Stephen Harber Jul 18, 2016
We look back at an often-overlooked part of the Ghostbusters legacy: it's Extreme Ghostbusters...
There was a time when no one cared about Ghostbusters. It was the late 90s - the pre-Pokemon, post-Mighty Morphin Power Rangers days to be exact. Nobody’s kid was exactly clamouring for a sequel, reboot, or a Ghostbusters continuation of any kind - except for Dan Aykroyd, who was practically lobbying for a third instalment while sitting front row at the Ghostbusters II premiere. Which is why we have this: an awkwardly timed, tonally disruptive Ghostbusters animated series.
Enter a brand new cartoon that picked up the sticky, ectoplasm-covered mantle of The Real Ghostbusters and wore it slightly askew to evoke that wholesome sense of 1990s irreverence: Extreme Ghostbusters.
Living up to its name, Xgb was extreme indeed. One glance at its radically inclusive team line-up is all you need to notice that.
We look back at an often-overlooked part of the Ghostbusters legacy: it's Extreme Ghostbusters...
There was a time when no one cared about Ghostbusters. It was the late 90s - the pre-Pokemon, post-Mighty Morphin Power Rangers days to be exact. Nobody’s kid was exactly clamouring for a sequel, reboot, or a Ghostbusters continuation of any kind - except for Dan Aykroyd, who was practically lobbying for a third instalment while sitting front row at the Ghostbusters II premiere. Which is why we have this: an awkwardly timed, tonally disruptive Ghostbusters animated series.
Enter a brand new cartoon that picked up the sticky, ectoplasm-covered mantle of The Real Ghostbusters and wore it slightly askew to evoke that wholesome sense of 1990s irreverence: Extreme Ghostbusters.
Living up to its name, Xgb was extreme indeed. One glance at its radically inclusive team line-up is all you need to notice that.
- 7/14/2016
- Den of Geek
The Ultimate Fighter producer Pilgrim Media Group and esports industry leader Esl have partnered to create and distribute original esports entertainment content for television and digital platforms. The announcement was made today by Pilgrim Media Group CEO Craig Piligian and Esl Executive Chairman Steven Roberts. Lionsgate President of Interactive Ventures and Games Peter Levin brought the opportunity to Pilgrim and helped orchestrate the new content partnership…...
- 5/10/2016
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Freestyle Digital Media (Fdm) has come on to handle all digital rights to Rocky Powell’s rom-com Language Of A Broken Heart and will release on VOD and DVD on October 1.
Juddy Talt wrote and stars in the story of a romance author who is unlucky in love and returns to his hometown to reconnect with the things that matter most.
Julie White, Kate French, Ethan Cohen, Oscar Nunez and Lara Pulver round out the key cast.
Powell produced Language Of A Broken Heart with Luke Coffee and Jennifer Beasley while Kerry McCluggage served as executive producer.
House Lights Media staged a theatrical release last March in 10 Us and Canadian markets.
Freestyle Digital Media CEO Susan Jackson brokered the deal with House Lights Media president Steve Roberts and svp of acquisitions, operations and marketing Sandy Moore.
“Language Of A Broken Heart is a great addition to Fdm’s repertoire of releases,” said Jackson...
Juddy Talt wrote and stars in the story of a romance author who is unlucky in love and returns to his hometown to reconnect with the things that matter most.
Julie White, Kate French, Ethan Cohen, Oscar Nunez and Lara Pulver round out the key cast.
Powell produced Language Of A Broken Heart with Luke Coffee and Jennifer Beasley while Kerry McCluggage served as executive producer.
House Lights Media staged a theatrical release last March in 10 Us and Canadian markets.
Freestyle Digital Media CEO Susan Jackson brokered the deal with House Lights Media president Steve Roberts and svp of acquisitions, operations and marketing Sandy Moore.
“Language Of A Broken Heart is a great addition to Fdm’s repertoire of releases,” said Jackson...
- 9/30/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Ymcmb standout was 'On One' this year, from undeniable features to Take Care.
By MTV News staff
Drake
Photo: Getty Images
Drake says his only cares are money and his native Toronto, but judging from the way he showed out in 2011, you have to figure rap dominance was pretty high on his list too. Drizzy definitely got his money and went to great lengths to put the city where he's from on the map. Those efforts helped Drake clinch the #2 slot on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.
"A lot of times artists are faced with a sophomore slump. I think Drake surpassed it and probably had one of the best hip-hop albums of the year," said Steven Roberts, MTV News producer/writer, about the chart-topping Take Care.
Although Drake didn't drop the November 2011 project until the fourth quarter, he maintained a serious presence all year: whether...
By MTV News staff
Drake
Photo: Getty Images
Drake says his only cares are money and his native Toronto, but judging from the way he showed out in 2011, you have to figure rap dominance was pretty high on his list too. Drizzy definitely got his money and went to great lengths to put the city where he's from on the map. Those efforts helped Drake clinch the #2 slot on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.
"A lot of times artists are faced with a sophomore slump. I think Drake surpassed it and probably had one of the best hip-hop albums of the year," said Steven Roberts, MTV News producer/writer, about the chart-topping Take Care.
Although Drake didn't drop the November 2011 project until the fourth quarter, he maintained a serious presence all year: whether...
- 2/19/2012
- MTV Music News
The Martian's double-platinum album and star-studded Ymcmb roster land him firmly on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.
By MTV News staff
Lil Wayne
Photo: Getty Images
On Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne raps about his "Nightmares of the Bottom." While the sentiment revealed a humbler side of Tunechi, the Martian reached astronomical heights in 2011 and lands in the top half of MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.
But Weezy's winning year was even more impressive when you consider that the Cash Money soldier spent most of 2010 behind bars. With little time to prepare, Wayne hit 2011 hard beginning with the smash rap single (and Carter IV lead track) "6 Foot 7 Foot." As with many albums, C4 saw a ton of delays, but Weezy made up for things with his Sorry 4 the Wait mixtape.
When the fourth installment of the Carter series finally arrived...
By MTV News staff
Lil Wayne
Photo: Getty Images
On Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne raps about his "Nightmares of the Bottom." While the sentiment revealed a humbler side of Tunechi, the Martian reached astronomical heights in 2011 and lands in the top half of MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.
But Weezy's winning year was even more impressive when you consider that the Cash Money soldier spent most of 2010 behind bars. With little time to prepare, Wayne hit 2011 hard beginning with the smash rap single (and Carter IV lead track) "6 Foot 7 Foot." As with many albums, C4 saw a ton of delays, but Weezy made up for things with his Sorry 4 the Wait mixtape.
When the fourth installment of the Carter series finally arrived...
- 2/19/2012
- MTV Music News
Young Money Barbie had that 'Super Bass,' conquering pop and rap landscapes to land on Hottest MCs in the Game list.
By MTV News staff
Nicki Minaj
Photo: MTV News / Getty Images
A few months before the release of his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West took to Hot 97's Angie Martinez-hosted radio show to promote his G.O.O.D. Friday series, but also to make a seemingly odd proclamation. "The scariest artist in the game right now ... the scariest artist is definitely Nicki Minaj," West said. "I think she has the most potential out of everyone to be the #2 rapper of all time."
While we won't even wade into a "hottest MCs of all time" debate, MTV News' Hip-Hop Brain Trust eventually voted Nicki into the plum #4 spot on the Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.
In the summer of 2010, Minaj was the...
By MTV News staff
Nicki Minaj
Photo: MTV News / Getty Images
A few months before the release of his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West took to Hot 97's Angie Martinez-hosted radio show to promote his G.O.O.D. Friday series, but also to make a seemingly odd proclamation. "The scariest artist in the game right now ... the scariest artist is definitely Nicki Minaj," West said. "I think she has the most potential out of everyone to be the #2 rapper of all time."
While we won't even wade into a "hottest MCs of all time" debate, MTV News' Hip-Hop Brain Trust eventually voted Nicki into the plum #4 spot on the Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.
In the summer of 2010, Minaj was the...
- 2/19/2012
- MTV Music News
Rookie Mc steps out of Kanye's shadow with smash Finally Famous album, landing him on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game.
By MTV News staff
Big Sean
Photo: Getty Images
The biggest part of Big Sean's rise over the past year has been the unwavering support of his fans. While he's signed to a major label (Def Jam) and one of the brightest stars on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music imprint, it was those fans mobbing him at the Adidas store in New York and superstar supporters like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj hopping on his debut album, Finally Famous, that propelled Sean to #9 on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII — his first appearance on the list.
Big Sean hit the scene out of Detroit's west side as Kanye's newest protégé with 2007's Finally Famous: The Mixtape. For the next three years, he...
By MTV News staff
Big Sean
Photo: Getty Images
The biggest part of Big Sean's rise over the past year has been the unwavering support of his fans. While he's signed to a major label (Def Jam) and one of the brightest stars on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music imprint, it was those fans mobbing him at the Adidas store in New York and superstar supporters like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj hopping on his debut album, Finally Famous, that propelled Sean to #9 on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII — his first appearance on the list.
