Justin Timberlake made an unexpected cameo on The Tonight Show Monday night, appearing in a short, silly bit entitled "Looks," in which he and Jimmy Fallon held an entire conversation without saying a word.
In a scene ostensibly ripped straight from a mid-2000s romantic comedy — down to the folksy soundtrack of Rogue Wave's 2005 cut "Eyes" — Fallon and Timberlake tilt their heads ever so slightly towards the slow-moving camera, bat their eyes and smile deeply at each other. Yet their looks speak volumes, communicating warmth, compassion, concern and understanding...
In a scene ostensibly ripped straight from a mid-2000s romantic comedy — down to the folksy soundtrack of Rogue Wave's 2005 cut "Eyes" — Fallon and Timberlake tilt their heads ever so slightly towards the slow-moving camera, bat their eyes and smile deeply at each other. Yet their looks speak volumes, communicating warmth, compassion, concern and understanding...
- 9/15/2015
- Rollingstone.com
Some things just go together perfectly: peanut butter and jelly, burgers and fries, and, of course, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake. When you put the two friends together, you get one of the better comedic duos out there today, and even though it feels like it’s been forever since they last performed together on Saturday Night Live‘s 40th Anniversary Special, the pair reunited last night on The Tonight Show for “History of Rap 6.” As you can guess, it was pretty epic. Fallon and Timberlake raced through 20-plus songs during their performance, impressing the audience with their rapping skills while also making them laugh along the way. It’s six wonderful minutes that will definitely make your Thursday feel almost like a Friday. Check out the video below, and for those curious, here’s a complete breakdown of each song Fallon and Timberlake performed: R. Kelly & Jay Z’s...
- 9/10/2015
- by Chris King
- TVovermind.com
Justin Timberlake visited his buddy Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show Wednesday night, which usually means one thing: A new installment in their beloved, Roots-assisted "History of Rap" megamix. The pair wasted no time as the show opened with Timberlake and Fallon singing Jay Z and R. Kelly's "Fiesta" to kick off the dance party.
"History of Rap" spans over 30 years of hip-hop, from LL Cool J's "Rock the Bells" and Whodini's "Friends" to Fetty Wap's "My Way" and Drake's "Know Yourself." Along the way, Timberlake and...
"History of Rap" spans over 30 years of hip-hop, from LL Cool J's "Rock the Bells" and Whodini's "Friends" to Fetty Wap's "My Way" and Drake's "Know Yourself." Along the way, Timberlake and...
- 9/10/2015
- Rollingstone.com
Back-to-school time isn’t just for the kiddos anymore. Justin Timberlake made a triumphant return to The Tonight Show on Wednesday, and with a little help from his old pal Jimmy Fallon, the former *Nsync-er gave us all a history lesson… in rap.
RelatedFall TV Spectacular: Exclusive Scoop and Photos on 43 Returning Favorites!
Timberlake and Fallon performed another classic “History of Rap” medley, their sixth overall, consisting of 23 jams from Public Enemy to Fetty Wap.
To save you the trouble of pausing and Googling — because, honestly, who has time for that? — here’s a rundown of the songs performed in...
RelatedFall TV Spectacular: Exclusive Scoop and Photos on 43 Returning Favorites!
Timberlake and Fallon performed another classic “History of Rap” medley, their sixth overall, consisting of 23 jams from Public Enemy to Fetty Wap.
To save you the trouble of pausing and Googling — because, honestly, who has time for that? — here’s a rundown of the songs performed in...
- 9/10/2015
- TVLine.com
It's about time someone pandered to the host of "Lip Sync Battle" with an LL Cool J song -- and who better than The Queen? Queen Latifah took on Marlon Wayans in Spike's May 28 battle. LL said he didn't know Queen Latifah would be doing his song, "Rock the Bells," but she did it, and she did it proud. Marlon wasn't happy about it, but too bad.
As usual, there were two rounds of battle. In round one, Marlon got "Happy" with Pharrell Williams' song, and the Queen went for a sexy, subtle version of "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" by En Vogue. In round two, Marlon got emotional with Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" while Queen Latifah turned it up with "Rock the Bells." Was that enough to earn her the win? Probably. Marlon Wayans kept saying it was "cheating" but it was playing smart.
As usual, there were two rounds of battle. In round one, Marlon got "Happy" with Pharrell Williams' song, and the Queen went for a sexy, subtle version of "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" by En Vogue. In round two, Marlon got emotional with Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" while Queen Latifah turned it up with "Rock the Bells." Was that enough to earn her the win? Probably. Marlon Wayans kept saying it was "cheating" but it was playing smart.
- 5/29/2015
- by Gina Carbone
- Moviefone
Queen Latifah is on a mission to see just how far flattery can take her on Lip Sync Battle.
In a preview of Thursday's face-off against Marlon Wayans, the actress and musician lip-synchs along to "Rock the Bells" by LL Cool J.
Latifah channels her own hip-hop past as she raps along to the 1985 hit, wearing a red tracksuit, gold chains and a black hat, with backing from a group of similarly clad dancers.
And, while we're on the subject of style, check out Chrissy Teigen showing off her supermodel body in a formfitting leather dress with cutouts down the sides.
In a preview of Thursday's face-off against Marlon Wayans, the actress and musician lip-synchs along to "Rock the Bells" by LL Cool J.
Latifah channels her own hip-hop past as she raps along to the 1985 hit, wearing a red tracksuit, gold chains and a black hat, with backing from a group of similarly clad dancers.
And, while we're on the subject of style, check out Chrissy Teigen showing off her supermodel body in a formfitting leather dress with cutouts down the sides.
