show, [people] told me to keep going," Trey said. "At the rate I am [going], I'll be up there, successful [soon]." The kids didn't seem too fazed by Tip's sentence. They all acknowledged that the weight of his works struck a chord with them because his troubled experiences mirrored theirs. "He's a really cool person and I'm happy he got a good deal [after] what he did," Anthony, who was featured in episode three, said. "I don't think he should go to jail [at all], because he did his thing. But with a lot of guns ... there has to be a consequence. But I know when he gets out he's gonna keep turning around his life like he's been doing." Anthony's probation officer wrote a letter that T.I.'s lawyer read in court. The letter expressed gratitude toward the rapper for engaging with the at-risk youth and addressed the change she's seen in him. "What I had back then, I don't got today," Anthony said about his current prospects, which now include working alongside a chef. "And what I do today, I never did back then and wouldn't have thought to, 'cause I was too busy. But I feel a whole lot different. I feel purified. I feel clean and I'm not into my dirty ways anymore." MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Artists |
| DJ T-Roc Makes His Name By 'Showing Love' To Atlanta Artists
March 27, 2009 at 7:50 am
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| Spinner at T.I.'s Club Crucial likes seeing new songs 'blow from the ground up.'
By Shaheem Reid 
DJ T-Roc
Photo: MTV News ATLANTA — The coveted DJ T-Roc co-sign — oh, how they crave it. For 15 years, Tyrone "T-Roc" Young has been one of the spinners in the Dirty South known for breaking records. He had a wicked hot streak during his 12-year stint as the house DJ at former ATL hot spot the Poole Palace. The Shop Boyz's "Party Like a Rockstar," DJ Unk's "Walk It Out," Dem Franchise Boyz's "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It" and "I Think They Like Me," D4L's "Laffy Taffy" — T-Roc was the first to give those songs a real shot. "I appreciate it, first and foremost," Roc said of accolades from artists such as Shawty Lo. "We're all putting in hard work. I like to see artists grow. I like to see it blow from the ground up. I got an ear for music, and I know what the crowd likes. Everybody that's showing love, I just appreciate it, man." For the past few years, Roc has been spinning at T.I.'s Club Crucial, where a guy named Soulja Boy Tell'em got some of his first burn. "Soulja Boy ['Crank That'], we went hard on that one," he said. "With the MySpace push he had, it was a no-brainer. ... If you listen to his records, you can tell his influence. He mentions Poole Palace a lot." Shawty Lo's "Dey Know" and Yung L.A.'s "Ain't I" are a couple of other songs Roc had a hand in breaking. Roc was recently showered with birthday love for a whole week. He had seven days of festivities, starting March 8, to celebrate his born day at a myriad of clubs throughout Atlanta, including the Libra and Club Crucial, and many of the artists he helped put on the map — such as Rocco and V.I.C. — came out to celebrate with him. "The first birthday bash was off the chain," he said about his first big party a couple of years ago. "It's off the chain in the A. They had so many people showing me love, they shut it down at 11. So I had to do it for a week this year." When the Poole Palace lost its buzz, Roc moved on to T.I.'s Club Crucial and has set up shop there for close to a year now. Some of the new records he said are bound to blow up are the Kid Yayo's "Everything for the Money" and Sneed's "Love It When They Hate." When asked who he thinks is going to be the next big DJ from his town, Roc said DJ Infamous. "Shouts out to Infamous," Roc said. "He's doing his thing. Infamous has been doing his thing, he's been on the grind. Everywhere he goes, he's representing with cats all over the city. He has a good head on his shoulders. Every time he hears something good out of Crucial, he says, 'Bring it to me,' he puts it on the air." Roc has his own set of spinners setting up shop Down South: the Roc Harder DJs. He also has Roc Harder magazine, which covers independent artists as well as major acts. "The next issue will be out in April," he said. "8Ball & MJG are on the cover. The publishing game is real nice. I break records through magazines too." Related Videos Related Artists |
| Outkast's Big Boi Shares His Favorite Atlanta Hot Spots
March 27, 2009 at 7:50 am
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| Rapper credits 'Southern hospitality' for putting ATL on the map.