Big Sean hit the scene out of Detroit's west side as Kanye's newest protégé with 2007's Finally Famous: The Mixtape. For the next three years, he...
- 2/14/2012
- MTV Music News
Producer 40 says Drake's 'Crew Love' was 'an important record for him to make, and the Weeknd was someone that he wanted to include on that.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
The Weeknd and Drake
Photo: Getty Images
To his fans, the Weeknd is quite mysterious. Though the Toronto singer/songwriter stayed plenty busy putting out three free albums online last year, he has shied away from the spotlight, making very few public appearances and doing only a small number of interviews.
While he remains an enigma to fans, to Drake, Noah "40" Shebib and the entire October's Very Own team, the Weeknd (real name: Abel Tesfaye) is family.
"Weeknd is obviously someone very close to us and our family. He's from Toronto and someone we've been associated with and working with for quite some time," Shebib told MTV News when we visited Toronto in December. "So that's close to home,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
The Weeknd and Drake
Photo: Getty Images
To his fans, the Weeknd is quite mysterious. Though the Toronto singer/songwriter stayed plenty busy putting out three free albums online last year, he has shied away from the spotlight, making very few public appearances and doing only a small number of interviews.
While he remains an enigma to fans, to Drake, Noah "40" Shebib and the entire October's Very Own team, the Weeknd (real name: Abel Tesfaye) is family.
"Weeknd is obviously someone very close to us and our family. He's from Toronto and someone we've been associated with and working with for quite some time," Shebib told MTV News when we visited Toronto in December. "So that's close to home,...
- 1/13/2012
- MTV Music News
Producer is surprised that Take Care's title track isn't already a hit.
By Steven Roberts
Noah "40" Shebib
Photo: MTV News
Drake's Take Care has spawned three successful singles so far in "Marvin's Room," "Headlines" and "The Motto." The infinitely interesting and introspective "Marvin's Room" has inspired several remixes. "The Motto" has had a similar effect in the Bay Area — hip-hop's oft-ignored, red headed stepchild — while "Headlines" is currently dominating the airwaves.
Similarly, the title track from Take Care seems destined to be a crossover smash. After all, the song features an international superstar in Rihanna. However, when MTV News caught up with the song's producer, Noah "40" Shebib, in Toronto late last year, he said he and Drake were surprised the tune that inspired "Take Care" wasn't already a hit.
The Drake song is actually a remake of a Jamie xx's remix of the legendary, late Gil Scott-Heron's "I'll Take Care of U.
By Steven Roberts
Noah "40" Shebib
Photo: MTV News
Drake's Take Care has spawned three successful singles so far in "Marvin's Room," "Headlines" and "The Motto." The infinitely interesting and introspective "Marvin's Room" has inspired several remixes. "The Motto" has had a similar effect in the Bay Area — hip-hop's oft-ignored, red headed stepchild — while "Headlines" is currently dominating the airwaves.
Similarly, the title track from Take Care seems destined to be a crossover smash. After all, the song features an international superstar in Rihanna. However, when MTV News caught up with the song's producer, Noah "40" Shebib, in Toronto late last year, he said he and Drake were surprised the tune that inspired "Take Care" wasn't already a hit.
The Drake song is actually a remake of a Jamie xx's remix of the legendary, late Gil Scott-Heron's "I'll Take Care of U.
- 1/12/2012
- MTV Music News
'I look up to that guy like crazy,' Noah '40' Shebib says of Kanye.
By Steven Roberts
Kanye West
Photo: Getty Images
It's well-known knowledge that Common and Drake aren't exactly the best of friends right now. But their camps haven't been seeing eye to eye for quite some time. Pusha T appears to be taking shots at Drake on his recent "Sweet" and "Don't F--- With Me" freestyles, all over the beats of Common's "Sweet" and Drake's "Dreams Money Can Buy."
Lil Wayne and Jay-z have been exchanging competitive subliminal shots for a while now, but those shots delivered last year on The Throne's "H.A.M" and Wayne's "It's Good" were probably the most talked about. Kanye West and Drake even seem to be taking jabs at each other, first on DJ Khaled's "I'm On One," (I'm just feelin' like the Throne is for the...
By Steven Roberts
Kanye West
Photo: Getty Images
It's well-known knowledge that Common and Drake aren't exactly the best of friends right now. But their camps haven't been seeing eye to eye for quite some time. Pusha T appears to be taking shots at Drake on his recent "Sweet" and "Don't F--- With Me" freestyles, all over the beats of Common's "Sweet" and Drake's "Dreams Money Can Buy."
Lil Wayne and Jay-z have been exchanging competitive subliminal shots for a while now, but those shots delivered last year on The Throne's "H.A.M" and Wayne's "It's Good" were probably the most talked about. Kanye West and Drake even seem to be taking jabs at each other, first on DJ Khaled's "I'm On One," (I'm just feelin' like the Throne is for the...
- 1/11/2012
- MTV Music News
Producer Noah '40' Shebib gives MTV News the inside story in an exclusive interview.
By Steven Roberts
Drake
Photo: John Shearer/ Getty Images
Despite all the critical and commercial acclaim Drake's Take Care has rightly earned, the Toronto Mc has remained relatively quiet when promoting the album. Relative in the sense that Thank Me Later's release was accompanied by the hoopla of in-store signings and a documentary.
That's not the only way the two projects differ. Where Tml featured a number of A-list hitmakers, from Kanye West to Swizz Beatz, the biggest name in Drake's sophomore effort's production credits is Just Blaze. The album certainly doesn't suffer from that lack of notoriety, however. In fact, it sounds more focused with the lesser-known T-Minus, and Drake's right-hand man Noah "40" Shebib stealing the show. Their efforts helped to make it more Drake's album — however introspective, weird and altogether refreshing that might be.
By Steven Roberts
Drake
Photo: John Shearer/ Getty Images
Despite all the critical and commercial acclaim Drake's Take Care has rightly earned, the Toronto Mc has remained relatively quiet when promoting the album. Relative in the sense that Thank Me Later's release was accompanied by the hoopla of in-store signings and a documentary.
That's not the only way the two projects differ. Where Tml featured a number of A-list hitmakers, from Kanye West to Swizz Beatz, the biggest name in Drake's sophomore effort's production credits is Just Blaze. The album certainly doesn't suffer from that lack of notoriety, however. In fact, it sounds more focused with the lesser-known T-Minus, and Drake's right-hand man Noah "40" Shebib stealing the show. Their efforts helped to make it more Drake's album — however introspective, weird and altogether refreshing that might be.
- 1/10/2012
- MTV Music News
Producer Noah '40' Shebib tells MTV News in an exclusive interview that while working with the Mc, 'We get to do what we want.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Drake
Photo: Getty Images
One look at the production credits on Drake's 2010 debut, Thank Me Later, serves as a reminder to just how hot the Toronto Mc was out of the gate. Guests like Jay-z, T.I. and Alicia Keys lent their voices, while multiplatinum producers like Kanye West, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland offered their sonic expertise.
The music world was truly Drake's oyster, but on his sophomore set, Take Care, Drizzy scaled things back in order to make a bigger impact. Instead of pooling together his resources and using his hitmaking influence, Drake went back to basics, choosing to record the entire album in Toronto with friend and engineer/producer Noah "40" Shebib, the studio wiz...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Drake
Photo: Getty Images
One look at the production credits on Drake's 2010 debut, Thank Me Later, serves as a reminder to just how hot the Toronto Mc was out of the gate. Guests like Jay-z, T.I. and Alicia Keys lent their voices, while multiplatinum producers like Kanye West, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland offered their sonic expertise.
The music world was truly Drake's oyster, but on his sophomore set, Take Care, Drizzy scaled things back in order to make a bigger impact. Instead of pooling together his resources and using his hitmaking influence, Drake went back to basics, choosing to record the entire album in Toronto with friend and engineer/producer Noah "40" Shebib, the studio wiz...
- 1/9/2012
- MTV Music News
'I have a cousin who's named Indigo, so Blue Ivy sounds pretty cool,' one NYC fan tells MTV News about the baby's name.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Jay-z and Beyoncé
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
New York — After Beyoncé and Jay-z welcomed their first baby, daughter Blue Ivy, into the world late Saturday, MTV News took to the streets of Jay's hometown to talk to the power couple's fans.
"I'm very excited for Jay-z and Beyoncé's baby," Becky Bristol told us. "I hope it's really healthy and beautiful."
Another set of new parents, Janese Brown and Randell Ferguson, had some words of wisdom for the twosome. "We have a child also. It's gonna be tough, but I know you guys got it; all that money, you got it," they said. "You know she's going to be in entertainment somehow — actress, music — it's gonna be something big.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Jay-z and Beyoncé
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
New York — After Beyoncé and Jay-z welcomed their first baby, daughter Blue Ivy, into the world late Saturday, MTV News took to the streets of Jay's hometown to talk to the power couple's fans.
