Dr. Conrad Murray just filed legal docs in which he claims his manslaughter conviction should be overturned, on grounds that the judge should have allowed him to prove … Michael Jackson was so stressed out over his financial woes … he recklessly…
She may not always seem like the relationship type, but comedian Chelsea Handler is rumored to be back in on the love scene.
According to a report from Us Weekly, the “Chelsea Lately” star is once again getting cozy with former flame Andre Balazs.
After dating for just less than a year, the pair split last November, but insiders now say they’re back together. The two were first spotted at the Warner Music Group’s Grammy Celebration in West Hollywood on February 12th, but most recently were seen dining on oysters at BP Oysterette in Santa Monica, Calif last weekend.
The “This Means War” actress is usually pretty open about her life and relationships, but in a recent interview with Redbook, the 36-year-old says she chooses not to comment on her status with Balazs, saying, “I won’t comment on that publicly, because he specifically asked me not to, I don’t have an issue with discussing it, but I would like to respect someone else’s privacy.”
So if all goes well could we see the blonde funny woman walking down the aisle?
Not so fast, as Handler explains, “I’m not looking to get married. I’ve always been like, ‘Oh, this could be fun for a while. Sometimes you get into a relationship and you think, ‘Oh, this could be more serious.’ And sometimes you’re like, ‘Ahhh, I’m going to have to break up with this person eventually.’”
Songwriter The-Dream tells ‘RapFix Live’ of Rihanna, ‘She’s my friend, so whatever she wants to do is whatever she wants to do.’ By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
The-Dream on “RapFix Live” Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
Fans were shocked and some outraged when they heard Rihanna‘s “Birthday Cake” remix with ex-beau Chris Brown. The-Dream, who wrote the song, admits that he was a bit surprised when Rihanna told him that she’d like to include the man who once assaulted her on the track, but the “Shawty is a 10″ singer was far more understanding than Rih Rih’s detractors.
“At the end of the day, she’s my friend, so whatever she wants to do is whatever she wants to do,” The-Dream told Sway when he appeared on “RapFix Live” on Wednesday (February 22), just two days after Rihanna released the controversial remix.
The-Dream remembers first getting the call from Rihanna while driving in Miami. “I think I’m gonna put Chris on it,” he remembers the Talk That Talk singer saying to him over the phone nonchalantly. “I don’t know which Chris you talkin’ about, [but] OK, cool, whatever you say,” The-Dream remembers responding.
Of course there is really only one Chris, and The-Dream came to grips with the reality that the two would be coming together in song after the damaging 2009 assault that left Rihanna battered and bruised and Brown public enemy #1. “She’s pretty smart too. The same questions that went through my mind, and I’m an artist also, had to have gone through hers,” The-Dream told “RapFix Live.” “When she raised the question to me, I know she’s not crazy. So my thought was you’ve been thinking about this, you’ve already thought it out, so evidently you know what reaction you gonna get.”
The singer/songwriter said that he was just happy that she gave him enough forewarning that he too could prepare for any type of backlash. Still, despite the rumblings of whether or not Rihanna is sending the right message collaborating with Chris on “Birthday Cake” as well as Brown’s “Turn Up the Music” remix, The-Dream says that it all boils down to forgiveness. “Don’t say you know how to forgive when you don’t,” he warned. “Everybody knows what took place, cool. Have the power to really forgive if that’s what it is, if not stay on that side of the fence from the beginning.”
In no way did The-Dream condone Brown’s behavior on that February night in 2009, but he does suggest that it is time for people to move on. “It’s easy to kinda throw Chris under the bus all the time, but c’mon, man. OK, we get it,” he said.
Do you support Rihanna’s decision to work with Chris Brown again? Leave your comment below!
‘If you like a movie, heck, you can call it ‘Dirt,’ ‘ Andrew Stanton says of dropping ‘of Mars’ from the title. By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Taylor Kitsch in “John Carter” Photo: Disney
After decades in development limbo, the hero of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, “John Carter of Mars,” will finally find his way onto the big screen with the guidance of director Andrew Stanton. But when he gets there, he’ll have dropped the “of Mars.”
After a rather controversial title change, the classic title “John Carter of Mars” became the shortened and genre-neutral “John Carter.”
For fans of the original Burroughs novels, this came as a move away from the beloved source materials, and Stanton admitted to MTV News’ Josh Horowitz that the change concerned him initially as well. “At first, I bristled, to be really honest. You can’t control people’s first impressions as much as you’d like,” he said. “There are just a lot of people that assume that it’s this weird astronaut/ space thing when you have ‘Mars’ in the title.”
The change took time to accept, but with it, Stanton found a new angle of the story to explore. “Even then, I wasn’t going to be swayed, but then I realized, ‘Wow, the movie’s really about a guy that becomes John Carter of Mars,’” Stanton said. “I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but then I sort of thought, ‘All right, so now that actually makes sense. Maybe I can pull something that I haven’t seen people do in a movie before.’ ”
But what’s in a name? Stanton said that if he made a movie people can love, then not much. “My feeling is, if you like a movie, heck, you can call it ‘Dirt,’ and they’ll call it whatever for the rest of the time it exists,” Stanton said.
The title change was among Disney’s several marketing choices that took heat from fans. But Stanton said he understands the challenge of marketing one of his unorthodox films, like his last movie, “WALL-E.”
“Disney’s been changing hands, so it’s been a little bit of all hands on deck, but I feel we’re finally in good hands and we’re settling in,” Stanton said. “It’s not like anything else exactly. I’m used to giving Disney movies that they’re not used to selling, so I knew it would be a bumpy road, to be fair to them.”
What do you think of Disney’s decision to drop “of Mars” from the title? Leave your comment below!
I went to the premiere on Tuesday and it was the coolest thing ever. First, the movie is AMAZING and Chris Evans is a superstar. Second, there were so many damn people there it was insane. I have been to movie premieres in New York before and they were nothing like this. I mean, they closed down Hollywood Boulevard. I would’ve taken photos to show you, but the invite said to leave phones in the car. But here’s a photo of me in my cool Captain America 3D glasses:
(Sit down, stop jumping around, it’s an awesome picture, I know. And the quality is amazing. It’s not grainy or reddish… it’s perfect.) (No, it’s not.)
(And you can totally see the Captain America logo on the side of the glasses.) (No, you can’t.)
Anyway, Captain America is pulling a strong 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes right now so GO SEE IT! IT’S FANTASTIC!
Oh man!
Carrie Underwood is not just ADORABLE – we think she may have one hell of a SMASH on her hands!
The country singer is hard at work in the recording studio, finishing up work on her upcoming album, and was kind – and SNEAKY – enough to upload this snippet of its lead single, Good [...]
Faithfully attending yet another hearing, Lindsay Lohan has finally set a new, more productive course for her life as evidenced by her behavior.
The ?Mean Girls? actress went before Judge Stephanie Sautner during her probation progress hearing, and was commended for her diligent work.
Sporting a seafoam green dress, LiLo was found to be in compliance with her probation conditions, and is on schedule to complete her duties in March.
Judge Sautner exclaimed, ?You?re in the home stretch. You seem to be getting your life back on track.? Lindsay?s next appearance in court is scheduled for March 29th.
Kris Jenner isn’t the only one who “can’t wait” to lavish Kourtney Kardashian’s baby with girly gifts.
Khloé Kardashian Odom is among the other members of the…
Journey drummer Deen Castronovo is going back to school … anger management school … as part of a plea deal in his domestic violence case. TMZ broke the story … 47-year-old Castronovo was arrested on January 20 after allegedly attacking his GF…
Some very good news for Lindsay Lohan today!