- 5/26/2015
- by Andrea Park, @scandreapark
- People.com - TV Watch
It's not easy lip-synching an LL Cool J song as LL himself watches on, but Queen Latifah makes the rapper proud with her performance of "Rock the Bells!" In a preview from this week's Lip Sync Battle, the hip-hop royal goes all out with LL's 1985 hit, and he appears to be quite impressed with her onstage presence and delivery! The Lip Sync Battle host is all smiles as he watches Latifah lead a crew of dancers and rap his lyrics. Commentator Chrissy Teigen is happy and dancing along to the beat, too, even throwing on an oh-so-'80s bucket hat like the one her co-host popularized some 30 years ago! Latifah lip-synching "Rock the Bells" is excellent, let's be clear on that,...
- 5/26/2015
- E! Online
Queen Latifah is set to bring the house down on Thursday’s episode of “Lip Sync Battle” if the most recent preview of the performer rocking out to LL Cool J‘s “Rock the Bells” is any indication. LL, who hosts the hit Spike show, seemed to give his blessing for the rendition, as he jumps to his feet when Latifah begins mouthing one of his early songs. She closes out the tune by offering praise to Cool J, saying, “LL Cool J, the greatest of all time!” Latifah will go up against comedian Marlon Wayans in the episode. No...
- 5/26/2015
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Ice Cube Upset He Lost Best Onscreen Duo At MTV Movie Awards, Claims Paul Walker Got 'Sympathy' Vote
Ice Cube put his foot in his mouth Monday when he said that Paul Walker and Vin Diesel won the MTV Movie Award for Best Onscreen Duo due to “sympathy” votes, and that he and Kevin Hart should have won.
Ice Cube Says Paul Walker Got "Sympathy" Votes For MTV Movie Award
“We was robbed. Shame on you MTV,” Ice Cube told USA Today on Monday, April 14, following the awards.
“We had the best chemistry of everybody nominated, for us not to win was crazy. We were the best onscreen duo, period,” Ice Cube continued.
Ice Cube was nominated for the award with his Ride Along co-star Hart. He went on to say that they lost the due to the “sympathy” votes from fans as a tribute to Walker, who died suddenly in a car accident in late November 2013.
“They should have gave it to him before he passed away,...
Ice Cube Says Paul Walker Got "Sympathy" Votes For MTV Movie Award
“We was robbed. Shame on you MTV,” Ice Cube told USA Today on Monday, April 14, following the awards.
“We had the best chemistry of everybody nominated, for us not to win was crazy. We were the best onscreen duo, period,” Ice Cube continued.
Ice Cube was nominated for the award with his Ride Along co-star Hart. He went on to say that they lost the due to the “sympathy” votes from fans as a tribute to Walker, who died suddenly in a car accident in late November 2013.
“They should have gave it to him before he passed away,...
- 4/15/2014
- Uinterview
The Rock the Bells festival had a huge line-up, but Wd-40 and Walter White were not scheduled to attend.
Unfortunately, that news may disappoint some fans, who professed to knowing all about the made-up artists on Jimmy Kimmel's "Lie Witness News."
Similar to his bit in Coachella in the spring, the comedian sent a camera crew to ask concertgoers who were excited to be on camera about acts that didn't exist.
However, that didn't stop many fans, who waxed eloquently about Voldemort, DJ Rosh Hashanah featuring Rabbi, Purell, and Mc FroYo. Check out the fibbers in the video below.
Unfortunately, that news may disappoint some fans, who professed to knowing all about the made-up artists on Jimmy Kimmel's "Lie Witness News."
Similar to his bit in Coachella in the spring, the comedian sent a camera crew to ask concertgoers who were excited to be on camera about acts that didn't exist.
However, that didn't stop many fans, who waxed eloquently about Voldemort, DJ Rosh Hashanah featuring Rabbi, Purell, and Mc FroYo. Check out the fibbers in the video below.
- 10/11/2013
- GossipCenter
In this week's installment of 10 Stories You Might Have Missed: Is J.J. Abrams shooting part of "Star Wars: Episode VII" in IMAX? Also: Warner Bros. may be planning more "Harry Potter" spin-offs, "Independence Day 2" eyes "Fruitvale Station" star Michael B. Jordan, Bryan Cranston is returning to "How I Met Your Mother," "South Park" scores, "Army Wives," gets the axe, hip hop festival Rock the Bells cancelled in New York and D.C., and more. Catch up here:...
- 9/28/2013
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
On the eve of making two Canadian stops on his 2 High 2 Die tour with Action Bronson, Danny Brown tweeted that he has not been allowed entry into Canada. Citing undisclosed problems at the border, Brown also added that he wasn’t able to get through even though he made an effort to take care of some necessary paperwork ahead of time. His two shows in Edmonton, Alberta and Vancouver have been canceled, but he will pick back up with Action Bronson at Rock the Bells this Sunday. This is the second time Brown hasn’t been allowed into Canada. In...
- 9/12/2013
- Pastemagazine.com
Both Eazy-e and Ol’ Dirty Bastard were resurrected over the weekend. Granted, these rebirths were via hologram (or "hologram"), but the audiences at Rock The Bells seemed to appreciate it. Hologram Eazy-e joined Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to perform three tracks—“Straight Outta Compton,” “Boyz-n-Tha-Hood,” and “Foe Tha Love Of $”—only the last of which is actually by Bone Thugs. That song’s music video is notable for being the last clip in which Eazy would appear before his death in 1995. Virtual Odb joined the Wu-Tang Clan at Rock The Bells for two songs: “Shame On A Nigga” and “Shimmy Shimmy ...
- 9/9/2013
- avclub.com
***Warning: Explicit lyrics***Eazy-e Is Back!!!!!...as a hologram.It went down last night at the Rock the Bells concert in San Bernardino where E rapped alongside his protege's Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and former Nwa crony DJ Yella.The group reunited to jam on songs like "Boyz-n-the-Hood" and "Straight Outta Compton" ... and it all happened on what would have been Eazy's 50th birthday.Dope, man. Read more...