By James Montgomery 
Outkast's Big Boi
Photo: MTV News Big Boi knows the ins and outs of the ATL. Having moved there as a child, he attended Tri-Cities High School, where he discovered hip-hop, met a fellow student named André Benjamin and formed Outkast, who would go on to become the biggest hip-hop act in the city — and the world, for that matter. So this is his city. Which is why, with Atlanta Week wrapping up, we figured there would be no one better to give us a tour of ATL's hot spots than the man himself. When we caught up with Big Boi, we just had to ask him about some of Atlanta's best spots — and why, after all these years, the city has become the hip-hop mecca of the South. "Man, Atlanta's been a hot spot since we came out. We got a lot of people moving to Atlanta because of Outkast, that's what they tell us," he laughed. "It's the people, man. The Southern hospitality, the way we treat people down in the South. The cost of living is below an L.A. or a New York, so you can come get yourself something real nice in the A for the low-low." When he's back at home, where does he like to go? Well, there are just too many spots to mention — though there are three areas in which ATL excels: restaurants, shopping ... and strip clubs. "[We] do a little bit of everything," Big said. "R. Thomas is this nice little joint on Peachtree — 24-hour health-food joint, organic," he explained. "We also got Walter's, where you can go get fresh in there, get all your fresh Dickies, all the fly sneakers straight off the rack, before they even come out. A lot of nice clubs, pubs and strip joints, you know?" We know. Check out our previous Atlanta Week stories, featuring T.I., Young Jeezy, Shawty Lo, Gucci Mane, B.o.B and more. Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'Pull Up Your Pants Day' Gets Positive Response At Florida School
March 27, 2009 at 7:06 am
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| Plantation High principal inspired by MTV interview with Barack Obama.
By Gil Kaufman 
Photo: CBS News For one day, at least, nobody at Plantation High School in South Florida was sagging. Inspired by a November MTV News interview with then-candidate Barack Obama, in which he counseled, "brothers should pull up their pants," when asked about ordinances banning saggy pants, the school celebrated "Pull Up Your Pants Day" on Thursday, and by all accounts it was a big success. "We just finished a faculty meeting and a teacher came up to us and said, 'Ms. Carter, the atmosphere was so positive, the kids were on their best behavior, there were no incidents, no one got out of line with all this media being here,' " ninth-grade reading teacher Diana Carter, one of the teachers behind the sag-free event, told MTV News on Friday morning (March 27). A local Wal-Mart supplied 200 free belts to distribute to students whose pants didn't meet the school's dress code, which mandates that underwear should not be showing. Carter said 85 were handed out on Thursday. "That's why they call it underwear!" she said. Dr. Brougher Bass, an assistant principal at the school, said he thought the event went exceedingly well, and while a few of the boys took a tongue-in-cheek attitude to the day, some of the young women at the school turned in their friends and suggested candidates for the free belts. The day also featured mentors from the community in the hallways who pulled aside students in need of a hitch, and who also spoke at a forum later in the day to continue the conversation about why appearance matters. "It's not any more rampant in our school than any other," said Dr. Bass of the saggy look. "And it's not a white or a black issue, either. It's a generational issue." In addition to screening the footage of the MTV interview, Carter said that leading up to the event students in her classroom read a July 2008 column by Judge Greg Mathis, "The Sad Truth About Saggin' Pants," in which the TV adjudicator explained that the trend was inspired by the jailhouse practice of taking prisoner's belts away to avoid them being used as weapons or in suicide attempts. "He laid it on the line," Carter said of Mathis. "If your pants are saggin' and you want to adopt a jailhouse mentality, that will show in your attitude toward everything. We're not trying to take their individuality away, but there's a time and a place for everything. If you want your pants saggin' when you're kicking it at the beach with your friends, that's fine, but this is a place of business." Another one of the ninth-grade reading teachers behind the event, Dona Mckenzie, said students told her they look forward to another anti-sag day and that some have suggested it be repeated every Friday at the school. There's also a plan in the works to possibly give students extra credit if they maintain an appropriate sag-free look. "If president-elect Obama felt that strongly about it, we should get that across to young men ... that you have to be aware of how you are dressing and how people perceive you," she said. "First impressions are important, and we want the kids to remember what Ms. Carter said the other day: We're dressing them for success in their future endeavors. They need to know that they can't apply for a job with their underwear on display." |
| Big Boi, Bun B Wish T.I. The Best After Sentencing
March 27, 2009 at 6:31 am
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| 'The void left by his absence will be unfillable,' UGK rapper says of Tip's year and a day behind bars.