"I'm very excited for Jay-z and Beyoncé's baby," Becky Bristol told us. "I hope it's really healthy and beautiful."
Another set of new parents, Janese Brown and Randell Ferguson, had some words of wisdom for the twosome. "We have a child also. It's gonna be tough, but I know you guys got it; all that money, you got it," they said. "You know she's going to be in entertainment somehow — actress, music — it's gonna be something big.
- 1/8/2012
- MTV Music News
The UK set makers who built the pirate town for the Caribbean hits have now got designs on the Yorkshire town's main swimming pool. Guest blogger Lewis K Cooper reports
Captain Jack Sparrow might be more at home on a tropical Caribbean island but he's upping sticks and bringing some of his Pirates of the Caribbean antics to Barnsley. Yes, land-locked Barnsley, over 70 miles from any sight of our cold English sea.
In a coup that Sparrow might have been proud to stage, the owners of the town's Metrodome pool, Bpl, have called in the set designers behind the Hollywood hit films to revamp the park on a pirate theme.
Calypso Cove, as the new space will be called, is being designed by 3D Creations which built a pirate town for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and which has also worked for Robbie Williams, Blur and Hm the Queen.
Captain Jack Sparrow might be more at home on a tropical Caribbean island but he's upping sticks and bringing some of his Pirates of the Caribbean antics to Barnsley. Yes, land-locked Barnsley, over 70 miles from any sight of our cold English sea.
In a coup that Sparrow might have been proud to stage, the owners of the town's Metrodome pool, Bpl, have called in the set designers behind the Hollywood hit films to revamp the park on a pirate theme.
Calypso Cove, as the new space will be called, is being designed by 3D Creations which built a pirate town for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and which has also worked for Robbie Williams, Blur and Hm the Queen.
- 12/19/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
Atlanta Mc builds on 'All the Way Turnt Up' momentum to land a spot on our list — vote now!
By Steven Roberts
Roscoe Dash
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
It's hard to believe Roscoe Dash has yet to put out an album.
"All the Way Turnt Up" was such a big record last year that hip-hop fans didn't even think it was his. With Dash being a relative unknown — even within Atlanta's unique hip-hop scene — people thought the record was by 2010 Hottest Breakthrough Mc nominees Travis Porter. But once that was cleared up, everyone from Lil Wayne to Lupe Fiasco was ready to spit over the beat.
Dash's next single, "Show Out," was a solid effort, but it wasn't nearly as successful as "Turnt Up." It looked like Dash might've succumbed to one-hit wonder status. But then Roscoe turned up (get it?) on one of 2010's most overlooked songs, Waka Flocka Flame's "No Hands.
By Steven Roberts
Roscoe Dash
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
It's hard to believe Roscoe Dash has yet to put out an album.
"All the Way Turnt Up" was such a big record last year that hip-hop fans didn't even think it was his. With Dash being a relative unknown — even within Atlanta's unique hip-hop scene — people thought the record was by 2010 Hottest Breakthrough Mc nominees Travis Porter. But once that was cleared up, everyone from Lil Wayne to Lupe Fiasco was ready to spit over the beat.
Dash's next single, "Show Out," was a solid effort, but it wasn't nearly as successful as "Turnt Up." It looked like Dash might've succumbed to one-hit wonder status. But then Roscoe turned up (get it?) on one of 2010's most overlooked songs, Waka Flocka Flame's "No Hands.
- 12/13/2011
- MTV Music News
You — the fans — voted for your favorite performances of the year, from Vma spectacles to Buzzworthy sets.
By MTV News staff
Beyonce performs at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: Getty Images
As we continue our weeklong look back on the year in music — MTV kicked things off on Monday with a list of the Best Edm Artists of 2011 — it was hard not to notice that the biggest stars in pop, rock and hip-hop put on some of their most buzzed-about performances — right on our stages.
From Adele's spine-tingling ballad at the VMAs to Two Door Cinema Club's rendition of the rollicking "What You Know" at Webster Hall, we culled 16 of the best performances of the last 12 months and you, the fans, voted for your favorites. Here, we present the top 10!
10. Odd Future, "Sandwitches," mtvU Woodie Awards
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All Loiter Squad, or Odd Future, for short,...
By MTV News staff
Beyonce performs at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: Getty Images
As we continue our weeklong look back on the year in music — MTV kicked things off on Monday with a list of the Best Edm Artists of 2011 — it was hard not to notice that the biggest stars in pop, rock and hip-hop put on some of their most buzzed-about performances — right on our stages.
From Adele's spine-tingling ballad at the VMAs to Two Door Cinema Club's rendition of the rollicking "What You Know" at Webster Hall, we culled 16 of the best performances of the last 12 months and you, the fans, voted for your favorites. Here, we present the top 10!
10. Odd Future, "Sandwitches," mtvU Woodie Awards
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All Loiter Squad, or Odd Future, for short,...
- 12/13/2011
- MTV Music News
Mc began dominating Atlanta airwaves this summer with the help of big names like T.I. — vote in our Hottest poll now!
By Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
A few months ago, if you didn't live in or near Atlanta, you would be hard-pressed to know who Future was. However, if you did live in or near Atlanta, you be hard-pressed not to hear one of his songs on the radio every five minutes with "Magic," "Ain't No Way Around It," "Go Harder" and "Never Been This High," to name a few.
Now, he's getting national recognition as a contender for MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough Mc.
Future was the hook man on Yc's "Racks," which was probably the most infectious track of the first part of this year. However, the rest of the country got the memo in early July when Drake hopped on a remix of the Atl-ien's "Tony Montana.
By Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
A few months ago, if you didn't live in or near Atlanta, you would be hard-pressed to know who Future was. However, if you did live in or near Atlanta, you be hard-pressed not to hear one of his songs on the radio every five minutes with "Magic," "Ain't No Way Around It," "Go Harder" and "Never Been This High," to name a few.
Now, he's getting national recognition as a contender for MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough Mc.
Future was the hook man on Yc's "Racks," which was probably the most infectious track of the first part of this year. However, the rest of the country got the memo in early July when Drake hopped on a remix of the Atl-ien's "Tony Montana.
- 12/13/2011
- MTV Music News
Singer's 'Tonight Is the Night' is featured in Pepsi campaign alongside footage of Kanye, Britney and Michael Jackson.
By Steven Roberts
Outasight
In all honesty, most people are probably more familiar with Outasight's song "Tonight Is the Night" than they are with him. And that is in no way a knock on Outasight. After all, the song is a big part of Pepsi's "Who's Next" campaign, having been featured in the soft drink company's latest legacy commercial, which includes footage from past Pepsi ads featuring Kanye West, Britney Spears and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. But hopefully those commercials will start to win Outasight some attention.
The song actually debuted on the second episode of Fox's reality competition show "The X Factor," and it's been slowly gaining momentum ever since. The Dori Oskowitz-directed video for the pop, party anthem was dropped early last month, and it features Outasight and friends preparing,...
By Steven Roberts
Outasight
In all honesty, most people are probably more familiar with Outasight's song "Tonight Is the Night" than they are with him. And that is in no way a knock on Outasight. After all, the song is a big part of Pepsi's "Who's Next" campaign, having been featured in the soft drink company's latest legacy commercial, which includes footage from past Pepsi ads featuring Kanye West, Britney Spears and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. But hopefully those commercials will start to win Outasight some attention.
The song actually debuted on the second episode of Fox's reality competition show "The X Factor," and it's been slowly gaining momentum ever since. The Dori Oskowitz-directed video for the pop, party anthem was dropped early last month, and it features Outasight and friends preparing,...
- 12/13/2011
- MTV Music News
Courted by the likes of Kanye West, Rick Ross and Jay-z before joining Diddy, Montana earns a spot on MTV News' 2011 list — vote now!
By Steven Roberts
French Montana
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
From the very moment the horns from the Lords of the Underground's 1993 classic "Funky Child" sound until the moment that "Shorty got potential, I could be her sponsor" is heard, it was evident that French Montana had a hit on his hands with "Shot Caller." Montana's rise to prominence wasn't that instantaneous, however.
French Montana has been making noise on New York City's underground rap scene since the early 2000s with his "Cocaine City" DVD series. Montana hoped the street series — showcasing interviews with big-name artists like T.I. and then unknowns like Nicki Minaj and Waka Flocka — would help broaden his fanbase in the same way other up-and-comers hoped their mixtapes did.
He started gaining...
By Steven Roberts
French Montana
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
From the very moment the horns from the Lords of the Underground's 1993 classic "Funky Child" sound until the moment that "Shorty got potential, I could be her sponsor" is heard, it was evident that French Montana had a hit on his hands with "Shot Caller." Montana's rise to prominence wasn't that instantaneous, however.