- 9/8/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
With a new album, Event II, out Oct. 1, Deltron 3030 has announced a relatively extensive North American tour. A full list of dates is below, but it’s worth noting here that a number of the stops will feature not only the stylings of Dan The Automator, Del The Funky Homosapien, Kid Koala, and a three-piece backing band, but also an accompanying 16-piece orchestra. For those who don’t see their town listed below, don’t dismay. More dates are coming in the near future. Deltron 3030 tour 2013 Sept. 8—Rock The Bells—Los Angeles, California # Sept. 15 ...
- 8/22/2013
- avclub.com
New Orleans — R&B crooner Maxwell's sweet falsetto closed out Friday night's Essence Festival concert series in the Superdome that also featured performances by Brandy, LL Cool J and Jill Scott.
As the opening strands of "Sumthin, Sumthin," wafted through the arena, applause from the crowd swelled when Maxwell took the stage in a light-colored suit and tie.
His return performance to the festival's main stage included his hits "Lifetime," "This Woman's Work," "Simply Beautiful," and his latest duet with singer Alicia Keys, "Fire We Make."
In an interview before his set, Maxwell told The Associated Press that he's known Keys since she was 15. "She signed with Columbia (Records) alongside of me," he recalled. "We've always stayed in touch throughout the years and she called about a song to ask me if I'd like to do it with her. I told her, `Anything you want.' She's one of the classiest people I've ever met.
As the opening strands of "Sumthin, Sumthin," wafted through the arena, applause from the crowd swelled when Maxwell took the stage in a light-colored suit and tie.
His return performance to the festival's main stage included his hits "Lifetime," "This Woman's Work," "Simply Beautiful," and his latest duet with singer Alicia Keys, "Fire We Make."
In an interview before his set, Maxwell told The Associated Press that he's known Keys since she was 15. "She signed with Columbia (Records) alongside of me," he recalled. "We've always stayed in touch throughout the years and she called about a song to ask me if I'd like to do it with her. I told her, `Anything you want.' She's one of the classiest people I've ever met.
- 7/6/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Lil Eazy -- son of Eazy-e -- is so ecstatic about his dad's hologram debuting on stage with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, he's planning a massive party to celebrate it ... and to mark a milestone.Lil Eazy tells TMZ he will definitely be there when hologram Eazy-e hits the stage at the Rock the Bells festival on September 7 -- because that would have been his father's 50th birthday.Le says, "I am happy my father gets to...
- 5/28/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Festival season -- that time of year when beer flows freely from makeshift taps into clear plastic cups, clothing is shed and tanlines grow upon us like zippers on Michael Jackson's jackets -- is among us. Each year's summer brings with it more and more choices, so we are here to help make picking which festival to invest a few hundred of your hard-earned dollars on a bit easier. Should you dance with the young'ns at Electric Daisy Carnival or fashion yourself an art car and head to Burning Man? Does indie-shuffling with hipsters at Lollapalooza make more sense than getting a good dose of real hip-hop at Rock the Bells? Or does a Circuit Party offer the best bang for your buck? Take a look at the options below, and, no matter what you decide, remember to wear sunscreen.
- 5/23/2013
- by Kia Makarechi
- Huffington Post
Hologram enthusiasts the world over were delighted to learn that this year's Rock the Bells would feature two ghost rappers — Eazy-E and Ol' Dirty Bastard (in reunion with Bone Thugs and Wu-Tang). Except ODB's widow was apparently not consulted, and she has now filed a cease and desist. "I am looking forward to talking to Wu-Tang about this matter and coming up with a positive solution in order to bring my husband to the stage once again,” it reads. Okay, but does "positive solution" mean "hologram"?...
- 5/17/2013
- by Amanda Dobbins
- Vulture
Eazy-e doesn’t get the hip-hop cred he's due because he died of AIDS -- so say members of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. “Some people seem like they are afraid to commemorate him due to how he died,” Bizzy Bone tells TMZ. “But Bone never once has -- nor will stop -- commemorating him.”Eazy -- a founding member of N.W.A who discovered and mentored Bone Thugs -- died in 1995 at age 31. He left behind 7 kids with 6 different women.
- 5/17/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
DJ Yella -- one of the founding members of N.W.A -- will not be reaching back like a pimp and smacking the person who greenlit the Eazy-e hologram ... 'cause he thinks it's pretty damn cool. TMZ spoke with Yella -- who also produced Eazy's first solo album -- and the guy tells us he thinks it's Great that his deceased friend will come back to life (via hologram) to perform at the Rock the Bells...
- 5/15/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Taking a trick from last year’s Coachella festival, Rock the Bells 2013 will incorporate holograms of Eazy-e and Ol’ Dirty Bastard for this year’s traveling festival. Eazy-e’s image will join Bone Thugs N Harmony, while Ol’ Dirty Bastard will rejoin Wu-Tang Clan. Eazy-e died in 1995; Odb passed in 2004. Rock The Bells is billing their appearances as “original virtual performances.” The 4-date 10th anniversary edition of Rock The Bell kicks off Sept. 7-8 at San Bernadino, Calif.’s San Manuel Amphitheater, then moving to Mountain View, Calif.’s Shoreline Amphitheater, Sept. 14-15; Washington, D.C.’s Rfk Festival Grounds, Sept. 28-29; and Rutherford, N.J’s...
- 5/15/2013
- Hitfix
Holographic versions of Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Eazy-e will headline this year’s Rock The Bells tour. The four-date festival that apparently has no problem dragging out the deceased will also host living acts like Tyler The Creator, Jurassic 5, Common, and Bone Thugs N Harmony. Wu-Tang Clan will also perform, though whether or not it’ll be with the ghostly Odb isn’t really clear. A full line-up for the fest is below, as well as a list of the four scheduled stops. Rock The Bells 2013 dates: Sept. 7-9—San Manuel Amphitheater—San Bernadino, California Sept. 14-15—Shoreline ...