LiLo has just left the El Lay County Courthouse, after reporting to Judge Stephanie Sautner for possibly the second to last time. Today, she and her lawyer updated the judge on her progress with her community service and therapy sessions, both of which she has completed with glowing [...]
Whenever he leaves office, President Barack Obama may have a found a new career. Who would have guessed his reelection strategy would involve more singing?
Last month, the Commander-in-Chief sang Al Green at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Then last night, he shared the stage with Mick Jagger, B.B. King and Jeff Beck.
The all-star musical lineup performed in the East Room of the White House, with the President joining in for an ensemble rendition of “Sweet Home Chicago” …
The full version of In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues is set to air on local PBS stations on next Monday, February 27, at 9 p.m. ET.
For most of the evening, Barack and Michelle Obama took in the concert from the audience, swaying in their seats and occasionally getting up to dance.
But after some prodding from Buddy Guy, who referenced Obama’s Apollo performance and told him, “You gotta keep it up,” the President took the stage.
Taking the microphone offered by Rolling Stones frontman Jagger, Obama sang a few bars – again, surprisingly well – and handed the mic off to B.B. King.
“This music speaks to something universal,” Obama said, as quoted by the AP.
“No one goes through life without both joy and pain, triumph and sorrow. The blues gets all of that, sometimes with just one lyric or one note.”
From the Super Bowl to international premieres and star-studded Super Bowl bashes, celebs stepped out in high style this weekend. Take a look at what looks stars were snapped in!
Former Bachelorette star Ashley Hebert, who famously rejected Ben Flajnik, is trying to give Courtney Robertson the benefit of the doubt. She really is.
But while Ash admits she didn’t find Court as despicable as usual on this week’s episode of The Bachelor, she’s totally calling her out for one thing:
Ripping off her so-called heartfelt vows from Sex and the City!
“First of all, I do have to say that Courtney’s ceremony was a little bit of a rip-off idea – because we did that on my season, with William,” recalls Hebert.
“And she blatantly stole her vows from Sex and the City!”
In their faux wedding, Courtney memorably told Ben, “I am looking for love. Real love. Passionate, consuming, can’t-live-without-each-other love.”
Sarah Jessica Parker said, “I am someone who is looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t-live-without-each-other love.”
Remember? To Mikhail Baryshnikov, from the series finale? When Carrie breaks it off with the Russian? Right before Big tracks her down in Paris?
Anyway, Ashley Hebert is like the rest of us – flummoxed by Courtney.
“There are some people I can read really well, but I can’t figure her out,” Hebert continued. “I’m trying to give her the benefit of the doubt!”
“But I’m trying to figure out if she’s just trying to find a sweet way to tell him that she loves him, or if she’s just trying to move on to the next round.”
“Is this forced? Is this real? I’m having a really hard time figuring it out.”
You and us both, Ash. But Hebert, who turned down Ben’s proposal in preparation to accept J.P. Rosenbaum’s (they are still engaged), thinks it’s working.
“You can see it in his face, ‘This is it.’ And he believes her,” she says. “If I were the other girls and I was watching this back, I would be so upset.”
“He pretty much married Courtney, pretty much had sex with her when they went skinny-dipping. You know, it’s like, what a rip-off for the other girls.”
“Especially if he doesn’t end up with Courtney!”
For those fans who are shocked that he’s not going to end up with Kacie Boguskie, who was let go this week, Hebert says that she realized something.
“I think Ben sees Kacie as a friend, not a lover,” she says. “I wish she had acted more like a woman, instead of a little girl, with the batons and the band.”
And as for Kacie’s question – “What the f–k happened?!” – Hebert says simply that “Courtney happened. After knowing Ben. I think he will choose Courtney.”
Bam Margera spent Fat Monday in the custody of the New Orleans Police Department … after the “Jackass” star got arrested for getting a little too crazy during a Mardi Gras party. TMZ obtained photos of Bam being escorted into a police station…
Rapper Fabolous got a record number of people wasted last weekend in Atlanta — dropping $45,000 on 120 BOTTLES of champagne at a nightclub … and it was all a favor for his good friend.Sources tell TMZ, Fab bought the bottles of Rosé…
Filmmaker’s impending return to the Autobots-Decepticons war is a hot topic of debate on this week’s ‘Talk Nerdy.’ By Josh Wigler
Director Michael Bay Photo: Dr. Billy Ingram/WireImage
The big-screen return of Optimus Prime was all but guaranteed when “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” earned more than a billion dollars at the worldwide box office. But less certain was the return of Michael Bay, the outspoken filmmaker who directed all three movies in the “Transformers” trilogy. Like leading man Shia LaBeouf before him, Bay hinted that “Dark of the Moon” would be his last time driving the Autobots forward. But as with all things “Transformers,” it appears there was more than meets the eye with that story.
Bay’s return for “Transformers 4″ was confirmed this week during a conversation between MTV News and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura. While most fans are thrilled at the prospect of seeing future “Transformers” films, others are skeptical about the return of Bay. That very question — to Bay or not to Bay — is one of the top topics of conversation in this week’s edition of “Talk Nerdy.” Check out the debate in the video below, and keep reading for more from this week’s show!
Autobots Keep Decepticons at Bay When it comes to “Transformers,” Bay brings a lot to the table: money, name recognition and explosions aplenty. That formula has worked well for the past three “Transformers” movies, but is Bay really the right man for what’s supposed to be a wholesale reboot? Team Nerdy was divided on the issue. See what they think in this week’s episode.
Spidey Goes Viral Beyond Bay, big news in the nerdy-movie space involved the arrival of a new “Amazing Spider-Man” viral campaign this week. On Monday, Peter Parker’s backpack was dropped off at MTV News, followed a day later by a cell phone and cryptic message urging your friendly neighborhood Splash Page editor to stay tuned for further instructions. The details of the viral campaign remain unclear, but one thing’s for sure: Anticipation for “Amazing Spider-Man” has never been higher. Watch “Talk Nerdy” for the gang’s thoughts on the webslinger’s big-screen comeback.
Burning for “Ghost Rider” It’s war at the box office this weekend as Chris Pine and Tom Hardy team up for “This Means War,” going toe-to-flaming-skull against “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.” Both are worthy films in their own right, according to the Nerdy team, though only one of these movies features burning urine. Proceed to your local theaters accordingly.
What do you think of this week’s “Talk Nerdy” discussion? Tell us in the comments!
‘The Descendants’ and ‘The Ides of March’ earn the Academy Award-winner his sixth and seventh nominations. By Kevin P. Sullivan
George Clooney in “The Descendants” Photo: Fox Searchlight
At this point in his career, almost 30 years after he started acting, George Clooney has become not only one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, but a regular competitor at each year’s Oscars. This year’s Academy Awards nominations, his sixth and seventh, for “The Descendants” and “The Ides of March” represent the diverse work Clooney is now known for and the many different roles he takes on.
Clooney’s journey to Sunday night’s 2012 Oscars took a familiar path through the festival circuit with releases in the second half of the year, one carefully engineered to spell awards success, but the two films that got him there and the work he did cover a wide spectrum in filmmaking.
“Ides of March” took shape late in 2010, when Clooney signed on to wear three hats for the film: actor, producer and director. His fourth directorial effort to date, the political drama follows a young junior campaign manager (Ryan Gosling) as he struggles with the moral dilemmas of supporting a presidential candidate, played by Clooney.