By Jocelyn Vena 
Big Boi
Photo: Scott Gries/ Getty Images The hip-hop community is rallying around T.I. after he was sentenced to a year and a day in prison on Friday (March 27) in Atlanta for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards. Friends like Bun B and Big Boi are wishing T.I. all the best as he embarks on his time behind bars. "From I'm Serious to Paper Trail, T.I. (and T.I.P. for that matter) has shown incredible growth as an artist, businessman and a friend," Bun B said in a statement to MTV News. "The young wild brother with the leather Bankhead pullover that was 'dope boy fresh' has become the Purple Label- and Louis Vuitton-draped movie and recording star he worked so hard to become." Bun B also addressed that while T.I. is in jail, "The void left by his absence will be unfillable, not only to his family but his followers and friends, so we must pray for his safe return. As a friend, I hate to see this for you, but I know you to be a man that accepts his responsibilities and an all-around stand-up guy," he said, adding, "May God bless you and your bloodline and watch over you behind the walls." Meanwhile, Big Boi kept his well-wishes short and sweet, telling MTV News in a statement, "Keep your head up, T.I. All of us from Atlanta are behind you 100 percent. ATL is riding strong for you, as you've come a long way, and this is only another step in your life that will only make you stronger." After he appeared in court Friday, T.I. addressed his sentence during a press conference. "Although I am not thrilled about my next year and a day, I am pleased that I am beginning the process of putting this all behind me," he said. "Thank you, and I apologize to my family, to the young men, young women that I mentor. I hope that I can keep at least one, if not a million or more, from going down a similar path. I just want to say thank you." MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Metallica -- Jason Newsted Included -- Planning Drama-Free Rock Hall Induction
March 27, 2009 at 3:49 am
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| Frontman James Hetfield says there's no reason to exclude former bassist.
By James Montgomery 
Metallica's James Hetfield
Photo: MTV News In a little more than a week, Metallica will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and, as is always the case with these types of things, speculation has already begun about just what fans can expect when the Four Horsemen of Metal take the stage on April 4 in Cleveland. Will there be onstage dramatics — the kind we witnessed in 2006, when Blondie were inducted into the Hall and feuded with former members Frank Infante and Nigel Harrison — if former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted decides to crash the ceremony? Will the band refuse to perform, like the famously splintered Van Halen did when they were inducted in 2007? Well, no. When MTV News sat down with Metallica frontman James Hetfield in Austin, Texas — hours before a thunderous secret show at South by Southwest — he told us that the entire goal of his band's induction was to avoid drama at all costs ... and celebrate everyone who has made Metallica the band they are today. "It's one of those things where they're like, 'Oh, Metallica, it's all about you,' and it's like, 'Thank you,' but we want to highlight and celebrate everyone's who's helped with that. It's a big family reunion," he said. "There's not many bands that have shown up there that are still a band, still making records, and have people coming to the shows. We're kinda drama-free, hopefully, and the more people you invite, the bigger, cooler party it is." His sentiments were echoed by guitarist Kirk Hammett, who told radio news services that not only would Newsted — who split with Metallica in 2001 and was replaced by current bassist Robert Trujillo — be welcomed by his former bandmates, he'd also be performing with them at the Rock Hall induction ceremony. It's huge news for Metallica fans, and Hetfield said he wouldn't have it any other way. After all, he's seen how ugly it can get at the Rock Hall firsthand — and it's not his style. "We were there [to induct] Black Sabbath when Blondie's thing kind of went down, and it was like, you know, so be it, that's them. We don't have to do that," Hetfield smiled. "Let's celebrate. It's like, how many times does this happen? And you're gonna get up there and screw it up like that? No, no, no. We're not doing it like that. It's gonna be a celebration; it's not gonna be about excluding, you know?" Related Artists |
| Atlanta's DJ Drama Brings 'A Different Flavor' On Gangsta Grillz II
March 27, 2009 at 3:25 am
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| Spinner nabs Ludacris, Nas, T.I., Scarface and more hip-hop heavyweights for his second LP.