- 5/15/2013
- avclub.com
As you all know, Coachella marks the official start of Hologram Season, and so here is your 2013 ghost-rapper announcement: Eazy-e and Odb will be giving "original virtual performances" (with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Wu-Tang Clan, respectively) at Rock the Bells. Also on the lineup: Earl Sweatshirt; Tyler, the Creator; Danny Brown; Juicy J; Big K.R.I.T.; Hit-Boy; Common; and more. Welcome back, holograms!
- 5/15/2013
- by Amanda Dobbins
- Vulture
Eazy-e and Ol' Dirty Bastard are gearing up for their first performances since their deaths ... As Holograms ... and it's all going down in just a few months. Promoters for the annual "Rock the Bells" hip hop festival have announced a "virtual" Eazy and a "virtual" Odb will perform on stage (a la Tupac) during shows in September and October. According to AllHipHop.com ... hologram Eazy will perform with a living, breathing Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and O.
- 5/15/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Kid Cudi will make his film debut alongside Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul in the street-racing movie Need for Speed, based on the Electronic Arts video game series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Paul will play a small-time street racer who signs up for a New York-to-Los Angeles race to get revenge after he's framed for the death of a friend. Cudi will play a member of his crew in the movie, which DreamWorks says will seek to capture the tone of Seventies car-culture movies.
Onstage and Behind the Scenes...
Paul will play a small-time street racer who signs up for a New York-to-Los Angeles race to get revenge after he's framed for the death of a friend. Cudi will play a member of his crew in the movie, which DreamWorks says will seek to capture the tone of Seventies car-culture movies.
Onstage and Behind the Scenes...
- 1/15/2013
- Rollingstone.com
Boost Mobile in association with Guerilla Union have announced that Rock the Bells Festival.the world-class hip-hop festival series that occurred in three major markets this past summer.will be hitting venues nationwide in the Rock the Bells Tour Series Legendary hip-hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.who were billed as the festival.s .Special Guests..will continue celebrating their 20 year anniversary reunion as headliners of the Tour Series. The Tour will kick off on October 26 at The Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim, California and continue through the rest of 2012, making stops in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Milwaukee, Hawaii and Guam. In addition to an exclusive performance from all five original members, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony will also pay tribute to the late...
- 10/11/2012
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
In case you missed their Rock the Bells set, or the year 1996, Nas and Lauryn Hill are taking it back out on the road this fall. In bonus news, Lauryn Hill has written a brand-new single just for the occasion. It is called "Black Rage," and it will hopefully distract everyone from that tax situation or all the uncomfortable stories in the new Wyclef autobiography. (Yikes.) Anyway, tour starts on October 29; the dates are here.
- 9/19/2012
- by Amanda Dobbins
- Vulture
Bryon McCane is now sporting a slimmer frame better suited for keeping up with his lightning-fast lyrics. Down to a "crisp 165 lbs.," the rapper - also known as Bizzy Bone, of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - credits his 30 lb.-weight loss to giving up alcohol, cutting out fast food and keeping his stress in check. "I was drinking more than I should, so I said, 'Let's put the bottle down, period,' " McCane, 35, tells People. "I got back to the basics, getting my health together." After hitting his highest weight of nearly 200 lbs. seven months ago, McCane says he began "buckling down,...
- 9/1/2012
- by Thailan Pham
- PEOPLE.com
More like Shotgun Kelly ... 22-year-old rapper Mgk threw back a giant shot of vodka during a concert in L.A. this weekend -- then Spat It Into Some Chick's Mouth ... and TMZ has the bizarre footage.The rapper was performing at the Rock the Bells festival in San Bernardino Sunday -- when he took a massive swig out of a vodka bottle, then walked into the crowd with the liquid still in his mouth.Once...
- 8/23/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
In anticipation of Coachella tickets going on sale today, Funny or Die mocked up a poster in which the band names outline exactly what goes down at the festival (everything from the mundane to the psychotropic). These are also plausible names for indie bands — any one of them could spring out of the earth to populate next year’s festival. Check out the line-up below.
My personal favorite is Vodka in a Water Bottle — because I’m classy. What about you, PopWatchers? Which fake band do you want to see in real life?
Read more:
Coachella producers announce 2013 dates and prices.
My personal favorite is Vodka in a Water Bottle — because I’m classy. What about you, PopWatchers? Which fake band do you want to see in real life?
Read more:
Coachella producers announce 2013 dates and prices.
- 5/17/2012
- by Lanford Beard
- EW.com - PopWatch
There comes a time in every music festival's life when its organizers decide to go big.
For nearly a decade, the lineup at each successive iteration of the annual Rock the Bells festival seems to have gotten more and more audacious, the 2012 festival may take the cake.
(Scroll Down For Photos And Lineup)
This year, they're bringing out hip-hop royalty like Nas, Ice Cube, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (performing the entirety of "E. 1999 Eternal"), Naughty By Nature, Salt-n-Pepa, Redman and Method Man (performing the entirety of "Blackout"), Missy Elliot and Timbaland (performing together), local heroes E-40 and Too $hort (performing together!) and the RZA.
Did we mention Delton 3030 is performing too? That's Del the Funky Homosapien, Kid Koala and Dan the Automator's visionary sci-fi hip-hop project. And, yes, it's pretty much the greatest thing ever.
Combine that with upstarts like A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar and you've got...
For nearly a decade, the lineup at each successive iteration of the annual Rock the Bells festival seems to have gotten more and more audacious, the 2012 festival may take the cake.