Based on Beau Willimon’s play “Farragut North,” the script for “Ides of March” earned Best Adapted Screenplay nominations for the original author, Clooney and his frequent collaborator Grant Heslov. Though Clooney’s well-known political affiliations and beliefs stood in the foreground, the man himself took more of a backseat, limiting his onscreen role to a few keys scenes.
During awards season, the film made a small mark, after debuting to only mildly positive reviews. It did, however, take a spot on the National Board of Review’s top 10 of the year and earned four Golden Globes nominations, including Best Picture (Drama) and Best Director.
In “The Descendants,” Clooney took a familiar spot as leading man, but the role of Matt King required him to be anything but his usual model of suave confidence. As a soon-to-be widow, Clooney fully adopted the dopey mantel of an Alexander Payne hero in the tradition of Paul Giamatti in “Sideways” and Matthew Broderick in “Election.”
But unlike his predecessors as a lead in one of Payne’s films, Clooney’s character remained almost entirely sympathetic throughout the film, thanks in large part to the believability of the acting. He effortlessly took on the role of an utterly clueless father with good intentions, helping make “Descendants” such a true and touching film.
In the week leading up to Oscar night, Clooney stands neck and neck with fellow nominee Jean Dujardin as the favorite. It would be Clooney’s second win for acting, his first coming in 2006 as supporting actor in Stephen Gaghan’s “Syriana.”
However Sunday’s ceremony might shake out for Clooney, he has proven himself a mainstay for the Academy Awards, and — whether he’s acting, directing, writing or producing — someone who will continue to appear on shortlists for years to come.
The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 26, tune into MTV.com at 5:30 p.m. ET for our three-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night’s big winners.
Minnie Drivergave birth to her son Henry Story in 2008, but has kept the identify of his father a secret — until now. In an interview with The Observer, the 42-year-old actress breaks her silence, revealing that 3-year-old Henry’s father was a writer on her FX drama, The Riches.
Paul Rudd and MTV News’ Josh Horowitz have been known to find themselves in odd situations whenever they meet up. Back in 2008 when Rudd was promoting his then-upcoming film “Role Models,” the pair went out to Dave & Buster’s. Needless to say, the interview ended with Rudd and Horowitz inside a gigantic claw game [...]
This is an unwanted dose of reality.
Two freelance producers associated with creating challenges for reality TV shows, including The Amazing Race, were reportedly believed to be poisoned…
Making safety look fashionable, Dianna Agron strapped on a helmet while delving into her filming duties on Tuesday (February 21).
The “Glee” actress wore a bright yellow top under a polka dot jacket with skinny jeans for the Los Angeles workday on her FOX show’s set.
Sitting in a wheelchair, the 25-year-old was joined by co-star Kevin McHale, with the pair preparing for what is believed to be a wheelchair race for an upcoming episode of the musical comedy.
As for the “Winter Finale” episode that aired tonight (February 21), Miss Agron’s Quinn Fabray character got into a car crash – which may just have something to do with her being in a wheelchair during the day’s shoot.
But we’ll have to wait awhile to find out, as “Glee” comes back with its next episode airing on Tuesday, April 10th at 8/7c on FOX.
Actress will return to ‘Saturday Night Live’ on March 3 with musical guest Jack White. By Jocelyn Vena
Lindsay Lohan Photo: Getty
Live from New York, it’s Lindsay Lohan! The embattled actress will host “Saturday Night Live” on March 3, the show has confirmed.
This will be the fourth time she takes the “SNL” stage, where she’ll be joined by musical guest Jack White. In a statement to CNN, her rep said, “Lindsay is very much looking forward to hosting SNL and working with the incredible cast, crew and writers to put on a memorable show.”
Her probation restrictions end in March, just in time for her to host. Meanwhile sources told TMZ that Lohan called up “SNL” head honcho Lorne Michaels asking if she could host an episode this season. After several conversations, Michaels and Lohan settled on the March date.
The source added that Lohan has always loved hosting the show and looks to Michaels as a father figure.
Since Lohan first hosted “SNL” back in 2004 at the tender age of 17, the actress has been through quite a lot, including multiple court appearances and several jail stints. In the years since, she’s had a hard time reigniting her once-thriving movie career. Most recently she was attached to a movie about mobster John Gotti. She last hosted “SNL” in 2006.
While Lohan has had a hard time booking movie gigs, she did make headlines when she appeared in Playboy in December. In the issue, the actress opened up about her public woes.
“Looking back, I probably would have listened to and taken more advice from the people whom I admire and would have followed through with it more,” she said. “My stubbornness at 18 and 19 years old got in the way. During the past five years, I’ve learned that time flies faster than you think, and because you only live once, you have to learn from your mistakes, live your dreams and be accountable.”
Will Lindsay Lohan make a good “SNL” host? Leave your comment below.
Sugarland have reluctantly waded into the blame game. Though mostly to make sure that the fingers aren’t pointed anywhere near their direction.
The country duo has responded to a…
The darkest timeline has ended!
It’s time to celebrate Human Beings: a return date for Community has finally been set! Huzzah! The comedy was shelved by NBC during midseason to make…
All hail Will Ferrell, er, King Bacchus!
The funnyman donned a red gown and crown in his role as King Bacchus, Roman God of Wine, in New Orleans’ annual Mardi Gras…
FINALLY!!
Despite the fact she’s probably only doing this for her own publicity, this is the moment we’ve been waiting … because we know Dr. Drew won’t let her beat around the bush!!!
Dina Lohan is set to be interviewed by Dr. Biceps Drew tonight, and the doc plans on getting to the bottom of [...]
It marks one month until spring, but February 21 is a monumental day on the calendar for a far sexier reason:
It’s the birthday of three beautiful young celebrities: Ashley Greene (25), Jennifer Love Hewitt (33) and Charlotte Church (27).
In honor of such a gorgeous occasion, we encourage readers to send in their best wishes to these birthday gals and also to honor your favorite by voting for her below, as we ask the question on everyone’s mind: Whose cake would you most want to jump out of… if you know what we mean?
Also celebrating birthdays today, but not worthy of being included in this poll: Corbin Bleu (23), Kelsey Grammer (57), Alan Rickman (66).
Even without his own album, Rozay owned 2011 and topped our Hottest MCs in the Game list. By MTV News staff
Rick Ross Photo: MTV News / Getty Images
When Rick Ross experiences a personal moment of triumph, a hearty grunt typically marks the occasion. Built up from the bowels of his belly, Rozay’s baritone call has become as ubiquitous as his titillating one-liners — not that a simple ad-lib is the only thing that earned Rick Ross the #1 spot on MTV News’ Hottest MCs in the Game VII list, his first time up top.
Rozay was on pace to release his fifth studio album until he faced a pair of “minor setbacks,” as he so poetically dubs the two seizures he suffered in October.
“God Forgives, I Don’t was slated to come out in 2011, and he had the two seizures, and we thought it was going to make him fall back completely — but he came back and hit us with Rich Forever,” MTV News senior hip-hop writer Rob Markman pointed out during the Hottest debate.
The truth is, Rozay’s 2011 reign didn’t hinge on an album release. The Bawse set things up properly in February of last year when he signed his Maybach Music Group record label over to Warner Music Group and scooped up newcomer Meek Mill (this year’s #7 Hottest MC), Wale (#10) and later Stalley. Musically, Ricky Ro put his team in position to dominate with the label compilation Self Made, Vol. 1. Rather than taking all the shine, Ross passed the baton to Meek, who delivered “Ima Boss” and “Tupac Back.” Wale contributed the rhythmic gem “That Way,” and even ousted MMG spitter Pill logged serious miles on the LP.