French Montana has been making noise on New York City's underground rap scene since the early 2000s with his "Cocaine City" DVD series. Montana hoped the street series — showcasing interviews with big-name artists like T.I. and then unknowns like Nicki Minaj and Waka Flocka — would help broaden his fanbase in the same way other up-and-comers hoped their mixtapes did.
He started gaining...
- 12/9/2011
- MTV Music News
'X Factor' castoff Astro and 'Dance Moms' personality Abby Lee Miller also make MTV News' list, counting down all week long.
By MTV News staff
Jimmy Fallon
Photo: NBC
MTV News' Top 50 TV Characters of 2011 continues with a few must-include entries, as well as some visits from surprise guests.
"X-Factor" contestant Astro makes the cut this round as does "Dance Moms" favorite Abby Lee Miller, but you might be surprised to see certain sports and talk-show personalities who yapped their way onto our Best of 2011 list. Keep reading for the latest entries to our Top 50, and make sure to check out characters 50 to 41 over here.
40. Skip Bayless (Espn's "First Take")
One of the nation's most respected sportswriters, Bayless got his start at the Miami Herald, eventually rising to prominence at the Los Angeles Times and followed by his coverage of the Cowboys for the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald.
By MTV News staff
Jimmy Fallon
Photo: NBC
MTV News' Top 50 TV Characters of 2011 continues with a few must-include entries, as well as some visits from surprise guests.
"X-Factor" contestant Astro makes the cut this round as does "Dance Moms" favorite Abby Lee Miller, but you might be surprised to see certain sports and talk-show personalities who yapped their way onto our Best of 2011 list. Keep reading for the latest entries to our Top 50, and make sure to check out characters 50 to 41 over here.
40. Skip Bayless (Espn's "First Take")
One of the nation's most respected sportswriters, Bayless got his start at the Miami Herald, eventually rising to prominence at the Los Angeles Times and followed by his coverage of the Cowboys for the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald.
- 12/6/2011
- MTV Music News
Song 'really [lets] people know we're back,' Bobby Ray says of title track off upcoming LP.
By Steven Roberts
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
The video for B.o.B's "Strange Clouds" dropped Monday morning (December 5); the Motion Family-directed clip features Bobby Ray and Lil Wayne rhyming in a field beneath a sky of — you guessed it — strange clouds. The song serves as the first single off B.o.B's sophomore effort of the same name. But when MTV News recently caught up with B.o.B, he revealed that the Dr. Luke track was originally just something he wanted to rhyme on.
"I was actually in mixtape mode when I heard it, so I just really wanted to go in on the beat. A hook came to me, and it kind of started to stick out to me the more and more I listened to it, and it...
By Steven Roberts
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
The video for B.o.B's "Strange Clouds" dropped Monday morning (December 5); the Motion Family-directed clip features Bobby Ray and Lil Wayne rhyming in a field beneath a sky of — you guessed it — strange clouds. The song serves as the first single off B.o.B's sophomore effort of the same name. But when MTV News recently caught up with B.o.B, he revealed that the Dr. Luke track was originally just something he wanted to rhyme on.
"I was actually in mixtape mode when I heard it, so I just really wanted to go in on the beat. A hook came to me, and it kind of started to stick out to me the more and more I listened to it, and it...
- 12/5/2011
- MTV Music News
Ed Helms' Andy Bernard and Louis C.K.'s Louie also make MTV News' list, which will be unveiled all week.
By MTV News staff
Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle in "Castle"
Photo: ABC
As 2011 draws to a close, the MTV News team has been looking back on our favorite moments of the year in music and movies — and now, it's time to turn our attention to another obsession of ours: television.
The year brought us countless memorable TV turns from not just your favorite stars, but even some more obscure personalities you may not have heard about. To recognize those achievements, we're happy to present MTV News' Top 50 TV Characters of 2011!
Our list kicks off with a healthy mix of adventurous animated characters, impossibly hilarious comedians, reality stars worth their weight in laughs and gasps, and smug (but heroic) leading men.
50. Finn ("Adventure Time")
At 26, I'm...
By MTV News staff
Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle in "Castle"
Photo: ABC
As 2011 draws to a close, the MTV News team has been looking back on our favorite moments of the year in music and movies — and now, it's time to turn our attention to another obsession of ours: television.
The year brought us countless memorable TV turns from not just your favorite stars, but even some more obscure personalities you may not have heard about. To recognize those achievements, we're happy to present MTV News' Top 50 TV Characters of 2011!
Our list kicks off with a healthy mix of adventurous animated characters, impossibly hilarious comedians, reality stars worth their weight in laughs and gasps, and smug (but heroic) leading men.
50. Finn ("Adventure Time")
At 26, I'm...
- 12/5/2011
- MTV Music News
'That's really why I'm so excited about it,' Bobby Ray tells MTV News of upcoming LP.
By Steven Roberts
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
Early this week, B.o.B dropped his mixtape E.P.I.C (Every Play Is Crucial), seemingly out of nowhere. It featured verses from giants including Eminem, Yasiin Bey (a.k.a. Mos Def) and T.I. and underground all-stars like Future, 2 Chainz (a.k.a. Tity Boi) and Trae tha Truth.
But one thing it certainly features is B.o.B showing he can spit with anybody and everybody.
Bob was criticized for his 2010 breakthrough debut, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, because many felt it was a departure from the underground mixtapes that got him noticed in the first place. B.o.B has always shrugged off any criticism, but when MTV News caught up with him on Tuesday evening,...
By Steven Roberts
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
Early this week, B.o.B dropped his mixtape E.P.I.C (Every Play Is Crucial), seemingly out of nowhere. It featured verses from giants including Eminem, Yasiin Bey (a.k.a. Mos Def) and T.I. and underground all-stars like Future, 2 Chainz (a.k.a. Tity Boi) and Trae tha Truth.
But one thing it certainly features is B.o.B showing he can spit with anybody and everybody.
Bob was criticized for his 2010 breakthrough debut, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, because many felt it was a departure from the underground mixtapes that got him noticed in the first place. B.o.B has always shrugged off any criticism, but when MTV News caught up with him on Tuesday evening,...
- 12/2/2011
- MTV Music News
Bobby Ray calls working with Slim Shady, featured on his new E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial) mixtape, 'a dream come true.'
By Steven Roberts
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
B.o.B's first album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, featured plenty of guest appearances, but arguably the biggest was Eminem's feature on "Airplanes Part II." Em is not exactly ubiquitous, but he found his way onto the up-and-comer's track. So, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that they'd team up again.
When Bobby Ray dropped his newest mixtape, E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial), seemingly out of nowhere Monday, it featured an older track with Eminem, titled "Things Get Worse." Though the track leaked in February, B.o.B decided to not let it go to waste.
When MTV News caught up with Bob on Tuesday evening, he...
By Steven Roberts
B.o.B
Photo: MTV News
B.o.B's first album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, featured plenty of guest appearances, but arguably the biggest was Eminem's feature on "Airplanes Part II." Em is not exactly ubiquitous, but he found his way onto the up-and-comer's track. So, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that they'd team up again.
When Bobby Ray dropped his newest mixtape, E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial), seemingly out of nowhere Monday, it featured an older track with Eminem, titled "Things Get Worse." Though the track leaked in February, B.o.B decided to not let it go to waste.
When MTV News caught up with Bob on Tuesday evening, he...
- 12/1/2011
- MTV Music News
Big Time Rush and will.i.am also will perform Thursday at White House tree-lighting ceremony.
By Steven Roberts
Ellie Goulding
Photo: MTV News
While another English songstress has received a tremendous amount of well-deserved praise here in the States this year, Ellie Goulding has been working slowly but steadily, making a name for herself on this side of the Atlantic. Her debut album, Lights, hit #1 on the U.K. charts, she won Critic's Choice at the 2010 Brit Awards, and she's even had the opportunity to perform at the Royal Wedding reception for Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
Of course, Americans don't really care about any of that. They do, however, really like Christmas. Goulding is set to perform at the White House during the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, along with will.i.am, Big Time Rush and the incomparable Kermit the Frog. The ceremony will take place Thursday at the National Park,...
By Steven Roberts
Ellie Goulding
Photo: MTV News
While another English songstress has received a tremendous amount of well-deserved praise here in the States this year, Ellie Goulding has been working slowly but steadily, making a name for herself on this side of the Atlantic. Her debut album, Lights, hit #1 on the U.K. charts, she won Critic's Choice at the 2010 Brit Awards, and she's even had the opportunity to perform at the Royal Wedding reception for Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
Of course, Americans don't really care about any of that. They do, however, really like Christmas. Goulding is set to perform at the White House during the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, along with will.i.am, Big Time Rush and the incomparable Kermit the Frog. The ceremony will take place Thursday at the National Park,...