(Scroll Down For Photos And Lineup)
This year, they're bringing out hip-hop royalty like Nas, Ice Cube, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (performing the entirety of "E. 1999 Eternal"), Naughty By Nature, Salt-n-Pepa, Redman and Method Man (performing the entirety of "Blackout"), Missy Elliot and Timbaland (performing together), local heroes E-40 and Too $hort (performing together!) and the RZA.
Did we mention Delton 3030 is performing too? That's Del the Funky Homosapien, Kid Koala and Dan the Automator's visionary sci-fi hip-hop project. And, yes, it's pretty much the greatest thing ever.
Combine that with upstarts like A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar and you've got...
- 5/17/2012
- by Aaron Sankin
- Huffington Post
The annual hip-hop festival Rock the Bells is expanding to two days this year and has unveiled a lineup that should have fans clamoring for a third. The festival has scored a coup by booking the long-awaited live return of Missy Elliott. Among the established big names and acclaimed newcomers in the lineup are Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Nas, Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, Dipset, Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, 2Chainz, Atmosphere, A$AP Rocky, Murs and Wu-Tang Clan's RZA. You prefer old school? Ice Cube, Salt-n-Pepa, Naughty By Nature, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane and a reunited Bone Thugs-n-Harmony will also make appearances, with the...
- 5/16/2012
- by Dave Lewis
- Hitfix
Kid Cudi, Nas and Wiz Khalifa (pictured) are just a few of the hip-hop heavyweights headlining the 2012 “Rock the Bells Festival,” Guerilla Union and Boost Mobile announced on Wednesday. The annual touring festival series always boasts many of the top artists from the world of rap and hip-hop, and this year’s installment will kick off in San Bernadino August 18 and 19. That means it has expanded into a two-day festival. Missy Elliot, who has been battling Graves’ disease, will also make an “exclusive North American festival performance” with longtime collaborator Timbaland.
- 5/16/2012
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
Lupe Fiasco tweets that he's not on this year's bill, despite an announcement to the contrary.
By Felicia Morris
Wiz Khalifa
Photo: Dana Nalbandian/ Getty Images
Hip-hop's premier music festival is back. On Tuesday, Guerilla Union held a press conference to reveal its lineup of hip-hop all-stars for Rock the Bells 2012. Freestyler extraordinaire Supernatural delivered the list of performers one-by-one with an impromptu rap, rattling off names like Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi, Nas, J. Cole and Mac Miller, as well as veteran acts like Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
Lupe Fiasco's name also appears on the festival's flyer, but on Wednesday morning (May 16), the Chi-Town lyricist tweeted that despite what was printed, he would not be in attendance this year. "Not doing Rock The Bellz...thats a typo fam and friends...," he wrote.
For the first time in nine years, Rock the Bells will expand its daylong festival to two days.
By Felicia Morris
Wiz Khalifa
Photo: Dana Nalbandian/ Getty Images
Hip-hop's premier music festival is back. On Tuesday, Guerilla Union held a press conference to reveal its lineup of hip-hop all-stars for Rock the Bells 2012. Freestyler extraordinaire Supernatural delivered the list of performers one-by-one with an impromptu rap, rattling off names like Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi, Nas, J. Cole and Mac Miller, as well as veteran acts like Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
Lupe Fiasco's name also appears on the festival's flyer, but on Wednesday morning (May 16), the Chi-Town lyricist tweeted that despite what was printed, he would not be in attendance this year. "Not doing Rock The Bellz...thats a typo fam and friends...," he wrote.
For the first time in nine years, Rock the Bells will expand its daylong festival to two days.
- 5/16/2012
- MTV Music News
Tennessee femcee Gangsta Boo will also chop it up with Sway on Wednesday at 3 p.m. on MTV.com.
By Nadeska Alexis
Mobb Deep
Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Last month, New York titans Mobb Deep exclusively revealed the cover art for their upcoming Black Cocaine Ep on our RapFix blog. Now, Havoc and Prodigy are set to swing by MTV's "RapFix Live" on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Et to talk about the November release, which they'll follow-up with their self-titled ninth studio album.
The duo will chop it up with Sway about their latest projects, as well as their catalog of classic albums, including 1995's The Infamous and 1996's Hell on Earth. Those records ushered the two Queensbridge, New York, MCs to the forefront of the East Coast's gritty street rap movement. And judging from the crowd's reaction at this summer's Rock the Bells Festival, hits like "Shook Ones II" haven't lost much steam.
By Nadeska Alexis
Mobb Deep
Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Last month, New York titans Mobb Deep exclusively revealed the cover art for their upcoming Black Cocaine Ep on our RapFix blog. Now, Havoc and Prodigy are set to swing by MTV's "RapFix Live" on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Et to talk about the November release, which they'll follow-up with their self-titled ninth studio album.
The duo will chop it up with Sway about their latest projects, as well as their catalog of classic albums, including 1995's The Infamous and 1996's Hell on Earth. Those records ushered the two Queensbridge, New York, MCs to the forefront of the East Coast's gritty street rap movement. And judging from the crowd's reaction at this summer's Rock the Bells Festival, hits like "Shook Ones II" haven't lost much steam.
- 10/25/2011
- MTV Music News
'We wouldn't do a Black Moon album without that,' Buckshot tells Mixtape Daily of Da Beatminerz touch.
By Rob Markman
Black Moon
Photo: MTV News
Behind the Beats: Da Beatminerz
In 1993, Brooklyn rap trio Black Moon made their debut and stood right alongside New York rap titans like Nas, Method Man and the Notorious B.I.G. With boom-bap singles like "Who Got Da Props?" and "I Got Cha Opin (Remix)," Buckshot, 5ft. and DJ Evil Dee were torchbearers for East Coast hip-hop. After a six-year hiatus, the group would go on to release their second album, 1999's War Zone, and their third LP, Total Eclipse, in 2003.