HOT STREAK
Album:Self Made, Vol. 1, with Maybach Music Group
Selected Mixtapes:Rich Forever
Singles: “You the Boss” (featuring Nicki Minaj), “I Love My Bitches”
Street Bangers: “9 Piece” (featuring Lil Wayne), “Stay Schemin’ ” (featuring Drake and French Montana), “Yella Diamonds”
Key Guest Appearances: DJ Khaled’s “I’m on One,” Meek Mill’s “Ima Boss,” Lil Wayne’s “John,” French Montana’s “Shot Caller” remix, Drake’s “Lord Knows”
Meteoric Metrics: Ross established his Maybach Music Group brand as its CEO when he notched two #1 rap albums with Wale’s Ambition and MMG’s Self Made, Vol. 1
Business Ventures: Despite having a solo deal with Def Jam, Ross bossed up and took his MMG label to Warner Music Group, signing Wale, Meek Mill and Stalley.
Tours: Rozay joined Wayne on his I Am Still Music Tour
Monumental Moment: Ross is no stranger to success as a solo artist, but after he signed his MMG label to Warner, he truly became a boss!
Forecast: To be able to dominate 2011 without a solo album released is an amazing feat for Ross. With God Forgives, I Don’t on the way and a possible collabo mixtape with Drake, the Double-M-Genius may be going for the repeat.
“You wouldn’t even know that he didn’t have an album out [early last year], because he was all over the radio,” said Rahman Dukes, director of hip-hop news at MTV News.
Whether on his own singles (“You the Boss,” “I Love My Bitches”) or on tracks that he was featured on, the M-I-Yayo MC turned in multiple unforgettable performances. “Ima Boss” was technically Meek’s song, but the casual listener may have missed that fact. Lil Wayne’s “John” was basically a remix of the 2010 Ross track “I’m Not a Star,” and on the summer anthem “I’m on One,” Rozay flexed his muscle alongside Drake and Weezy.
“Rick Ross makes raw records, he makes street records. When he gets on a verse, his beat selection is impeccable,” MTV Jams’ Tuma Basa said, before pointing to Ross’ star-making ability with Meek and Wale. “He’s making other people hot, and these are people, without Ross, may not have been on this list. They’re on this list thanks to Ross.”
It’s deeper than rap with the Double-M-Genius. Beyond the studio, the Bawse proved his worth in the boardroom as well. “I don’t think any artist did a better job of branding than Rick Ross,” said MTV RapFix blog editor Nadeska Alexis. “He was just a marketing genius this year, and you gotta give it to the man.”
Ross meets all the criteria to be considered the Hottest MC in the Game. His impact is irrefutable: Even without a solo album, he maintained a healthy and consistent buzz throughout the year, notching a #1 rap album with his Self Made compilation. Lyrically, Rozay has grown from his “Hustlin’ ” days and become one of the game’s most celebrated spitters, and his swag is through the roof. Check his big-boned, shirtless confidence, immaculately groomed beard and top-of-the-line designer-sunglass collection.
If that weren’t enough, the rotund Rozay cemented his #1 spot in January when he dropped his free 19-song Rich Forever mixtape. While there is no SoundScan or Billboard chart that can measure its impact, with Rich Forever, Ross proved in this era of overdone crossover singles that rap still rules.
“Rick Ross, I think, provides hope to that MC, to that kid growing up who just wants to rap and make street music and say, ‘You know what? In this world where hip-hop has become pop, you can still just rap,’ ” Markman said.
She’s coming ba-aaack!
It’s all set?Lindsay Lohan’s rep confirms to E! she’ll be hosting Saturday Night Live on March 3, marking her first return to the show since…
Chi-Town hero claims the Throne and Hottest MCs in the Game VII’s top 3 with a Twisted Fantasy and a groundbreaking joint album. By MTV News staff
Kanye West Photo: Getty Images
To be considered one of the Hottest MCs in the Game, a rapper has to build a solid case with lyrics and album sales, but buzz is just as important, and few artists can stir up a frenzy quite like Kanye West, who happens to have the verses and plaques to back it up. But that’s just touching the surface when it comes to why the Hip-Hop Brain Trust gave ‘Ye the #3 spot on our Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.
The Chicago native set tongues wagging back on New Year’s Eve 2010, when he announced at a party in Las Vegas that his joint album with Jay-Z would arrive at the top of ’11. Although Watch the Throne didn’t actually drop until August 8, 2011, anticipation in the months leading up to its release was palpable.
“Kanye came off of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in 2010, and just the hype from that album rolled over into 2011, as he started prepping us for WTT,” said Nadeska Alexis, MTV News’ RapFix blog editor. “Kanye was the only thing people could talk about for the first few months of the year.”
West and Jay teased fans with the single “H.A.M.” — later relegated to a bonus track — all while Kanye continued to push songs from his Grammy-winning solo LP. A flashy video for “All of the Lights” featured an appearance from Rihanna and generated plenty of chatter, and that folded right into the Watch the Throne hype.
HOT STREAK
Album:Watch the Throne with Jay-Z; My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Selected Mixtapes: None
Singles: “All of the Lights” (with Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie); “H.A.M,” “N—as in Paris” and “Otis” (all with Jay-Z)
Street Bangers: “Paris” remix (with Jay-Z and T.I.)
Key Guest Appearances: Big Sean’s “Marvin & Chardonnay”
Meteoric Metrics:Watch the Throne debuted at #1 on the album charts and has sold approximately 1.3 million copies to date, while West’s Grammy-winning solo single “All of the Lights” was certified platinum
Business Ventures: Inked an official distribution deal with Def Jam Records for G.O.O.D. Music imprint; launched DW by Kanye West line at Paris Fashion Week
Tours: Along with Jay-Z, West put on one of the most anticipated hip-hop tours to date in support of Watch the Throne. They grossed $48.3 million across 26 dates.
Monumental Moment: Not only did Kanye add “cray” to the rap vernacular, he joined Jay in performing “Paris” a record 11 times at one of their live shows
Forecast: After picking up Grammys for Best Rap Album (MBDTF) and Best Rap Performance (“Otis”), Kanye is currently at work on the highly anticipated G.O.O.D. album. And, of course, the second incarnation of his fashion line is getting plenty of advance buzz.
In the weeks before the album debuted, Throne fans were treated to more tidbits from the project, much of which had the indelible Kanye West stamp. Animal-inspired cover art designed by Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci? The brainchild of Kanye West, certainly.
“Jay-Z has really stood alone over the course of his career and he never really let somebody else get in the front,” said Rahman Dukes, MTV News’ director of hip-hop news, about the collaboration. “This is the one time [he let someone take control] and that’s a huge nod to Kanye’s genius.”
One of the key elements in building anticipation for the album was that the Throne successfully avoided a leak. The duo even threw a grand listening session at the Museum of Natural History in New York City — select music journalists and A-list insiders from Beyoncé to Lyor Cohen attended — that helped make the project an unbelievable spectacle right up until its drop date.
Post-release, the two rap titans began prepping for their monumental Watch the Throne Tour, a jaunt that ultimately grossed more than $48 million. Somehow, in the midst of all this, Kanye found time to debut his fashion line, DW by Kanye West, at Paris Fashion Week.
“Kanye is interesting even when it’s a side project,” noted Rebecca Thomas, editor/writer at MTV News. “He debuted a fashion line in Paris and people cared — people who arguably wouldn’t even care about that stuff.” “He did the fashion show the same weekend as the BET Hip-Hop Awards and people were giving them an equal amount of attention,” Dukes added.