By Shaheem Reid 
DJ Drama
Photo: MTV News ATLANTA — No stress from anybody trying to sue over his name. No cops shutting down his studio. DJ Drama said making his new album, Gangsta Grillz: The Album II, was way more peaceful than the first time around. "This one got put together a lot more faster," Dram said, sitting in his brand-new home. "We didn't have to worry about anybody knocking the door down. That was a plus. But we learned a lot from the first album, and we banged it out song-wise. It ain't rocket science. It's quality music. What I'm known for." ATL's biggest DJ said for part two in his album series, he kept around team members like T.I. and his artists La Da Darkman and Willie the Kid but focused on wrangling some new MCs. "That was one of the most exciting things for me, was working with the people I didn't get a chance to work with on the last album," the Philly native said. "Ludacris is on this album. He's home team, he's Atlanta, so it's only right for him to be on the Gangsta Grillz album — if not the first one, then the second one. Scarface is on this album. He's somebody I really wanted on the first album. Nas is on this album. To work with him in itself is special. Busta [Rhymes] is on this album. As big as the original version of 'Cannon' was, it didn't make my first album. I got The-Dream, Fabolous, Gucci Mane is on, like, three times doing what he does. He wasn't on the last album, so I told him to go into overdrive for this album. "One of the things about this album was to bring a different flavor. Show my fanbase something different," Dram added. Gangsta Grillz II's first single is "Day Dreaming," featuring Akon, Tip and Snoop Dogg. We'll get a couple of more songs before the LP drops May 19. "I got two records I'm pushing out," Drama explained. "I got this Dream record with La and Too Short on it that's gonna smash the club and the radio. Dream is on fire right now. I had to go get the O.G. Too Short for this. La is doing his thing in the streets, so that's gonna smash. "Then I got this one that's ridiculous with Gucci, OJ Da Juiceman and Lonnie Mack that's produced by Zaytoven," he continued. "That's gonna tear the streets up. So I'm gonna do a double drop and hit 'em in the head two times." Drumma Boy, DJ Khalil, Lil' C and Tricky Stewart are among the producers. Drama is hitting the road to promote his LP and told us he loves that his release date is packed with so many other LPs, such as Fat Joe's Jealous Ones Still Envy 2, Busta Rhymes' Back on My B.S. and Eminem's Relapse. "Hey, they'll be in the stores, let's do it," he said. "Me and Bus was talking about that the other day. Eminem is the homie. I work for him over at Shade 45 [Radio]. Him and [Em's manager] Paul [Rosenberg] have always shown me a lot of love. I'm glad he's back in the game. I'm used to coming out on legendary days. Last time I came out with Scarface and Ghostface. I'm excited." As always, expect Drama to continue with his Gangsta Grillz mixtapes as well. The next one is top-secret for now, but he did say that it is with an artist the fans have been asking him to make a tape with. Related Videos Related Artists |
| John Mayer Can't Watch Justin Timberlake Imitate Him
March 27, 2009 at 2:54 am
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| 'I have a weird thing. I can't watch other people do my music,' singer/songwriter says.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias 
John Mayer
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images Over the years, the unusual facial contortions John Mayer makes while performing have become almost as talked-about as his sugary love ballads or his on-again, off-again relationships with famous Hollywood actresses — even other successful singers have taken note. Justin Timberlake was the first guest on the brand-new "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" show, and a few minutes into the interview, the conversation turned to Mayer and his "guitar face." Before launching into his impression, Timberlake said, "John Mayer is like if Macy Gray and Smokey Robinson ... actually, Macy Gray and Smokey the Bear had a love child." Timberlake's impression of Mayer singing his hit "Daughters" got the crowd — and Fallon — laughing before he also added, "He has the most amazing solo face. Literally his tongue takes over." Although the joke had everyone around the water cooler talking the next day, Mayer has yet to see Timberlake's take on, well, him. "I didn't see it," he told MTV News at the One Splendid Evening event, a benefit for , in California. "I have a weird thing. I can't watch other people do my music." But, it doesn't mean he's offended by everyone laughing at him. It really doesn't bother him at all. "I mean, I know the guy," he said. "I'm sure it was [funny]. I didn't feel any[thing]." |
| T.I.: 'I Hope That Others Can Learn From My Mistakes'
March 27, 2009 at 2:46 am
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| MC answered questions after his sentencing on weapons charges Friday.