Now that the group has once again joined together for the 2011 Rock the Bells tour, many fans are wondering if there will be another reunion album in the works. The answer is yes, but things may take a while.
"There's only one thing holding up the album: me,...
By Rob Markman
Black Moon
Photo: MTV News
Behind the Beats: Da Beatminerz
In 1993, Brooklyn rap trio Black Moon made their debut and stood right alongside New York rap titans like Nas, Method Man and the Notorious B.I.G. With boom-bap singles like "Who Got Da Props?" and "I Got Cha Opin (Remix)," Buckshot, 5ft. and DJ Evil Dee were torchbearers for East Coast hip-hop. After a six-year hiatus, the group would go on to release their second album, 1999's War Zone, and their third LP, Total Eclipse, in 2003.
Now that the group has once again joined together for the 2011 Rock the Bells tour, many fans are wondering if there will be another reunion album in the works. The answer is yes, but things may take a while.
"There's only one thing holding up the album: me,...
- 9/9/2011
- MTV Music News
Ugh, we knew we were going to have to cover up this Mos Def tattoo eventually; we just hoped it would be out of sober regret, not because Mos Def changed his stage name to Yasiin. “I’m retiring the Mos Def name after 2011,” the actor/rapper told MTV’s Sucker Free at NYC’s Rock The Bells concert this past weekend. “I’m actually doing it. Yasiin. That’s it.” Well, maybe we can somehow turn the M into a Y…ugh, no, just start over on the other cheek.
While his real name continues to be Dante Terrell Smith, the former Black Star rapper won’t be offended if people slip up and use the wrong moniker from time to time. “Mos Def is a name that I built and cultivated over the years, it’s a name that the streets taught me, a figure of speech that...
While his real name continues to be Dante Terrell Smith, the former Black Star rapper won’t be offended if people slip up and use the wrong moniker from time to time. “Mos Def is a name that I built and cultivated over the years, it’s a name that the streets taught me, a figure of speech that...
- 9/7/2011
- by Halle Kiefer
- TheFabLife - Movies
Mos Def will soon be the rapper formerly known as Mos Def.
At this weekend's "Rock the Bells" concert in New York City, where the musician performed with Talib Kweli, Mos Def revealed that he's retiring his name by the end of 2011. The new name? Yasiin.
"I’m retiring the Mos Def name after 2011. I’m actually doing it," he told Sucker Free. "Mos Def is a name that I built and cultivated over the years, it’s a name that the streets taught me, a figure of speech that was given to me by the culture and by my environment, and I feel I’ve done quite a bit with that name and it’s time to expand and move on."
Watch the video below:
Get More: Sucker Free...
At this weekend's "Rock the Bells" concert in New York City, where the musician performed with Talib Kweli, Mos Def revealed that he's retiring his name by the end of 2011. The new name? Yasiin.
"I’m retiring the Mos Def name after 2011. I’m actually doing it," he told Sucker Free. "Mos Def is a name that I built and cultivated over the years, it’s a name that the streets taught me, a figure of speech that was given to me by the culture and by my environment, and I feel I’ve done quite a bit with that name and it’s time to expand and move on."
Watch the video below:
Get More: Sucker Free...
- 9/7/2011
- by Amy Lee
- Huffington Post
'When he comes in and listens to songs, it's not to critique them; it's to listen,' Joell Ortiz tells MTV News.
By Rob Markman
Eminem
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
New York — For hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, chemistry is key — not just among the group, but with label CEO Eminem as well. So while Royce Da 5'9", Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Joe Budden are busy working on their Shady debut, they are also getting to know Marshall on a personal level.
On the creative side of things, Em is keeping his distance, choosing to let Sh find their way during the initial recording process.
"He's kinda walking eggshells around us creatively. He's telling us basically, 'Do exactly what y'all did last time. We're just gonna do it on a bigger level. Y'all don't need me to make records; y'all can do that,' " Royce said backstage at Rock the Bells of Slim Shady's involvement.
By Rob Markman
Eminem
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
New York — For hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, chemistry is key — not just among the group, but with label CEO Eminem as well. So while Royce Da 5'9", Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Joe Budden are busy working on their Shady debut, they are also getting to know Marshall on a personal level.
On the creative side of things, Em is keeping his distance, choosing to let Sh find their way during the initial recording process.
"He's kinda walking eggshells around us creatively. He's telling us basically, 'Do exactly what y'all did last time. We're just gonna do it on a bigger level. Y'all don't need me to make records; y'all can do that,' " Royce said backstage at Rock the Bells of Slim Shady's involvement.
- 9/7/2011
- MTV Music News
Gary, Indiana's own Gangsta Gibbs will swing through on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et on MTV.com.
By Rob Markman
Freddie Gibbs
Photo: Roger Kisby/ Getty Images
The real is back! On Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et, "RapFix Live" returns with Freddie Gibbs, who will hit the couch to discuss everything from coming up in Gary, Indiana, to signing with Young Jeezy's Cte label to his upcoming project Cold Day in Hell.
While rap has diversified its cast of characters to include MCs from all walks of life, Gibbs has remained unapologetically gangster. Originally signed by Interscope in 2005, Gangsta Gibbs struggled to get the label to see his vision and was eventually released from his deal in October 2007.
But in 2009, Freddie proved that there was room for his brand of music. With his The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs and midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik, Gibbs made fans take notice. His grind paid off,...
By Rob Markman
Freddie Gibbs
Photo: Roger Kisby/ Getty Images
The real is back! On Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et, "RapFix Live" returns with Freddie Gibbs, who will hit the couch to discuss everything from coming up in Gary, Indiana, to signing with Young Jeezy's Cte label to his upcoming project Cold Day in Hell.