The tour finally ended and Kanye jetted off to London to work on the second incarnation of his fashion line and the upcoming G.O.O.D. Music album, but the world continued to pay close attention. All it took was one night and one legendary Twitter rant for ‘Ye to capture the headlines on seemingly every blog and magazine.
“He just had such a big presence this year, even on Twitter,” Alexis said. “Kanye gets on Twitter and ‘DONDA’ is trending for hours and every magazine is writing about him.”
Kanye’s buzz was undeniable in 2011. Couple that with sales of Watch the Throne and its spectacular tour, and he was just unstoppable, winning a majority vote to land at #3 on the list.
MTV News thinks ‘Rango’ is the likely winner at this year’s Academy Awards, but who should win? By Josh Wigler
“Rango” Photo: Paramount Pictures
The Academy Awards are fast approaching, and it’s bound to be an animated show this year — if not a particularly “Adventure”-ous one.
For the first time in years, animation powerhouse Pixar has been shut out of the Oscar race for Best Animated Feature Film, leaving the field wide open for an unexpected newcomer to take the top prize. Two foreign flicks — “A Cat in Paris” and “Chico & Rita” — are in the mix, battling it out against popular favorites and proven franchise hits “Kung Fu Panda 2″ and “Puss in Boots.” But we expect that the Academy will skew toward the surreal this year, honoring the beautifully bizarre “Rango” with a shiny new golden statue.
Read on for our picks and wishes for Best Animated Feature Film.
Who Will Win: “Rango” takes it home. “A Cat in Paris” and “Chico & Rita” cancel each other out, as do DreamWorks Animation’s two offerings. That leaves the door open for the little chameleon that could, played to quirky perfection by seasoned veteran Johnny Depp. Reteaming with his former “Pirates of the Caribbean” captain Gore Verbinski, “Rango” stands out as one of the most original animated movies to hit theaters stateside in quite some time. It’s fully deserving of its impending victory. Having said that…
Who Should Win: “The Adventures of Tintin.” Clearly, it’s not going to win — it’s not even nominated! A travesty, I say. Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the adventure tales from Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi stands out as one of the greatest comic book films of 2011, and in my opinion, the best animated movie of the year. It deserves not just a nomination, but a win, for its fantastic score from John Williams, wonderfully inventive opening credits, astoundingly assembled action pieces and yet another all-star motion-capture grand slam from the incredible Andy Serkis. “Tintin” didn’t win its Golden Globe award for nothing, folks. This movie should already be polishing its Oscar by now — there are no excuses for its exclusion from the race.
The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 25, we’ll put you on the red carpet and bring you all the winners.
Michael Bay is back for “Transformers 4.” Depending on your position, this is either a very good thing or a very bad thing ? or, if you’re a bit more zen, it really doesn’t matter much at all. Bay’s return to “Transformers” was a big topic on this week’s Talk Nerdy, but there’s more to [...]
Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton are reportedly giving their relationship another try after spending a romantic holiday in Monaco. The couple, who split after dating [...]
Chloe Marshall Sweet 16 headed to Miss England 2008 Chloe Marshall of the UK has just won the Miss Surrey 2008 beauty pageant. She is now advancing towards the Miss England contest, which is opened to females ages 17-24. If Chloe Marshall can win the Miss England 2008 pageant, she will advance to the Miss
Hayden Panettiere is GQ’s Obsession of the Year Heroes star Hayden Panettiere has been named Obsession of the Year in a recent issue of GQ. The teen celebrity is photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth. She is adorable in the photos and actually now that she?s eighteen, it?s okay to look at her ?in tha
Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is pulling out all the stops for his post-Oscars special, airing on January 26. So far he?s managed to book the one and only Oprah Winfrey, among a sea of many other A-listers set to stop by. Jessica Biel, Jason Bateman, JJ Abrams, Steven Tyler, Tyler Perry, Edward [...]
‘Part of Me’ singer was seen wearing Army fatigues on set in California. By Jocelyn Vena
Katy Perry Photo: Getty Images
Katy Perry may be deep in shooting the video for her latest single, “Part of Me.” The singer was spotted wearing a military uniform on the set of something this week.
In several photos that made their way online, Perry dons a cropped black wig and fatigues. One shot is of her standing next to male soldiers. Another features her standing in a store. The last photo is of her in a pool with a soldier (still wearing the Army garb). According to Perez Hilton, she is shooting the military-themed video at Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California.
A rep for the base could not confirm reports that she is shooting there when contacted by MTV News. Meanwhile, her rep had not responded to our request for comment by press time.
Earlier this week, Perry teased that she was looking forward to hitting the set for the “Part of Me” video. “Holy power of the Grammy’s, Part Of Me is already top 10 on itunes! U guys are killing it! NICE! Can’t wait to shoot this video!” she tweeted on Monday, one day after she debuted the song at the Grammys.
The Teenage Dream: Complete Confection song is a bit darker than most Perry fans might be used to. The song is about the dissolution of a relationship, during which Perry sings scathing lines like “Days like this I want to drive away/ Pack bags and watch your shadow fade/ You chewed me up and spit me out like I was poison in your mouth/ You took my life, you drank me down/ But that was then and this is now.”
And in what has been taken as a jab at her former hubby, Russell Brand, she adds, “You can keep the diamond ring/ It don’t mean nothing anyway.”
What did you think of Katy Perry’s Grammys performance? Leave your comment below!
‘Having blockbusters in your life is never a bad thing,’ he says at press conference. By Jocelyn Vena
Christina Ricci and Robert Pattinson in Berlin on Friday Photo: Sean Gallup/ Getty Images
Robert Pattinson appeared at the Berlin International Film Festival on Friday (February 17) to promote his latest effort, the big-screen adaptation of the Guy de Maupassant novel “Bel Ami.” During the press conference, the actor opened up about making the film, which follows a manipulative young man who romances various women in 19th-century Paris.
“To work as a journalist? It’s funny. I kind of like the idea, especially when he gets into the gossip section of the newspaper,” the actor said about his character’s job in the flick and how he related it to his own headline-making life.
“Something that was written in … 1885, for it to be the exact same situation as it is now, where you have a template article and you just replace the name and it could be about anybody, I thought that was really funny. But he’s not really a journalist. … It’s basically like being a reality TV star now,” he said. “It was one of the jobs where you could kind of [get ahead]; he found a loophole in life where he could get money and a reputation by basically doing nothing. It was fun; it was interesting.”
As for the film, Pattinson said that he agreed to do it because he thought he might never get the chance to play a character like that again. “It’s funny, the structure of ‘Bel Ami’ and the character of Georges really rarely comes up in movies anymore because he’s completely unrepentant, and normally a movie has to teach somebody a lesson nowadays. It was quite fun playing that,” he said. “They both have their good sides.”
He added that when he first read the script, he related to Georges’ motivations. “I read the script a long time ago. I was pretty young. I think I’ve changed a little bit,” the actor said. “I kind of understood that. You create an empire just so you can sh– on someone else. I think I’ve grown up a little bit. I’m not as horrible.”
The film is much different in tone than “Twilight,” and Pattinson addressed any concerns he might have about bringing that audience along to this film, which opens in March.
“I guess my responsibility, I think, it’s not necessarily to give anything back other than try and do the best work you can. You get an audience for doing certain jobs, so I think the biggest disservice you can do to your audience is trying to repeat the same thing and to come just to get money or whatever,” he said. “If a ‘Twilight’ audience would come watch ‘Bel Ami,’ it’s a movie that I wouldn’t have thought that audience would go to, so I think that in some way, it’s kind of doing a service to someone. I felt like I learned a lot from it.”