- 11/29/2011
- MTV Music News
2000Ad artist Steve Roberts has won a BAFTA for his work in children's television. The comic book illustrator picked up the gong for his role helming CBeebies show Dipdap, which was honoured in the 'Short Form' category. Roberts is best known for drawing the Bec and Kawl, Angel Gang, Black Atlantic and Banzai Battalion strips in the 2000Ad anthology. This summer, fellow artist Frank Cho was (more)...
- 11/28/2011
- by By Mark Langshaw
- Digital Spy
Radioactive Mc recruits Kid Rock and DJ Kool Herc for clip.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Yelawolf on the set of his "Let's Roll" video
Photo: MTV News
Yelawolf might rep Gadsden, Alabama, to the fullest, but for his next music video, Catfish Billy takes a pilgrimage to hip-hop's birthplace. For "Let's Roll," the next single off his debut LP, Radioactive, Yela hooks up with Kid Rock and hip-hop's inventor DJ Kool Herc for a ride through the Bronx, New York.
"We had the godfather, Kool Herc, come out and do a cameo — it's pretty incredible," Yela told MTV News while on set last week. "The director had the brilliant idea of bringing us to the Bronx, the home of hip-hop, where it was born, and it just made it mean so much more to me. I was like, 'Ahh, that's perfect.' "
While coming up in the rap game,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Yelawolf on the set of his "Let's Roll" video
Photo: MTV News
Yelawolf might rep Gadsden, Alabama, to the fullest, but for his next music video, Catfish Billy takes a pilgrimage to hip-hop's birthplace. For "Let's Roll," the next single off his debut LP, Radioactive, Yela hooks up with Kid Rock and hip-hop's inventor DJ Kool Herc for a ride through the Bronx, New York.
"We had the godfather, Kool Herc, come out and do a cameo — it's pretty incredible," Yela told MTV News while on set last week. "The director had the brilliant idea of bringing us to the Bronx, the home of hip-hop, where it was born, and it just made it mean so much more to me. I was like, 'Ahh, that's perfect.' "
While coming up in the rap game,...
- 11/23/2011
- MTV Music News
'I just want people to have fun again,' Harlem's newly crowned prince tells Mixtape Daily of Live.Love.A$AP.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
A$AP Rocky
Photo: Polo Grounds
Main Pick
Headliner: A$AP Rocky
Representing: Harlem, New York
Mixtape: Live.Love.A$AP
Real Spit: A$AP Rocky is having the time of his life, and he wants you to join him. "I just want people to have fun again; people don't know how to have fun," the Harlem, New York, rapper recently told Mixtape Daily.
"It's all about mean-mugging and ballin' and bottle poppin,' and sh--. I feel like we can just have brew, cigarettes and some bad bitches and have a good time," he theorized about the current hip-hop landscape. "We don't really need all that other fancy sh-- because that doesn't happen every day in real life."
And with that notion,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
A$AP Rocky
Photo: Polo Grounds
Main Pick
Headliner: A$AP Rocky
Representing: Harlem, New York
Mixtape: Live.Love.A$AP
Real Spit: A$AP Rocky is having the time of his life, and he wants you to join him. "I just want people to have fun again; people don't know how to have fun," the Harlem, New York, rapper recently told Mixtape Daily.
"It's all about mean-mugging and ballin' and bottle poppin,' and sh--. I feel like we can just have brew, cigarettes and some bad bitches and have a good time," he theorized about the current hip-hop landscape. "We don't really need all that other fancy sh-- because that doesn't happen every day in real life."
And with that notion,...
- 11/7/2011
- MTV Music News
'I just want people to have fun again,' Harlem's newly crowned prince tells Mixtape Daily of Live.Love.A$AP.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Main Pick
Headliner: A$AP Rocky
Representing: Harlem, New York
Mixtape: Live.Love.A$AP
Real Spit: A$AP Rocky is having the time of his life, and he wants you to join him. "I just want people to have fun again; people don't know how to have fun," the Harlem, New York, rapper recently told Mixtape Daily.
"It's all about mean-mugging and ballin' and bottle poppin,' and sh--. I feel like we can just have brew, cigarettes and some bad bitches and have a good time," he theorized about the current hip-hop landscape. "We don't really need all that other fancy sh-- because that doesn't really happen in real life."
And with that notion, Rocky's first mixtape, Live.Love.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Main Pick
Headliner: A$AP Rocky
Representing: Harlem, New York
Mixtape: Live.Love.A$AP
Real Spit: A$AP Rocky is having the time of his life, and he wants you to join him. "I just want people to have fun again; people don't know how to have fun," the Harlem, New York, rapper recently told Mixtape Daily.
"It's all about mean-mugging and ballin' and bottle poppin,' and sh--. I feel like we can just have brew, cigarettes and some bad bitches and have a good time," he theorized about the current hip-hop landscape. "We don't really need all that other fancy sh-- because that doesn't really happen in real life."
And with that notion, Rocky's first mixtape, Live.Love.
- 11/7/2011
- MTV Music News
By Steven Roberts
Way back in 20 aught 7 when I started interning at MTV News, Cmj Week was one of the things that got me noticed and helped me stick around. The annual music showcase sees dozens of artists descend – well, some just take the L from Brooklyn – on New York City to try and prove themselves. As an intern, I loved the chance to run around my hometown to cover music. I was doing that already, but this time it was free and I could tell girls I was working for MTV News.
Fast-forward four years, I'm old and jaded, and Cmj isn't that big of a deal. Well, that isn't entirely true. It still provides kids an opportunity to see plenty of up-and-coming acts and it gives those acts a chance to broaden their fanbase. And I wasn't mad at all of those invites in my inbox either.
My...
Way back in 20 aught 7 when I started interning at MTV News, Cmj Week was one of the things that got me noticed and helped me stick around. The annual music showcase sees dozens of artists descend – well, some just take the L from Brooklyn – on New York City to try and prove themselves. As an intern, I loved the chance to run around my hometown to cover music. I was doing that already, but this time it was free and I could tell girls I was working for MTV News.
Fast-forward four years, I'm old and jaded, and Cmj isn't that big of a deal. Well, that isn't entirely true. It still provides kids an opportunity to see plenty of up-and-coming acts and it gives those acts a chance to broaden their fanbase. And I wasn't mad at all of those invites in my inbox either.
My...
- 10/24/2011
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group signee has MTV's Jam of the Week.
By Steven Roberts
Stalley
Photo: MTV News
Stalley's inclusion in Rick Ross' "invincible" Maybach Music Group probably came as a surprise to plenty of people — because it definitely came as a surprise to the Ohio Mc himself. Arguably lesser-known than Wale, Meek Mill and Pill were before they joined the team, Stalley nevertheless caught the Bawse's attention. When MTV News caught up with the rapper earlier this week, he said New Orleans spitter Curren$y actually linked them up.
"Curren$y had called me, and he told me that Ross was looking for me and that he wanted to reach out," Stalley recalled. "Curren$y asked if it was Ok if he gave Ross my number, and I was like, 'Yeah, of course.' "
Stalley said Ross flew him down to Dallas during the first leg...
By Steven Roberts
Stalley
Photo: MTV News
Stalley's inclusion in Rick Ross' "invincible" Maybach Music Group probably came as a surprise to plenty of people — because it definitely came as a surprise to the Ohio Mc himself. Arguably lesser-known than Wale, Meek Mill and Pill were before they joined the team, Stalley nevertheless caught the Bawse's attention. When MTV News caught up with the rapper earlier this week, he said New Orleans spitter Curren$y actually linked them up.
"Curren$y had called me, and he told me that Ross was looking for me and that he wanted to reach out," Stalley recalled. "Curren$y asked if it was Ok if he gave Ross my number, and I was like, 'Yeah, of course.' "
Stalley said Ross flew him down to Dallas during the first leg...
- 10/21/2011
- MTV Music News
New York Mc is ready to take his music worldwide, in Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
A$AP Rocky
Photo: MTV News
A$AP Rocky has been pegged as hip-hop's next big thing. That phrase might get attached to someone (e.g. Drake, Wiz Khalifa) or some group (see: Ofwgkta) every few months, but A$AP is the first "next big thing" to come out of New York in a while.
No offense to French Montana, Fred the Godson or anyone else, but very few up-and-coming New York rappers have garnered as much love on both hip-hop and alternative blogs. And they certainly haven't been featured in The New York Times -- especially with just a handful of songs.
When MTV News caught up with A$AP Rocky in New York's Lower East Side, he said he had his sights focused on bigger things than the Big Apple.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
A$AP Rocky
Photo: MTV News
A$AP Rocky has been pegged as hip-hop's next big thing. That phrase might get attached to someone (e.g. Drake, Wiz Khalifa) or some group (see: Ofwgkta) every few months, but A$AP is the first "next big thing" to come out of New York in a while.