While rap has diversified its cast of characters to include MCs from all walks of life, Gibbs has remained unapologetically gangster. Originally signed by Interscope in 2005, Gangsta Gibbs struggled to get the label to see his vision and was eventually released from his deal in October 2007.
But in 2009, Freddie proved that there was room for his brand of music. With his The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs and midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik, Gibbs made fans take notice. His grind paid off,...
- 9/6/2011
- MTV Music News
'Sometimes people get stuck off of one style I got,' Raekwon tells MTV News about 1995's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. ...
By Rob Markman
Raekwon
Photo: MTV News
For Raekwon, the success of his 1995 classic debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx ..., is a double-edged sword. While the Wu-Tang Clansman celebrated and performed songs from his first album on Saturday at Rock the Bells in New York, he admitted to MTV News that sometimes the OB4CL admiration distracts from his other work.
"It is a gift and a curse, because sometimes people get stuck off of one style I got, and that's cool if that's what you love," Rae said backstage at Rock the Bells before he and Ghostface performed Cuban Linx ... for thousands of fans. "I mean, I wanna be loved regardless by the fans because they help me pay my bills and allow me to still be here, but...
By Rob Markman
Raekwon
Photo: MTV News
For Raekwon, the success of his 1995 classic debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx ..., is a double-edged sword. While the Wu-Tang Clansman celebrated and performed songs from his first album on Saturday at Rock the Bells in New York, he admitted to MTV News that sometimes the OB4CL admiration distracts from his other work.
"It is a gift and a curse, because sometimes people get stuck off of one style I got, and that's cool if that's what you love," Rae said backstage at Rock the Bells before he and Ghostface performed Cuban Linx ... for thousands of fans. "I mean, I wanna be loved regardless by the fans because they help me pay my bills and allow me to still be here, but...
- 9/6/2011
- MTV Music News
'We got a lot of music ready to go,' Prodigy tells MTV News of upcoming self-titled LP.
By Rob Markman
Mobb Deep
Photo: MTV News
Mobb Deep are free agents no longer. On Friday, the Queens, New York, rap duo announced their new deal with Sony's Red Distribution.
Under the terms, Red will distribute Havoc and Prodigy's Infamous Records, where they'll drop their self-titled album (their ninth), with Infamous Records functioning much like an independent.
"The way we structured it is as a distribution deal basically, so we run our own label, Infamous, and we gotta do the daily ins and outs of everything. We gotta handle all the record company business and they get it in the stores for us, basically," Prodigy told MTV News backstage at Rock the Bells in New York City on Saturday.
"It's been a long time coming," Havoc added. "We've been in...
By Rob Markman
Mobb Deep
Photo: MTV News
Mobb Deep are free agents no longer. On Friday, the Queens, New York, rap duo announced their new deal with Sony's Red Distribution.
Under the terms, Red will distribute Havoc and Prodigy's Infamous Records, where they'll drop their self-titled album (their ninth), with Infamous Records functioning much like an independent.
"The way we structured it is as a distribution deal basically, so we run our own label, Infamous, and we gotta do the daily ins and outs of everything. We gotta handle all the record company business and they get it in the stores for us, basically," Prodigy told MTV News backstage at Rock the Bells in New York City on Saturday.
"It's been a long time coming," Havoc added. "We've been in...
- 9/6/2011
- MTV Music News
'To have him on our team is only gonna make us better,' Crooked I says of Royce.
By Rob Markman
Slaughterhouse's Royce Da 5'9," Crooked I and Joe Budden
Photo: MTV News
New York — All for one and one for all. Last week, Royce Da 5'9" hoisted his first gold plaque for his and Eminem's Bad Meets Evil Ep Hell: The Sequel, and his Slaughterhouse bandmates couldn't be happier for the Detroit spitter.
"It feels great to actually be accomplishing things," Royce told MTV News backstage at Rock the Bells. "Five years ago, I was in jail, so this is phenomenal for me, and I feel like it's starting the machine and it's starting the Shady Records movement, because this is a good springboard to get the Slaughterhouse project off the ground, and we wanna make being lyrical cool again. We want the kids to look at lyricism and feel like that's cool.
By Rob Markman
Slaughterhouse's Royce Da 5'9," Crooked I and Joe Budden
Photo: MTV News
New York — All for one and one for all. Last week, Royce Da 5'9" hoisted his first gold plaque for his and Eminem's Bad Meets Evil Ep Hell: The Sequel, and his Slaughterhouse bandmates couldn't be happier for the Detroit spitter.
"It feels great to actually be accomplishing things," Royce told MTV News backstage at Rock the Bells. "Five years ago, I was in jail, so this is phenomenal for me, and I feel like it's starting the machine and it's starting the Shady Records movement, because this is a good springboard to get the Slaughterhouse project off the ground, and we wanna make being lyrical cool again. We want the kids to look at lyricism and feel like that's cool.
- 9/6/2011
- MTV Music News
WSJ Raekwon in his trailer at Rock the Bells, NY.
It’s not every Saturday night I find myself surrounded by the Wu-Tang Clan. And yet, there I was last night: in the middle of a jubilant crowd, receiving a warm hug from Raekwon.
But first, it took awhile to find him. I was scheduled to interview Raekwon, aka The Chef and one of the original emcees of the seminal rap group, the Wu-Tang Clan. My conversation with Raekwon would...
It’s not every Saturday night I find myself surrounded by the Wu-Tang Clan. And yet, there I was last night: in the middle of a jubilant crowd, receiving a warm hug from Raekwon.
But first, it took awhile to find him. I was scheduled to interview Raekwon, aka The Chef and one of the original emcees of the seminal rap group, the Wu-Tang Clan. My conversation with Raekwon would...
- 9/4/2011
- by Barbara Chai
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Mobb Deep, Slaughterhouse, Erykah Badu and more revisit classic material for a day of hip-hop celebration on New York stop.