Pattinson spoke about balancing smaller films with big ones like “Twilight.” “Having blockbusters in your life is never a bad thing,” he said. “When you’re making it, if everyone is expecting it to be a blockbuster, it’s kind of lame.”
What’s this I hear about a Spice Girls reunion tour? Seriously? People will pay to see that?
?Jennifer, via the inbox
The rumor on this one is as wispy as Victoria…
Amanda Knox was arrested on murder charges in 2007, convicted in 2009, freed in 2011 (after that initial conviction was overturned) — and now, she’s ready to tell her story. The New York Times reports that Knox, 24, has sold her memoir to HarperCollins for nearly $4 million after a heated, days-long bidding war between publishing houses.
After the departure of Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul last month, there are two female judges’ spots available on The X Factor. Simon Cowell has said that he was considering the late Whitney Houston for one of the positions, and now it looks like Janet Jackson may also be a possibility.
Having herself a magical weekend in the Sunshine State, Kelly Clarkson paid a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on Sunday (February 19).
The “Mr. Know It All” singer wore an ear-to-ear smile on her face as she joined alongside Princess Belle and Beast from Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ while situated in the Rose Garden area of the Magic Kingdom theme park.
The previous night, Miss Clarkson was busy doing what she does best – as she performed a show at Universal Studios Orlando.
With Kelly’s rendition of her hit song “Since U Been Gone” available for viewing below, the stage effort was held as part of the Mardi Gras Concert Series.
Family and friends said their final farewell to the iconic singer who was buried at the Fairview Cemetery in New Jersey. By Sowmya Krishnamurthy
Whitney Houston Photo: WireImage
NEWARK, New Jersey — Superstar singer Whitney Elizabeth Houston was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Westfield, New Jersey today. She was buried next to her father John Houston at the Fairview Cemetery. According to reports, fans and onlookers lined streets with memorials and signs, watching as the police-escorted motorcade and the hearse carrying her casket drove to the cemetery.
The 48-year-old died on February 11, 2012. She was found dead inside her Beverly Hilton hotel room at approximately 3:55 p.m. PT in Los, Angeles. The official cause of death is still being investigated. She was at the Beverly Hilton in preparation for mentor Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party.
Houston was memorialized in a grand ceremony yesterday at the New Hope Baptist Church, the same church she grew up singing in as a child in Newark, New Jersey. The “homegoing” ceremony, marking the singer’s spiritual return “home”, lasted some five hours and was conducted in the Baptist tradition. Although invite-only, it was nationally televised and streamed on Livestream for fans. It featured family friends, professional colleagues and dignitaries from all walks including daughter Bobbi Kristina, cousin Dionne Warwick, actor/filmmaker Tyler Perry, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Newark Mayor Cory Booker. Flags in New Jersey flew half mast in Houston’s honor.
Bittersweet, the ceremony celebrated Houston’s amazing life and accomplishments and guests shared personal anecdotes about their Nippy, her nickname. Clive Davis mused, “You wait for a voice like that for a lifetime. A face like that. A smile like that. A presence like that for a lifetime. And when one person embodies it all — well, it takes my breath away.” Bodyguard costar Kevin Costner fought back tears as he said, “Go sing for your heavenly father, Whitney.”
Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, the Winans family and R. Kelly were among those who gave Houston a musical send-off. Stevie Wonder personalized the lyrics of his classic “Ribbon In The Sky” to “There’s an angel in the choir of love” for Whitney while R. Kelly performed a moving rendition of “I Look to You”, a song he penned that Whitney featured on her 2009 album of the same name. The proceedings ended in a fitting manner with Whitney’s most famous song, “I Will Always Love You,” playing as her casket was somberly walked out of the church.
Whitney was at her peak the definitive pop diva that all others were measured up to. Her phenomenal vocal range and gorgeous looks made her a multi-genre sensation. The daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, her pristine voice ruled the 80s and 90s with a slew of chart-topping albums and memorable songs like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “The Greatest Love of All”; she broke the chart record with seven consecutive Billboard #1 songs. Her promising film career included roles like 1992′s The Bodyguard and 1995′s Waiting to Exhale and her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” from the former film stands as one of the most recognized and beloved songs in pop history. Houston’s artistic influence is indelible still on subsequent generations from Mariah Carey to Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Hudson.
Despite a long-standing public battle with addiction and a tumultuous relationship with then-husband Bobby Brown, Whitney was working on staging a personal and professional comeback at the time of her death. She had wrapped filming on the movieSparkle with Jordin Sparks and was working on new music. Since her untimely passing, Whitney has sold over 1 million albums and singles. The diva lives on.
Whitney Houston‘s "homegoing service" on Saturday afternoon opened to the exuberant strains of the white-robed New Hope Mass Choir and the New Jersey Mass Choir at the First Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J. Over 80 members strong, the singers clapped, swayed and belted out praise along to a house band led by Houston’s longtime musical director and friend, Rickey Minor.
They’re ba-aaack!
The second season of Khloe & Lamar premiered tonight and it was off to a hot start (and this is before the titular stars relocate to Dallas), with…
Bringing her sexiness to Sin City, Audrina Patridge was the center of attention at PURE Nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night (February 18).
Tending to her duties as face of the brand, the former “Hills” hottie showed off her fabulous figure as she celebrated the launch of Curve Appeal for Men at the Caesars Palace Resort and Casino nightclub.
Tweeting throughout her Vegas visit, Audrina wrote, “Goodtimes tonight…. Saw lots of Stunna shades #vegaslife,” adding, “I’m going to learn how to play craps today!!… Wish me luck:) xoxo”
In related news, Miss Patridge recently chimed in her thoughts on the possibility of NFL quarterback Tim Tebow voicing his desire to compete on the ABC competition series “Dancing with the Stars”.
“I think he would do amazing,? she told Celebuzz. ?He?s obviously an awesome football player so he wouldn?t have a problem with being driven or competitive. That?s a great start.?
The 26-year-old also spoke about how she thinks one of her former MTV male co-stars should show off their dancefloor moves, as she dished, ?Kristin [Cavallari] and I did it so it would be nice to see one of the guys get out there. We would never see them dance when we would go out so that would be interesting to watch. For a guy, they just need to loosen up, be light on their feet, and just have fun with it. Don?t take it too serious.?
Just hours after Bobby Brown made a brief appearance and then bailed at Whitney Houston’s funeral … he showed up to perform with New Edition in Connecticut … and stayed.Bobby has performed numerous times since Whitney’s passing, the first time…
Amanda Knox was arrested on murder charges in 2007, convicted in 2009, freed in 2011 (after that initial conviction was overturned) — and now, she’s ready to tell her story. The New York Times reports that Knox, 24, has sold her memoir to HarperCollins for nearly $4 million after a heated, days-long bidding war between publishing houses.
British singer Adele has launched legal action against a French magazine over their claims of having a sex tape of the star, stating the allegation [...]
She’s forty-four and feeling fabulous, and Kate Walsh proudly showed off her fit figure for the March 2012 issue of Shape.
The Dr. Addison Montgomery actress offered up an insightful interview for her magazine feature while also running through her workout exercises which include the glute sweep, 120 burn and single leg kick.
Highlights from Miss Walsh’s interview are as follows. For more, be sure to check out Shape!
On her current state of life: “Right now, I feel really healthy, confident, and sexy. I’m enjoying my 40s and wanted to share that. Is it a midlife crisis? I do drive a Porsche, so maybe it is!”
On plastic surgery: “We live in a strange time when getting plastic surgery is as common as dyeing your hair. But in my profession, I need a malleable face. Everyone has her line in the sand. I draw mine at facials and laser treatments. But if others want to go a step further, it’s their call.”