By Jocelyn Vena 
T.I. at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in Atlanta on Friday
Photo: Moses Robinson/ WireImage After T.I. gave a statement regarding his sentencing at a press conference on Friday (March 27), the rapper, who was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards, took questions from reporters. "I know for a fact that I've changed at least five lives because these are the five people I keep contacting, and it's an honor for me to do so," he told the crowd moments after being sentenced when asked who he has changed. "I've never looked at myself as a leader of a generation. This experience has taught me I have the ability to influence." Now that the rapper faces jail time, MTV News wanted to know how the ordeal has changed him. "I hope that others can learn from my mistakes," he said. "In many ways, I think I'm a more patient person. I think I have a calmer spirit. I think I allow myself to use my mind more than my hands." When asked why he acted the way he did before his arrest, he said, "I think my judgment was altered due to a tragic situation. [In the courtroom, T.I. told the judge that the 2006 shooting death of his friend Philant Johnson played a role in his decision to purchase unregistered guns.] In that process, I had lost sight. I guess I resolved to taking matters into my own hands, foolishly." T.I. who seemed in generally good spirits during the press conference, said he will take things "one day at a time" now that he's been sentenced, and will be thinking about "my family, my children, my freedom ... you have to be willing to accept responsibility." MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Castoff Michael Sarver Ready To Head Home
March 27, 2009 at 2:26 am
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| 'I couldn't be more excited to find myself on that plane heading that direction,' father of two says.
By Katie Byrne 
Michael Sarver
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images It's hard to say a bad word about "American Idol" wannabe Michael Sarver. Even Simon Cowell cushioned his critiques of the 27-year-old father's singing with comments about what a great guy he is. But America's good will toward the oil-rig roughneck ended with his performance of the Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" during Motown week, and he was sent packing the next night. We talked with the singer from Jasper, Texas, on Friday (March 27) about the judges' influence over America, whether he was relieved to be going home and much more. Q: The judges deliberated for quite awhile after you sang during the results show. Did you think they were going to use their "save" on you? A: I actually didn't think they would save me. I really appreciate the fact that they considered it based on my performance the second night and how they complimented that. It meant a lot to me to, in a sense, redeem myself from suffering through a hard night. And they did consider it, but I felt like it wasn't gonna happen, mostly based on Simon's previous comments the night before about not really feeling like I could win the show. Q: Were you insulted that Simon said that? A: It didn't necessarily tick me off, nor did it insult me, but it kind of made me giggle, because he knows better than that. We didn't get there by mistake. We're all very talented. I believe in my talent, and I believe in myself and what I have to offer the music world. And I definitely would not have been surprised if I had gone back to the mansion with the guys that night and been on next week. It's any given week, and I'm very proud of what I brought to that table. Q: How much influence do you think the judges have over the voters? A: I believe that what the judges say has a huge impact on America. America listens to what they have to say. Number one, they're in those four seats for a reason, and that's because they know what they're talking about. And America knows that. I'm not saying that they always get it right. And I have to be honest with you: I don't really think they got it right all the time. There were a few good points, but I don't think they got it altogether right on me the other night. But the bottom line is, they are smart. They know their stuff. They're very talented in their own right, and America listens and pays attention. And that's why "American Idol" is as successful as it has been. Q: Does it ever bother the contestants when the judges goof off during the show? A: Personally, I enjoy that. People need to understand that this is supposed to be a fun thing. It's supposed to be enjoyable. It's supposed to be the time of our lives. And they help make it that way by goofing around, like Simon coloring on Paula's face — that was absolutely hilarious. It does make it complicated sometimes when you may feel like they're not really listening to you, but overall, the fun that they're having on the show makes everybody smile, and that's what entertainment is all about. Q: You seemed almost happy after your elimination. Was part of you relieved to be going home? A: There was a smile because of the idea that, "I'm going home." I'm not relieved, because there's nothing to relieve me from. I was there on my own accord, and I enjoyed the heck out of it. But once I found out I was going home, the best part of it is that I have an incredible family to go home to. I couldn't be more excited to find myself on that plane heading that direction. Q: Kara made a comment on Wednesday that she didn't know what kind of artist you were. Do you think you showed America what kind of artist you'll be? A: I really do actually feel like I showed that, number one, I'm not as country as people thought, and number two, that there's a lot of soul in me. And I'm a soul singer. It doesn't matter if you mix soul with rock, pop or R&B — there's soul. I believe I established that, and I believe that I established that I'm the type of artist that will not only work my tail off to do what I do, but that I never give less than 110 percent when I'm performing, and I believe I showed that. Q: What kind of music do you see yourself making? A: It's definitely going to be an R&B, pop, soul album. There's such a mixture of influence in my life, but I really like the R&B/pop style of Justin Timberlake, and it has a lot to do with the way that I write, all the way across the aisle to Gavin DeGraw and bringing some of that soulful rock. Q: Is songwriting something you did before the show? A: There is something that America does not know so much about me, but they're gonna find out. I am a serious writer, and I've written over 890 songs since the age of 14. There's a lot of stories, a lot of hard-lived life, good-lived life, and my happiness that I experience in my life now all through my music, and I'm gonna share it. Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| T.I. Talks About Sentence: 'I Have Begun To Close This Chapter Of My Life'
March 27, 2009 at 2:03 am
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| MC was sentenced to a year and a day in prison on weapons charges Friday.