By Rob Markman
Nas at Rock The Bells
Photo: MTV News
New York — Thousands of rap fans gathered in hip-hop's birth city for a daylong celebration of the genre's classics. Nas, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon and Ghostface Killah all performed at the Rock the Bells 2011 festival on Governor's Island in New York City on Saturday (September 3).
The musical tour was comprised of four stages, including the main Rock the Bells stage, the Wu-inspired 36 Chambers stage and the underground-themed Paid Dues stage. More than 20 acts, including Mobb Deep, Slaughterhouse, Black Moon, Big K.R.I.T., the Immortal Technique and Gza, performed, with some dedicating their sets to their own classic albums; others devoted their shows to just a gang of fan-favorites.
The festivities kicked off at approximately 2 p.
By Rob Markman
Nas at Rock The Bells
Photo: MTV News
New York — Thousands of rap fans gathered in hip-hop's birth city for a daylong celebration of the genre's classics. Nas, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon and Ghostface Killah all performed at the Rock the Bells 2011 festival on Governor's Island in New York City on Saturday (September 3).
The musical tour was comprised of four stages, including the main Rock the Bells stage, the Wu-inspired 36 Chambers stage and the underground-themed Paid Dues stage. More than 20 acts, including Mobb Deep, Slaughterhouse, Black Moon, Big K.R.I.T., the Immortal Technique and Gza, performed, with some dedicating their sets to their own classic albums; others devoted their shows to just a gang of fan-favorites.
The festivities kicked off at approximately 2 p.
- 9/4/2011
- MTV Music News
'After almost 20 years in this industry, it was inevitable for us to take matters into our own hands,' Prodigy says in a press release.
By Rob Markman
Mobb Deep
Photo: Robert Adam Mayer
The Infamous is back in the house once again. MTV News has learned that Mobb Deep have signed their Infamous Records with Red Distribution, the independent distribution system of Sony Music. Havoc and Prodigy will drop their self-titled ninth album as well any others that they sign and any film projects they choose to take on under the new deal.
"After almost 20 years in this industry, it was inevitable for us to take matters into our own hands. We feel that Red is the perfect home for our brand," Prodigy said in a press release issued to MTV News. "We know who our fans are and what they want from Mobb Deep. We're excited to take...
By Rob Markman
Mobb Deep
Photo: Robert Adam Mayer
The Infamous is back in the house once again. MTV News has learned that Mobb Deep have signed their Infamous Records with Red Distribution, the independent distribution system of Sony Music. Havoc and Prodigy will drop their self-titled ninth album as well any others that they sign and any film projects they choose to take on under the new deal.
"After almost 20 years in this industry, it was inevitable for us to take matters into our own hands. We feel that Red is the perfect home for our brand," Prodigy said in a press release issued to MTV News. "We know who our fans are and what they want from Mobb Deep. We're excited to take...
- 9/2/2011
- MTV Music News
As one of hip-hop's most influential and prolific MCs, Nasir Jones (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) has always defined the genre more than it has defined him. Seventeen years since his classic 1994 debut opus, "Illmatic," the reclusive Queensbridge, New York, native is gearing up to release his latest offering, "Life Is Good," before the end of 2011.
In a recent interview with The Huffington Post, Nas (as he is widely known) opened up on an array of topics, including his latest philanthropic efforts -- as part of Unicef's "Month of Giving" and their support of children in Somalia, as well as details on his new album, fatherhood and marriage advice, among other things.
Can you speak on your involvement with Unicef's "Month of Giving" and what inspired you to reach out to them?
I'm all about what they're all about, I'm happy to work with reputable people. I reached out...
In a recent interview with The Huffington Post, Nas (as he is widely known) opened up on an array of topics, including his latest philanthropic efforts -- as part of Unicef's "Month of Giving" and their support of children in Somalia, as well as details on his new album, fatherhood and marriage advice, among other things.
Can you speak on your involvement with Unicef's "Month of Giving" and what inspired you to reach out to them?
I'm all about what they're all about, I'm happy to work with reputable people. I reached out...
- 8/24/2011
- by Brennan Williams
- Huffington Post
Getty Donald Glover
Given how young and playful so much of his work is on TV shows like “30 Rock” and “Community,” it seems appropriate that comedian and writer Donald Glover’s hip-hop alter ego is named Childish Gambino.
But in just five years, Glover has become accomplished in Hollywood, and his burgeoning rap career is anything but a joke: although he got his stage name from a Wu-Tang name generator, he’s been recording music for many years, and is...
Given how young and playful so much of his work is on TV shows like “30 Rock” and “Community,” it seems appropriate that comedian and writer Donald Glover’s hip-hop alter ego is named Childish Gambino.
But in just five years, Glover has become accomplished in Hollywood, and his burgeoning rap career is anything but a joke: although he got his stage name from a Wu-Tang name generator, he’s been recording music for many years, and is...
- 8/24/2011
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Getty Erykah Badu performing in Pasadena last week.
Along with her fellow Rock the Bells artists Mos Def and Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu is at the forefront of a movement of hip-hop and R&B artists who took unconventional routes with their careers after enjoying commercial success.
Following the release of her multimillion-selling 1997 debut “Baduizm,” Badu (born Erica Wright) spent the next decade developing her pioneering nu-soul sound into new directions, working with underground producers to create material that defied...
Along with her fellow Rock the Bells artists Mos Def and Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu is at the forefront of a movement of hip-hop and R&B artists who took unconventional routes with their careers after enjoying commercial success.
Following the release of her multimillion-selling 1997 debut “Baduizm,” Badu (born Erica Wright) spent the next decade developing her pioneering nu-soul sound into new directions, working with underground producers to create material that defied...
- 8/23/2011
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
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