On her taste in men: “George Clooney and Clive Owen are both hot, but I tend to go for men who can make me laugh. So to me, comics like Louis C.K. and Ricky Gervais are really sexy.”
On quitting smoking cigarettes: “I’ll admit it, I used to love smoking. But from a health perspective, it’s a no-brainer. I lost my father to lung cancer when I was 22. When I stopped, everyone told me it would be great and that I would feel amazing, but I didn’t. I missed it. I wanted to be able to indulge occasionally, but I’m not that type. One minute it’s a casual thing to do; the next it’s, ‘I’m addicted!’”
On her hidden talent: “My hidden talent is playing the clarinet, but I’m even better it drumming! Emotionally and spiritually, it makes me feel great ? and physically, it gives me b***hin’ arms. And who doesn’t secretly want to be a rock star?”
‘She is really, really good in ‘Battleship,’ ‘ director Peter Berg tells MTV News. By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Taylor Kitsch and Rihanna in “Battleship” Photo: Universal Pictures
Besides facing the normal challenges of the summer box office, “Battleship” has a cast full of young actors, like Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker and pop superstar Rihanna trying to prove their skills in a big-budget movie.
In the case of Rihanna, many skeptics turned their nose up at the idea of the singer making the crossover to acting, but her director on “Battleship,” Peter Berg, told MTV News at New York’s Toy Fair that she was a natural. “She was great,” he said. “She has a very strong part.”
Berg insisted that Rihanna’s casting was not as unorthodox as many may have thought, citing a whole host of singers who act. He has even had personal experience helping performers make the transition.
“I’ve always believed in musicians as actors. I had great success with Tim McGraw in ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘The Kingdom.’ Musicians have been acting since Frank Sinatra won an Oscar for ‘From Here to Eternity,’ ” Berg said. “Barbra Streisand, Kris Kristofferson, the late Whitney Houston, I thought, was tremendous in ‘The Bodyguard.’ As recently as Mariah Carey in ‘Precious,’ she was great.”
The director thought it was only a matter of time before someone cast Rihanna in a film; he just wanted to be first. “I was surprised no one had ever thought to hire Rihanna,” he said. “I was a huge fan of her videos. Obviously she’s sexy, but she had this real intensity. I’m like, ‘Someone’s going to get her.’ ”
When Berg initially met with Rihanna to talk about “Battleship,” it was her attitude that made a lasting impression on him.
“When I met with her, she came in a T-shirt and jeans, no makeup, very natural,” he said. “She was like, ‘Look, I want to be an actress. Don’t kiss my ass. Don’t lie to me. Push me. Treat me as you would any other actor. Help make me good.’ She is really, really good in ‘Battleship.’ ”
Reese Witherspoon is one lucky gal — not only does she have a beautiful family and a cute new hubby (CAA agent Jim Toth) at home, but on the big screen, she has two very handsome guys fighting over her. In This Means War (out in theaters Feb. 17), clean-cut California boy Chris Pine and rugged Brit Tom Hardy play CIA operatives who are buddies, until they discover that they are after the same girl.
It looks like Glee star Chris Colfer has struck gold with his upcoming big-screen debut.
And only we can show you why! We’ve got the exclusive first look at the teaser trailer for…
After days spent arguing with Whitney Houston’s family over whether or not he’d attend his ex-wife funeral, multiple sources confirm that Bobby Brown continued arguing with his former in-laws today.
And actually left the memorial after just 20 minutes as a result.
Both E! News and TMZ report that Brown brought an entourage of nine people in to the Newark church. It’s unclear exactly what happened from there, but the singer was spotted exiting the house of worship shortly after the service began.
“I am at Whitney’s funeral. I spoke with Bobby Brown trying to calm him down and not distract from the services. Today is about Whitney!” Al Sharpton Tweeted, while Access Hollywood‘s Shaun Robinson says a “seating arrangement” dispute was at play.
Brown also has a concert gig tonight in Connecticut with New Edition, but it’s believed this disagreement with Whitney’s family is the reason why he left the premises so quickly.
UPDATE: Brown has released the following statement:
“My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions. I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina.
“In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”
“G.I. Joe: Retaliation” addresses major complaints that two different generations had about the first film in the series “Rise of Cobra.” Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura talked to MTV News at Toy Fair about the addition of the original Joe to the lineup—something to please older fans—and adding more ninja action for fans of the cartoon [...]
‘What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words,’ singer says in a statement issued to MTV News. By Rob Markman
Ray J and Whitney Houston in 2008 Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage
The sudden death of Whitney Houston has left her family, friends and fans broken-hearted. And on Friday (February 17), her close friend Ray J finally ended his silence, releasing this statement to MTV News:
“Over the past few days I’ve tried to process the emptiness that I am experiencing. What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words. The world lost an icon but I lost my close friend. Nippy I miss you so much! You were so happy and full of love. Your smile will live in my heart forever.”
The “One Wish” singer was no doubt close to Houston, and while neither ever confirmed a romance, it was widely speculated that he and Houston were an item.
Soon after Houston was found dead in her L.A. hotel room on February 11, reports began to surface that it was Ray J who found her body in a bath tub at the Beverly Hilton. Those reports were quickly refuted by Ray J’s representative.
The statement comes just a day before Houston is to be laid to rest following her funeral at Newark, New Jersey’s New Hope Baptist Church Saturday at noon.
The funeral is invite-only, but fans will be able to watch an online live stream. New Hope Pastor Joe A. Carter will preside over the ceremony, and gospel singer Marvin Winans will give the eulogy.
People magazine reported on Thursday that Kevin Costner, who co-starred with Houston in the 1992 film “The Bodyguard,” will also speak at the funeral.
Share your condolences with Whitney’s family and friends on our Facebook page.
‘I thought it was some cologne or something,’ Strap says of his bag being flagged by TSA at an Atlanta airport. By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Strap Photo: Dave Kotinsky/ Getty Images
Travis Porter member Strap was arrested at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Wednesday when the Transportation Security Administration found a gun in the rapper’s backpack. During a visit to Shade 45′s “Sway in the Morning” show on Friday (February 17), Strap reiterated that the mishap was an “honest mistake.”
Strap was en route to New York City for a promotional show when his bag was flagged during a routine security checkpoint. The Atlanta rapper explained to MTV News correspondent and “Sway in the Morning” host Sway Calloway that it was a case of bad memory. “[I was] moving fast man, leaving the studio to catch an early flight,” Strap said. “[It was] an honest-to-God mistake.
“Ain’t no alarm go off,” Strap continued, explaining that he was confused when TSA agents approached him. “Ten people came over and they’re like, ‘Is this your bag? There’s a 9MM in this bag, sir.’ ”
Strap would not comment on whether he admitted to security that the gun belonged to him. Fellow Travis Porter member Quez was present during the ordeal and earlier in the week he told MTV News what took place. “It was crazy, because he was looking so confused,” Quez said, detailing the search and arrest. “He didn’t know what was going on, and they told him, ‘You got some business in your bag, bro.’ ”
Travis Porter first gained notoriety after appearing on Roscoe Dash’s 2008 hit “All the Way Turnt Up,” and in 2010, the trio broke kept the momentum going with their hit “Make It Rain,” which peaked at #9 on the Billboard rap charts and stirred up interest in the group’s delayed debut album, No Sleep to Atlanta, on RCA Records.
Catch MTV News’ Sway Calloway on “Sway in the Morning,” on Sirius XM Radio’s Shade 45, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon ET.