No offense to French Montana, Fred the Godson or anyone else, but very few up-and-coming New York rappers have garnered as much love on both hip-hop and alternative blogs. And they certainly haven't been featured in The New York Times -- especially with just a handful of songs.
When MTV News caught up with A$AP Rocky in New York's Lower East Side, he said he had his sights focused on bigger things than the Big Apple.
- 10/20/2011
- MTV Music News
'All of us have become so corporate that people don't even feel like we're a part of the people,' rapper tells MTV News.
By Steven Roberts
David Banner at Occupy Wall Street
Photo: MTV News
New York — David Banner wasn't the first artist to visit Occupy Wall Street, and he certainly won't be the last. But Banner questioned the true intentions of many of the artists taking part in the demonstrations. When MTV News followed Banner down to Manhattan's Zuccotti Park last Thursday, he said others probably questioned their intentions as well.
"One of my only criticisms of hip-hop right now is that we all — like everybody — we can't separate ourselves. All of us have become so corporate that people don't even feel like we're a part of the people, especially rappers and punk rockers," Banner said. "People always felt like we were them. We were their voice.
"You...
By Steven Roberts
David Banner at Occupy Wall Street
Photo: MTV News
New York — David Banner wasn't the first artist to visit Occupy Wall Street, and he certainly won't be the last. But Banner questioned the true intentions of many of the artists taking part in the demonstrations. When MTV News followed Banner down to Manhattan's Zuccotti Park last Thursday, he said others probably questioned their intentions as well.
"One of my only criticisms of hip-hop right now is that we all — like everybody — we can't separate ourselves. All of us have become so corporate that people don't even feel like we're a part of the people, especially rappers and punk rockers," Banner said. "People always felt like we were them. We were their voice.
"You...
- 10/19/2011
- MTV Music News
'It's bad that it takes pain to unite people, but [it's good] to see people from all walks of life come together,' rapper tells MTV News.
By Steven Roberts
David Banner at Occupy Wall Street
Photo: MTV News
New York — By now, you've heard about Occupy Wall Street, the demonstration that began September 17 in Manhattan's Zuccotti Park. The demonstration has been both lauded and laughed at, and it has continued to grow and spread to several cities across the globe.
The movement has made waves throughout the media and caught the attention of several politicians, celebrities and CEOs, including David Banner. MTV News followed the Mississippi rapper down to the park — now dubbed "Liberty Park" — last week. He said he was proud to see Americans standing up for themselves, because he's always worked for the upward mobility of people. He also drew a parallel between America's current economic struggles and the fallen music industry.
By Steven Roberts
David Banner at Occupy Wall Street
Photo: MTV News
New York — By now, you've heard about Occupy Wall Street, the demonstration that began September 17 in Manhattan's Zuccotti Park. The demonstration has been both lauded and laughed at, and it has continued to grow and spread to several cities across the globe.
The movement has made waves throughout the media and caught the attention of several politicians, celebrities and CEOs, including David Banner. MTV News followed the Mississippi rapper down to the park — now dubbed "Liberty Park" — last week. He said he was proud to see Americans standing up for themselves, because he's always worked for the upward mobility of people. He also drew a parallel between America's current economic struggles and the fallen music industry.
- 10/18/2011
- MTV Music News
'If the streets callin', I'm answering on the first ring,' Future tells Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliner: Future
Representing: Atlanta
Mixtape: Streetz Calling
Real Spit: These days the demand for Future is pretty high. Just when it seemed folks were getting caught up with his June tape True Story, the "Tony Montana" rapper hooked up with Gucci Mane to drop Free Bricks in July and then returned again in September with Streetz Calling. The rookie may be moving at an accelerated pace, but if you let Future tell it, he doesn't have much of a choice.
"The reason I named the mixtape Streetz Calling is because I had did so many mixtapes and I felt like everybody always say, 'Future, when you gonna drop a new mixtape? You need to drop another one, you need to drop another one,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliner: Future
Representing: Atlanta
Mixtape: Streetz Calling
Real Spit: These days the demand for Future is pretty high. Just when it seemed folks were getting caught up with his June tape True Story, the "Tony Montana" rapper hooked up with Gucci Mane to drop Free Bricks in July and then returned again in September with Streetz Calling. The rookie may be moving at an accelerated pace, but if you let Future tell it, he doesn't have much of a choice.
"The reason I named the mixtape Streetz Calling is because I had did so many mixtapes and I felt like everybody always say, 'Future, when you gonna drop a new mixtape? You need to drop another one, you need to drop another one,...
- 10/17/2011
- MTV Music News
Protesters start to clean Zuccotti Park on Thursday in hopes of avoiding a city eviction.
By James Dinh, with additional reporting by Steven Roberts
Tom Morello
Photo: MTV News
In hopes of avoiding a city eviction from Zuccotti Park, protesters involved in the Occupy Wall Street movement began voluntary cleanup efforts Thursday afternoon (October 13).
It's an attempt urged by park occupiers themselves after Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Wednesday that protesters would have to temporarily evacuate the grounds by 7 a.m. Friday for a four-weeks-overdue mandatory cleanup. Because some viewed the city order as a means to end the protest, the Liberty Park occupiers have started to remove debris and scrub the sidewalks.
MTV News caught up with Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, who appeared at the protest Thursday and offered his support for the Occupy Wall Street movement. "Every successful, progressive and radical movement needs a soundtrack and I'm just helping to provide,...
By James Dinh, with additional reporting by Steven Roberts
Tom Morello
Photo: MTV News
In hopes of avoiding a city eviction from Zuccotti Park, protesters involved in the Occupy Wall Street movement began voluntary cleanup efforts Thursday afternoon (October 13).
It's an attempt urged by park occupiers themselves after Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Wednesday that protesters would have to temporarily evacuate the grounds by 7 a.m. Friday for a four-weeks-overdue mandatory cleanup. Because some viewed the city order as a means to end the protest, the Liberty Park occupiers have started to remove debris and scrub the sidewalks.
MTV News caught up with Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, who appeared at the protest Thursday and offered his support for the Occupy Wall Street movement. "Every successful, progressive and radical movement needs a soundtrack and I'm just helping to provide,...
- 10/13/2011
- MTV Music News
Rapper films 'Scarface'-inspired video in the Dominican Republic: 'It took five hours in customs, getting searched 10 times.'
By Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: MTV News
Rappers love "Scarface." While "Goodfellas" and "A Bronx Tale" might be better movies, rappers just can't get enough of Tony Montana. The 1983 Oliver Stone film starring Al Pacino is a favorite because of the parallels MCs have drawn between their lives and Montana's. After all the movie posters in those old episodes of "Cribs" and the many mentions of "Scarface" and character Alejandro Sosa in rhymes, Atlanta's Future has a song simply called "Tony Montana."
The track, which finds Future rapping as Montana, has started to gain legs outside of his stronghold of Atlanta — thanks in large part to a feature from Drake — and, of course, the next step is a video. When MTV News caught up with Future on Monday afternoon, he...
By Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: MTV News
Rappers love "Scarface." While "Goodfellas" and "A Bronx Tale" might be better movies, rappers just can't get enough of Tony Montana. The 1983 Oliver Stone film starring Al Pacino is a favorite because of the parallels MCs have drawn between their lives and Montana's. After all the movie posters in those old episodes of "Cribs" and the many mentions of "Scarface" and character Alejandro Sosa in rhymes, Atlanta's Future has a song simply called "Tony Montana."
The track, which finds Future rapping as Montana, has started to gain legs outside of his stronghold of Atlanta — thanks in large part to a feature from Drake — and, of course, the next step is a video. When MTV News caught up with Future on Monday afternoon, he...
- 10/12/2011
- MTV Music News
Daniel Depaula explains protesters' nightly General Assembly to MTV News.
By Steven Roberts
Facilitators speak at nightly General Assembly
Photo: MTV News
The demonstrators of Occupy Wall Street have made Lower Manhattan's Zuccotti Park their home for the foreseeable future, and they haven't ignored setting ground rules.
Establishing an infrastructure in the park — now dubbed Liberty Park — was one of the demonstrators' top priorities, ensuring everyone would have access to basic and essential resources. Many, if not all, of those decisions are reached at the General Assembly.
The General Assembly is held every night at roughly 7 p.m., and everyone is invited to contribute. MTV News caught up with Daniel Depaula, one the facilitators of the Ga, earlier this week. He explained how his group — the facilitation group — sets the evening's agenda based on proposals and then presents them to the assembly.
"We're not really there to decide whether things are good or not,...
By Steven Roberts
Facilitators speak at nightly General Assembly
Photo: MTV News
The demonstrators of Occupy Wall Street have made Lower Manhattan's Zuccotti Park their home for the foreseeable future, and they haven't ignored setting ground rules.