By Jocelyn Vena 
T.I. at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in Atlanta on Friday
Photo: Moses Robinson/ WireImage Just moments after a Northern Georgia District judge sentenced T.I. to one year and one day in prison on Friday (March 27) for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards, the rapper talked about his sentence at a press conference. "It brings me great pleasure and honor to say to you today that I have begun to close this chapter in my life with, of course, the help and blessings of the U.S. attorneys and the courts of the U.S. government." He continued to the crowd of assembled media, "I would like to thank all who have helped me throughout my journeys, along my journey, including my attorneys, all of the foundations and all of the organizations who have helped me align myself with people who see to it that I seek out my wishes and intentions to the best of my ability." Although T.I. maintained a positive message throughout the press conference and seemed genuinely satisfied with the outcome, he did address the fact that he will be in jail for the next year and a day. "Although I am not thrilled about my next year and a day, I am pleased that I am beginning the process of putting this all behind me. Thank you and I apologize to my family, to the young men, young women that I mentor. I hope that I can keep at least one, if not a million or more, from going down a similar path. I just want to say thank you." MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Jordin Sparks Addresses Rumors Of Chris Brown Collaboration
March 27, 2009 at 2:03 am
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| 'I'm not sure if I'm going to get to it yet,' 'No Air' singer says of Brown-penned track.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias 
Jordin Sparks
Photo: MTV News LOS ANGELES — Back in 2008, Jordin Sparks hooked up with Chris Brown for her VMA- and Grammy-nominated hit "No Air." Since then, a lot has changed for Brown in light of the incidents that took place last February, when he allegedly assaulted on-again, off-again girlfriend Rihanna. When MTV News caught up with Sparks at John Mayer's "One Splendid Evening" benefit concert for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation on Thursday night, she addressed rumors that she'd once again be working with Brown for her forthcoming album. "It wasn't planned [as a duet]," she said of a certain song. "I had gotten a song he had been a part of." She was quick to point out that the Brown-penned track may not even appear on her album. "He had written [the song], and I'm not sure if I'm going to get to it yet," she explained. "I haven't recorded it yet, so we'll see." Back in 2008, "No Air" video director Chris Robinson told MTV News how great the two singers worked together and how impressed he was by their work ethic at such a young age. "When I was 18 or 19, I most definitely did not have it together like these two! When you see Jordin and Chris you see two artists that will hopefully continue to push the envelope artistically," Robinson gushed about the twosome. "We all ended up putting a piece of ourselves into this project." Related Artists |
| 50 Cent, Britney Spears Have Twitter Ghostwriters
March 27, 2009 at 2:03 am
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| But Shaquille O'Neal says, 'If I am going to speak, it will come from me.'