Hours before the funeral of Whitney Houston is set to take place, fans left a slew of balloons in a makeshift memorial outside the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ.Around 1,500 invited guests will pay their last respects today — among…
mtvU’s annual awards show is returning to SXSW, and this year, they’re launching their own festival. By James Montgomery
Nate Ruess, Will Noon and Jack Antonoff of Fun. Photo: WireImage
Last week, mtvU announced that not only would the 2012 Woodie Awards be returning to Austin, Texas, for the South by Southwest music festival, but this year, they’ll be getting in on the action too, with a free, daylong fest of their own.
And on Friday (February 17), the first batch of performers for the 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival were announced, a lineup chock-full of up-and-coming talent from all fields: Rock acts Fun. and Walk the Moon, rapper A$AP Rocky, and electro standout Wallpaper will all perform at the festival, which kicks off at 1 p.m. CT on March 15 and is open to both SXSW badge-holders and the great uncredentialed masses. More acts for the Woodies Fest will be announced at a later date.
If you can’t make it down to Austin, don’t fret: Beginning March 11, “Woodie Awards Week” will take over MTV, mtvU and MTV.com with performances, interviews and updates from SXSW. And the entire 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival will stream live at the Woodies’ official site.
It all leads up to the 2012 Woodie Awards, which kick off at 8 p.m. on March 15. That Sunday, March 18, MTV and mtvU will air the best moments from the awards in a 30-minute special.
Voting is already under way in all Woodie categories — nominees include Jay-Z and Kanye West, the Black Keys and Skrillex — and will remain open until March 9 … except for the “Breaking Woodie” category, for which voting will continue during the live show on March 15. Fans can vote in all categories online or on their mobile phones at m.mtv.com, or by texting “VOTE” to 66333. Standard message and data rates may apply.
The 2012 mtvU Woodies invade SXSW on March 15 with the Woodies Festival. The best of the 2012 mtvU Woodies will air on MTV and mtvU on Sunday (March 18) at 8 p.m. ET.
Kristin Kreuk grew up before our eyes, playing the lovely Lana Lang on The CW’s Smallville. Now 29, she’s set to play the beautiful Belle on that network’s fairy-tale-inspired, Beauty and the Beast. (This show, by the way, is not to be confused with the animated Beauty and the Beast series that’s set to air on ABC).
mtvU’s annual awards show is returning to SXSW, and this year, they’re launching their own festival. By James Montgomery
Nate Ruess, Will Noon and Jack Antonoff of Fun. Photo: WireImage
Last week, mtvU announced that not only would the 2012 Woodie Awards be returning to Austin, Texas, for the South by Southwest music festival, but this year, they’ll be getting in on the action too, with a free, daylong fest of their own.
And on Friday (February 17), the first batch of performers for the 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival were announced, a lineup chock-full of up-and-coming talent from all fields: Rock acts Fun. and Walk the Moon, rapper A$AP Rocky, and electro standout Wallpaper will all perform at the festival, which kicks off at 1 p.m. CT on March 15 and is open to both SXSW badge-holders and the great uncredentialed masses. More acts for the Woodies Fest will be announced at a later date.
If you can’t make it down to Austin, don’t fret: Beginning March 11, “Woodie Awards Week” will take over MTV, mtvU and MTV.com with performances, interviews and updates from SXSW. And the entire 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards Festival will stream live at the Woodies’ official site.
It all leads up to the 2012 Woodie Awards, which kick off at 8 p.m. on March 15. That Sunday, March 18, MTV and mtvU will air the best moments from the awards in a 30-minute special.
Voting is already under way in all Woodie categories — nominees include Jay-Z and Kanye West, the Black Keys and Skrillex — and will remain open until March 9 … except for the “Breaking Woodie” category, for which voting will continue during the live show on March 15. Fans can vote in all categories online or on their mobile phones at m.mtv.com, or by texting “VOTE” to 66333. Standard message and data rates may apply.
The 2012 mtvU Woodies invade SXSW on March 15 with the Woodies Festival. The best of the 2012 mtvU Woodies will air on MTV and mtvU on Sunday (March 18) at 8 p.m. ET.
This week’s Hobnobbing celebrates Seneca Crane’s beard, Peeta’s advice and more Web wonders. By Amy Wilkinson
Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate
Three years can feel like an eternity. That’s how long “The Hunger Games” fans will have sat around sharpening their arrows between Lionsgate purchasing the film rights to Suzanne Collins’ novel and the movie ultimately swooping into theaters March 23. But it’s also been a productive 36 or so months for the series’ acolytes, evidenced by the plethora of Panem-centric memes that have cropped up online to amuse, inform and enthrall.
From Seneca Crane’s beard to Katniss’ orange backpack, let’s celebrate the things that have made this infernal wait a little less painful. (Special thanks to Twitter friends who sent in their recommendations.)
Seneca Crane’s beard Wes Bentley’s flame-shaped fuzz was destined for Internet infamy. Following the debut of “The Hunger Games” full-length trailer, the stylized scruff seemed to be one of the hottest topics of conversation. A Facebook page (and insightful interview with Hollywood Crush) followed, proving the beard had staying power — even if it didn’t stay on Bentley’s face forever. “I would have loved to have kept the beard, but that beard took two hours to groom every day,” he told MTV News. “It’s such a cool look. Ve Neill, the makeup designer, did such an amazing job. It’s exciting that it’s getting that kind of attention.”
Advice Peeta Peeta is the wisest baker’s son we know. Need proof? Take a gander at Advice Peeta, recommended by @TheHobOrg, where the disembodied head of Josh Hutcherson dispenses pithy platitudes and nuggets of wisdom. “Remember who the real enemy is: Panera,” one reads, while another declares, “I set fireeeeeee to the bread.” Aw, Peeta’s an Adele fan! We knew it.
Lord Buttercup District 12′s male tribute isn’t the only character pontificating online. Even Prim’s mangy tomcat is getting in on the action. Similarly styled to Advice Peeta, Lord Buttercup, recommended by @mirandahakim, has plenty to say too, like “I am the Mockingjay. LOL JK I’m a cat.” The busy feline also manages his own Twitter account, @LordButtercup. Because the revolution needs social-media-minded mongrels.
Effie’s shoes One of the newer (and perhaps less prevalent) memes, recommended by @HGgirlonfire, is a foot fetishist’s best friend. Effie Trinket’s gold booties (supposedly fashioned after an Alexander McQueen design) made their debut on the recently launched Capitol Couture. And our shoe envy will never be the same.
Katniss’ orange backpack Clearly, “Hunger Games” fans are a fashion-conscious bunch, because when the first “Hunger Games” teaser debuted, and it appeared Katniss’ bright backpack had been replaced by a duller version, die-hards were not pleased. Thankfully, further peeks have confirmed that the fiery bag, which Katniss grabs at the beginning of the Games, is indeed a player. And, as recommended by @pikko, it continues to be celebrated on Facebook.
What’s your favorite “Hunger Games” meme? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!
Kris Jenner isn’t the only one who “can’t wait” to lavish Kourtney Kardashian’s baby with girly gifts.
This is an unwanted dose of reality.
Sugarland have reluctantly waded into the blame game. Though mostly to make sure that the fingers aren’t pointed anywhere near their direction.
The darkest timeline has ended!
All hail Will Ferrell, er, King Bacchus!
She’s coming ba-aaack!
What’s this I hear about a Spice Girls reunion tour? Seriously? People will pay to see that?
They’re ba-aaack!
It looks like Glee star Chris Colfer has struck gold with his upcoming big-screen debut.