Establishing an infrastructure in the park — now dubbed Liberty Park — was one of the demonstrators' top priorities, ensuring everyone would have access to basic and essential resources. Many, if not all, of those decisions are reached at the General Assembly.
The General Assembly is held every night at roughly 7 p.m., and everyone is invited to contribute. MTV News caught up with Daniel Depaula, one the facilitators of the Ga, earlier this week. He explained how his group — the facilitation group — sets the evening's agenda based on proposals and then presents them to the assembly.
"We're not really there to decide whether things are good or not,...
- 10/12/2011
- MTV Music News
MTV News gets an inside look at the infrastructure built up to support New York demonstrators.
By Joel Hanek, with additional reporting by Steven Roberts
Photo: Getty Images
New York — Although the unseasonably warm weather has been favorable to Occupy Wall Street protesters who have set up shop in Zuccotti Park, the logistics and potential problems of living in a public space are not lost on the occupiers. Early concerns about basic needs and safety for the demonstrators quickly spawned a democratic system to provide resources for those on the ground who need them.
Colin Harris-Mctigue, a volunteer organizer and coordinator of the outreach program for Occupy Wall Street, has been frequenting the park (now deemed "Liberty Park" by protesters) since the movement's first day, on September 17.
"There was a loose conglomeration of people, and no one really had any idea of what was going on," Harris-Mctigue explained of...
By Joel Hanek, with additional reporting by Steven Roberts
Photo: Getty Images
New York — Although the unseasonably warm weather has been favorable to Occupy Wall Street protesters who have set up shop in Zuccotti Park, the logistics and potential problems of living in a public space are not lost on the occupiers. Early concerns about basic needs and safety for the demonstrators quickly spawned a democratic system to provide resources for those on the ground who need them.
Colin Harris-Mctigue, a volunteer organizer and coordinator of the outreach program for Occupy Wall Street, has been frequenting the park (now deemed "Liberty Park" by protesters) since the movement's first day, on September 17.
"There was a loose conglomeration of people, and no one really had any idea of what was going on," Harris-Mctigue explained of...
- 10/11/2011
- MTV Music News
'The biggest compliment I can give it is that I like it more than everything else I've done,' Mc tells MTV News.
By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Matt Elias
Childish Gambino
Photo: Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino's most recent offering "Bonfire" serves as the first single from his first physical album, Camp. The action-packed, fast-paced, metaphor-filled song not only fits Gambino's camp theme, but it seems like a metaphor itself, signaling his arrival as a fully formed Mc.
MTV News caught up with Gambino (a.k.a. "Community" star Donald Glover) in full makeup on the set of his video for "Bonfire," and he said the album was a real labor of love.
"The biggest compliment I can give it is that I like it more than everything else I've done," he said. "I think it's a cohesive piece, and I wanted to tell a whole story with it.
By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Matt Elias
Childish Gambino
Photo: Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino's most recent offering "Bonfire" serves as the first single from his first physical album, Camp. The action-packed, fast-paced, metaphor-filled song not only fits Gambino's camp theme, but it seems like a metaphor itself, signaling his arrival as a fully formed Mc.
MTV News caught up with Gambino (a.k.a. "Community" star Donald Glover) in full makeup on the set of his video for "Bonfire," and he said the album was a real labor of love.
"The biggest compliment I can give it is that I like it more than everything else I've done," he said. "I think it's a cohesive piece, and I wanted to tell a whole story with it.
- 10/11/2011
- MTV Music News
'That's rap music,' Roc mogul tells MTV News of any subliminal lyrical jabs between him and the Young Money Captain.
By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Rob Markman
Jay-z and Lil Wayne
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage and Kevin Winter/Getty Imag
New York — Jay-z has a lot going on right now. The rap mogul is expecting his first child with his wife Beyoncé, getting ready for his NBA Nets' move to a brand-new stadium in his hometown of Brooklyn and his Roc Nation artist J. Cole is expected to debut at #1 on the Billboard albums chart this week.
MTV News caught up with Jay on the red carpet of his Shawn Carter Foundation's Making the Ordinary Extraordinary carnival-themed fundraiser last Thursday — see what we mean by busy? — but we had to ask him about a topic that was probably much less pressing, yet still important to fans. What exactly...
By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Rob Markman
Jay-z and Lil Wayne
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage and Kevin Winter/Getty Imag
New York — Jay-z has a lot going on right now. The rap mogul is expecting his first child with his wife Beyoncé, getting ready for his NBA Nets' move to a brand-new stadium in his hometown of Brooklyn and his Roc Nation artist J. Cole is expected to debut at #1 on the Billboard albums chart this week.
MTV News caught up with Jay on the red carpet of his Shawn Carter Foundation's Making the Ordinary Extraordinary carnival-themed fundraiser last Thursday — see what we mean by busy? — but we had to ask him about a topic that was probably much less pressing, yet still important to fans. What exactly...
- 10/3/2011
- MTV Music News
Jay's foundation set up the Ferris wheel in New York on Thursday to raise funds for university-bound students' scholarships.
By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Rob Markman
Jay-z at "Making the Ordinary Extraordinary" in New York City
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
New York — On Thursday night, Jay-z hosted a carnival at the Hudson River Park pier for his Shawn Carter Foundation. But it wasn't all Ferris wheels and funnel cakes — unfortunately Momofuku doesn't make those. The event was called Making the Ordinary Extraordinary, and it sought to raise funds for college scholarships.
MTV News caught up with Mr. Carter at the event, where he said the evening was about having fun while raising money for a good cause. Jay said two of the worst things in life are a waste of talent and a person who applies him- or herself but is unable to advance due to financial hardship. He...
By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Rob Markman
Jay-z at "Making the Ordinary Extraordinary" in New York City
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
New York — On Thursday night, Jay-z hosted a carnival at the Hudson River Park pier for his Shawn Carter Foundation. But it wasn't all Ferris wheels and funnel cakes — unfortunately Momofuku doesn't make those. The event was called Making the Ordinary Extraordinary, and it sought to raise funds for college scholarships.
MTV News caught up with Mr. Carter at the event, where he said the evening was about having fun while raising money for a good cause. Jay said two of the worst things in life are a waste of talent and a person who applies him- or herself but is unable to advance due to financial hardship. He...
- 9/30/2011
- MTV Music News
By Steven Roberts
Once upon time, a Radiohead television appearance would’ve been big news here at MTV News. No, I won’t be beating that old drum in this blog post because that was totally like 15 years ago and the kids are f**king with "Twilight," Demi Lavato and Skrillex these days. Thankfully, I’m too old for that (the tender age of 26) and I’m still psyched every time I see Thom Yorke and the gang on TV and/or the Interwebs.
Last night, the band stopped by "The Colbert Report’s" Dr. Pepper Flavor Zone to talk and laugh – albeit in that aloof yet awkward Radiohead kind of way – about everything from their humble beginnings as school mates to the pros and cons of releasing their music independently. The group revealed that they had no plans to release a Christmas album, much to Steve Colbert’s chagrin...
Once upon time, a Radiohead television appearance would’ve been big news here at MTV News. No, I won’t be beating that old drum in this blog post because that was totally like 15 years ago and the kids are f**king with "Twilight," Demi Lavato and Skrillex these days. Thankfully, I’m too old for that (the tender age of 26) and I’m still psyched every time I see Thom Yorke and the gang on TV and/or the Interwebs.
Last night, the band stopped by "The Colbert Report’s" Dr. Pepper Flavor Zone to talk and laugh – albeit in that aloof yet awkward Radiohead kind of way – about everything from their humble beginnings as school mates to the pros and cons of releasing their music independently. The group revealed that they had no plans to release a Christmas album, much to Steve Colbert’s chagrin...
- 9/27/2011
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
'We getting so sexy for the ladies on this album,' rapper tells Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Fat Joe
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: Fat Joe
Fat Joe's recent weight loss has the Bronx Mc brimming with confidence. His last album, The Darkside Vol. 1, was a hard-nosed dedication to the streets led by his Jeezy collaboration "(Ha Ha) Slow Down."
For his next LP it isn't the Snowman who will lend the assist but Chris Brown. "We getting so sexy for the ladies on this album," the Don Cartagena told Mixtape Daily. "My first single that we're gonna drop in three weeks is me and Chris Brown, it's called 'Another Round.' It's crazy."
The Terror Squad leader won't completely abandon the streets, however. "I got a joint with Maxwell on the album, I got a joint with John Legend and [Rick] Ross,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Fat Joe
Photo: MTV News
The O.D.: Fat Joe
Fat Joe's recent weight loss has the Bronx Mc brimming with confidence. His last album, The Darkside Vol. 1, was a hard-nosed dedication to the streets led by his Jeezy collaboration "(Ha Ha) Slow Down."
For his next LP it isn't the Snowman who will lend the assist but Chris Brown. "We getting so sexy for the ladies on this album," the Don Cartagena told Mixtape Daily. "My first single that we're gonna drop in three weeks is me and Chris Brown, it's called 'Another Round.' It's crazy."