By Gil Kaufman 
50 Cent
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images The whole point of Twitter is that you get to constantly update everyone on your list about what you're doing in just a sentence or so. Plenty of artists have jumped on the bandwagon, from Mark Hoppus to to, unfortunately, TMI repeat offender John Mayer. But according to The New York Times, what you see isn't always what it appears to be when you sign up for an artist's Twitter feed. For instance, say you're one of the 200,000 people signed up for 50 Cent's feed, and you saw his eloquent March 1 post in which he opined, "My ambition leads me through a tunnel that never ends." Deep, right? But prompted the savvy businessman and beef-addicted rapper to write such a line? Apparently you'd have to ask "Broadway" (a.k.a. Chris Romero), the director of 50's Web empire, who tweeted the thoughtful comment after reading it in an interview. "He doesn't actually use Twitter," Romero told the paper about his boss. "But the energy of it is all him." The energy, huh? Apparently 50's not the only one with a ghost Twitterer. The paper reported that Britney Spears recently ran an ad looking for someone to tweet for her and update her Facebook page. Prodigious blogger Kanye West told New York magazine that he recently hired two people to help him keep up with his frequent posts. One of Spears' former consultants, Joseph Nejman, who helped her ramp up her Web strategy, told the Times that he thought critics of the ghost posts were being hypocrites. "It's OK to tweet for a brand," he said, noting that many companies have Twitter accounts, "but not OK for a celebrity. But the truth is, they are a brand. What they are to the public is not always what they are behind the curtain. If the manager knows that better than the star, then they should do it." In fact, over the past few months, Spears, whose account was hacked recently, has been very open about the ghostwriting, according to the Times. Whereas it used to appear that Spears wrote every post, lately the updates have been signed by "Adam Leber, manager" and "Lauren" (a.k.a. Lauren Kozak, social-media director of britneyspears.com). Among the other bold-faced names mentioned in the article who have surrogate Twitterers are Web-savvy 2008 presidential candidate Ron Paul and President Barack Obama, who both reportedly have staff members assigned to tweet on their behalf. But some, like baller Shaquille O'Neal — who has a following of 430,000 — refuse to subcontract out their thoughts. "If I am going to speak, it will come from me," O'Neal said. "It's 140 characters. It's so few characters. If you need a ghostwriter for that, I feel sorry for you." Related Artists |
| Jermaine Dupri Picks The 10 Albums That Define Atlanta
March 27, 2009 at 1:25 am
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| His favorite LPs are from Lil Jon, Outkast ... and Jermaine Dupri.
By Shaheem Reid 
Jermaine Dupri
Photo: Mark Mainz/ Getty Images Atlanta Week without Jermaine Dupri just couldn't happen. That's like having the NCAA Tournament without the North Carolina Tar Heels. JD has practically become a human institution. Just think about it: He was multiplatinum in 1992 and almost 20 years later, his M.O. hasn't changed. He's still working on albums that exceed 1 million in record sales. For most of the past two decades, when JD hasn't had one of his productions on the radio killing the airwaves with spins, it's because he was in the studio working on at least five different hits, with Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Da Brat, the Notorious B.I.G., Bow Wow, even Chingy. Dupri has always been able to make smashes with people from all regions and still rep his city big time with local talent like Jagged Edge, Usher and Xscape. JD has seen it all, and he's still standing. His love of music is vast and unwavering. Here, the veteran Grammy winner lists 10 albums that define Atlanta, in alphabetical order. 1. Confessions by Usher
"The best R&B album of this decade, which did wonders for the city musically. It set us apart once again to show the world that ATL is the new Motown." 2. CrazySexyCool by TLC
"It continued to keep the ATL in the forefront of urban pop music and is the biggest-selling urban female-group album." 3. Crunk Juice by Lil Jon
"This was the stamp to let the n---as know crunk was real and not a fad. It turned Lil Jon into a rock star and made R&B artists want to make crunk records like Usher's 'Yeah!' Which leads into my next album ... " 4. Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album by Lil Jon
"This was the beginning of everything that's going on now. The word 'crunk' came to life and created a true underground ATL movement." 5. Life in 1472 by Jermaine Dupri
"This was the beginning of ATL swagger; the true introduction of Jay-Z to the South and the most classic hip-hop record created 'Money Ain't a Thang.' " 6. Soul Food by the Goodie Mob
"This album shows the real diversity of the city and a glimpse into what ATL sounds like now." 7. Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik by Outkast
"Southernplayalistic was the first classic rap album to come from ATL and the eye-opener for other cities that our time was coming." 8. Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below by Outkast
"The biggest rap album from the city and the biggest rap group left in hip-hop. Another huge statement that got us over that 'ATL is in a slowdown' hump. No!" 9. Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 by Young Jeezy
"Not the first look at ATL street rap, but the most successful and the one that opened the door for what dominates ATL now." 10. Totally Krossed Out by Kriss Kross
"This was the biggest rap album from the city until Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below." Related Videos Related Artists | | | 
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