The Terror Squad leader won't completely abandon the streets, however. "I got a joint with Maxwell on the album, I got a joint with John Legend and [Rick] Ross,...
- 9/22/2011
- MTV Music News
Up-and-coming rapper says debut album is on the way, in Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: MTV News
Mixtape Daily Main Pick
Artist: Future
Representing: Atlanta
Mixtape: Streetz Calling
Real Spit: There's no question that when it comes to rap, Future is among the hottest up-and-comers. So fans of the Atlanta rapper's mixtapes may be sad to learn that his recently released Streetz Calling will be his last solo tape. Not to worry, though, an album is on the way.
"My mixtape, which will probably be my last solo mixtape, is 9/11: Streetz Calling," said Future, who recently announced his deal with L.A. Reid on Epic Label Group. "9/11: Streetz Calling with DJ Drama is supposed to be my last mixtape before I put my album out. My album is gonna be [titled] Pluto."
Though he originally planned to release his mixtape on 9/11, Future had...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: MTV News
Mixtape Daily Main Pick
Artist: Future
Representing: Atlanta
Mixtape: Streetz Calling
Real Spit: There's no question that when it comes to rap, Future is among the hottest up-and-comers. So fans of the Atlanta rapper's mixtapes may be sad to learn that his recently released Streetz Calling will be his last solo tape. Not to worry, though, an album is on the way.
"My mixtape, which will probably be my last solo mixtape, is 9/11: Streetz Calling," said Future, who recently announced his deal with L.A. Reid on Epic Label Group. "9/11: Streetz Calling with DJ Drama is supposed to be my last mixtape before I put my album out. My album is gonna be [titled] Pluto."
Though he originally planned to release his mixtape on 9/11, Future had...
- 9/12/2011
- MTV Music News
Series-closing MCs tell MTV News the Vitamin Water project a great look for underground artists.
By Steven Roberts
CyHi The Prynce (file)
New York — Vitamin Water hosted the last show in its "Uncapped Live" concert series at the Hudson Hotel on Wednesday night, and Freddie Gibbs, Big K.R.I.T., CyHi the Prynce and Rye Rye came through to rock the New York City crowd.
Over the last few months, the "Uncapped Live" series has partnered with up-and-coming acts to help expose them to bigger audiences. MTV News caught up with K.R.I.T. and CyHi before the show to talk about what the opportunity means to them.
"They're actually helping artists such as myself, Big K.R.I.T., Pill [and] other up-and-coming hip-hop artists that's looking to stand on the forefront of hip-hop and the game," CyHi told us. "We're coming from the underground and we're doing it organically,...
By Steven Roberts
CyHi The Prynce (file)
New York — Vitamin Water hosted the last show in its "Uncapped Live" concert series at the Hudson Hotel on Wednesday night, and Freddie Gibbs, Big K.R.I.T., CyHi the Prynce and Rye Rye came through to rock the New York City crowd.
Over the last few months, the "Uncapped Live" series has partnered with up-and-coming acts to help expose them to bigger audiences. MTV News caught up with K.R.I.T. and CyHi before the show to talk about what the opportunity means to them.
"They're actually helping artists such as myself, Big K.R.I.T., Pill [and] other up-and-coming hip-hop artists that's looking to stand on the forefront of hip-hop and the game," CyHi told us. "We're coming from the underground and we're doing it organically,...
- 9/8/2011
- MTV Music News
Langford’S Picks And Pans
All That Matters
Florian got some bad news about Roman..
As I said last week, I can’t bring the clips of this storyline to you, but I did want to discuss it as it's an important arc for one of the most beloved TV gay couples. To begin, to my surprise, I’m really enjoying this storyline. Last week’s episodes detailing Roman's impending doom were terrific. The writing for this story has been unusually strong for this generally fluffy soap, and the acting is outstanding, especially by Igor Dolsgatschew, who plays Deniz.
The scene where Deniz begged Roman to tell Florian about his illness and then talked about his own feelings about losing the man he loves had me misting up as much as the actor. Dennis Grabosch as Roman was good, but I was really taken by his co-star's work. Dolsgatschew has...
All That Matters
Florian got some bad news about Roman..
As I said last week, I can’t bring the clips of this storyline to you, but I did want to discuss it as it's an important arc for one of the most beloved TV gay couples. To begin, to my surprise, I’m really enjoying this storyline. Last week’s episodes detailing Roman's impending doom were terrific. The writing for this story has been unusually strong for this generally fluffy soap, and the acting is outstanding, especially by Igor Dolsgatschew, who plays Deniz.
The scene where Deniz begged Roman to tell Florian about his illness and then talked about his own feelings about losing the man he loves had me misting up as much as the actor. Dennis Grabosch as Roman was good, but I was really taken by his co-star's work. Dolsgatschew has...
- 9/7/2011
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
From left to right: Tilly, George, Sinead, Bart, Neil, Maddie, Callum and Jono. Abersoch gang Maddie (Scarlett Bowman), Jono (Dylan Llewellyn) and Tilly (Lucy Dixon) are all back on the scene as regular characters, attending the college and they are now joined by new characters George (Steven Roberts), Neil (Tosin Cole) and Callum (Laurie Duncan).
George, played by newcomer Steven Roberts, is billed as a "sharp-tongued fashionista". Steven recently graduated from Arts Ed drama school.
Neil is Jono's best friend - who wrongly believes that he's a big hit with the ladies. Neil is played by Tosin Cole, who appeared as Soloman in Eastenders:E20.
Another newcomer Laurie Duncan, from the Young Actors Theatre in Islington, plays Callum, the quiet one who does manage to impress the girls at the sixth form, but he's hiding a dark secret…
Hollyoaks' sixth formers become regulars from Monday, September 5 at 6.30pm on Channel 4.
George, played by newcomer Steven Roberts, is billed as a "sharp-tongued fashionista". Steven recently graduated from Arts Ed drama school.
Neil is Jono's best friend - who wrongly believes that he's a big hit with the ladies. Neil is played by Tosin Cole, who appeared as Soloman in Eastenders:E20.
Another newcomer Laurie Duncan, from the Young Actors Theatre in Islington, plays Callum, the quiet one who does manage to impress the girls at the sixth form, but he's hiding a dark secret…
Hollyoaks' sixth formers become regulars from Monday, September 5 at 6.30pm on Channel 4.
- 8/26/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
As we reported yesterday, Hollyoaks bosses have announced the characters who will be joining the village's sixth form college in the autumn. As expected, Abersoch gang Maddie (Scarlett Bowman), Jono (Dylan Llewellyn) and Tilly (Lucy Dixon) are all back on the scene as regular characters, attending the college alongside established faces Jason, Bart and Sinead. New characters George (Steven Roberts), Neil (Tosin Cole) and Callum (Laurie Duncan) are also in the mix of students, while Ruby and Esther aren't joining the college just yet but will continue to be involved with their friends' storylines. Following yesterday's announcement, the Hollyoaks team have now released new pictures showing the group all together...
From left to right: Tilly, George, Sinead, Bart, Neil, Maddie, Callum and Jono. George is billed (more)...
From left to right: Tilly, George, Sinead, Bart, Neil, Maddie, Callum and Jono. George is billed (more)...
- 8/26/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
British 'Price Tag' singer won't let a broken foot slow her down on Sunday night.
By Gil Kaufman, with reporting by Christina Garibaldi
Jessie J
Photo: MTV News
Even if you haven't heard Jessie J's infectious, bouncy summer jam "Price Tag," you are probably familiar with some of her songs. "Party in the U.S.A."? Yeah, she co-wrote the Miley Cyrus hit. Chris Brown's "I Need This" — Jessie again. She's also worked on songs for Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys.
And, of course, Jessie J is the house artist for this year's VMAs, the capper to a year that saw her finally release her long-gestating debut, Who You Are, which included a tune she originally wrote for Rihanna, the raunchy "Do It Like a Dude."
What befits a budding British pop star's biggest moment on live American TV? How about a giant orthopedic brace? And we...
By Gil Kaufman, with reporting by Christina Garibaldi
Jessie J
Photo: MTV News
Even if you haven't heard Jessie J's infectious, bouncy summer jam "Price Tag," you are probably familiar with some of her songs. "Party in the U.S.A."? Yeah, she co-wrote the Miley Cyrus hit. Chris Brown's "I Need This" — Jessie again. She's also worked on songs for Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys.
And, of course, Jessie J is the house artist for this year's VMAs, the capper to a year that saw her finally release her long-gestating debut, Who You Are, which included a tune she originally wrote for Rihanna, the raunchy "Do It Like a Dude."
What befits a budding British pop star's biggest moment on live American TV? How about a giant orthopedic brace? And we...
- 8/26/2011
- MTV Music News
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