In the world of fancy-shmancy awards shows, it's safe to say that the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes are known for being the glitziest and most glamorous. However, when it comes to the most fun, zany and unpredictable of red-carpet events, look no further than the month of June for your awards-show entertainment, with our own MTV Movie Awards airing June 5 and the equally entertaining Guys Choice Awards, held by our friends at Spike TV, on June 10.
This year's Guys Choice Awards promise to be just as star-studded as last year's event. Presenters and attendees include "Cowboys & Aliens" director Jon Favreau and star Harrison Ford; funnymen and "30 Minutes or Less" co-stars Danny McBride and Aziz Ansari; "Captain America" himself, Chris Evans; new "Transformers" hottie Rosie Huntington-Whiteley; Dwayne Johnson; A-list athletes like Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Jon Jones; and Jennifer Aniston, who will be honored with the coveted Decade of Hotness Award. Many more will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fan voting for this year's nominees is being held at GuysChoice.Spike.com, and for the first time ever, fans are able to vote for selected Guys Choice categories on Spike's Facebook page. Facebook voting features the following categories: Biggest Ass Kicker, Holy Grail of Hot, Unstoppable Jock, Guy of the Year, Comedy MVP and Outstanding Literary Achievement.
The fifth annual Guys Choice Awards premieres Friday, June 10, at 9 p.m. ET on Spike.
Who are you rooting for at the Guys Choice Awards? Let us know in the comments below!
View the original article here
Monday, May 30, 2011
Klinik Tidak Gawat Tidak Darurat
Waktu saya menemani ibu saya berobat di salah satu rumah sakit di fatmawati, saya menemukan hal yang lucu, lucu karena aneh. Saya temukan sebuah ruangan yang dinamakan Klinik Tidak Gawat Tidak Darurat. Sampai sekarang saya masih bertanya-tanya apa maksudnya, tapi menurut saya ruangan itu cukup dinamakan Klinik (saja).
7 Gaya Berpakaian Cowok Yang Tidak Disukai Cewek
Bagi kebanyakan cewek, salah kostum atau tidak tepat mengikut tren fashion merupakan 'dosa besar' dalam hal penampilan. Hal ini, tak hanya berlaku pada dirinya, tapi juga pada penampilan pasangan.
Menurut kaum hawa, gaya berbusana yang tidak tepat dianggap tak sedap dipandang mata, dan perlu segera melakukan 'make over' alias merombak penampilan. Sebuah jajak pendapat yang mengikutsertakan 6000 pembaca online, menyimpulkan bahwa ada beberapa gaya cowok yang tidak disukai cewek, seperti dikutip Shine. Antara lain:
CELANA PANJANG MODEL BAGGY ATAU MELOROT
Celana jeans dengan model melorot ternyata banyak tak disukai cewek. Sebanyak 18 persen wanita merasa celana tersebut tak cocok dikenakan cowok. Banyak cewek mengaku jijik melihat cowok mengenakan celana baggy. Padahal, tren mengenakan celana baggy di kalangan cowok itu terbilang cukup lama bertahan. Mulai dari 1993- 2010, masih banyak cowok mengenakan model celana model ini.
KAUS KAKI DENGAN SANDAL
19% dari responden menganggap sandal dengan kaus kaki adalah pelanggaran terburuk. Jika cukup hangat untuk memakai sandal, biarkan jari kaki kamu bernapas. Jika tidak, lebih baik mengenakan sepatu.
SPEEDOS
Celana pendek ketat yang biasa dikenakan untuk berenang ini banyak dikenakan cowok di seluruh dunia. Namun, 17 persen cewek dari hasil jajak pendapat menyatakan tidak suka dan merasa risih melihat cowok mengenakan speedos.
KEMEJA DIRANGKAP DENGAN KAUS
Banyak wanita menganggap, cowok yang berpenampilan seperti ini terlihat buruk. Sama halnya seperti mengenakan sandal dengan kaus kaki. Mengenakan kemeja yang dirangkap dengan kaus juga membuat pria terlihat seperti kedinginan.
SKINNY JEANS
Banyak cewek tak menyukai cowok dengan celana terlalu ketat atau potongannya seperti celana cewek. Bagi cewek, cowok yang memakai model celana ketat ini tidak meperlihatkan kejantanannya.
TERLALU BANYAK AKSESORI
Sebanyak 9 persen cewek beranggapan, memakai perhiasan atau aksesori berlebihan akan membuat penampilan cowok terlihat berantakan. Satu aturan praktis untuk cowok dalam hal mengenakan aksesori adalah tidak mengenakan perhiasan lebih banyak dari cewek.
UKURAN PAKAIAN KEBESARAN
Kadangkala pakaian yang tidak pas di tubuh akan terlihat buruk bagi pemakainya. Ini juga merupakan fashion terburuk yang sering dilakukan banyak cowok. Rata-rata cewek pun tidak menyukai cowok dengan penampilan seperti ini.
Hai para cowok, adakah kamu diantara mereka?
Source
Menurut kaum hawa, gaya berbusana yang tidak tepat dianggap tak sedap dipandang mata, dan perlu segera melakukan 'make over' alias merombak penampilan. Sebuah jajak pendapat yang mengikutsertakan 6000 pembaca online, menyimpulkan bahwa ada beberapa gaya cowok yang tidak disukai cewek, seperti dikutip Shine. Antara lain:
CELANA PANJANG MODEL BAGGY ATAU MELOROT
Celana jeans dengan model melorot ternyata banyak tak disukai cewek. Sebanyak 18 persen wanita merasa celana tersebut tak cocok dikenakan cowok. Banyak cewek mengaku jijik melihat cowok mengenakan celana baggy. Padahal, tren mengenakan celana baggy di kalangan cowok itu terbilang cukup lama bertahan. Mulai dari 1993- 2010, masih banyak cowok mengenakan model celana model ini. KAUS KAKI DENGAN SANDAL
19% dari responden menganggap sandal dengan kaus kaki adalah pelanggaran terburuk. Jika cukup hangat untuk memakai sandal, biarkan jari kaki kamu bernapas. Jika tidak, lebih baik mengenakan sepatu.SPEEDOS
Celana pendek ketat yang biasa dikenakan untuk berenang ini banyak dikenakan cowok di seluruh dunia. Namun, 17 persen cewek dari hasil jajak pendapat menyatakan tidak suka dan merasa risih melihat cowok mengenakan speedos.KEMEJA DIRANGKAP DENGAN KAUS
Banyak wanita menganggap, cowok yang berpenampilan seperti ini terlihat buruk. Sama halnya seperti mengenakan sandal dengan kaus kaki. Mengenakan kemeja yang dirangkap dengan kaus juga membuat pria terlihat seperti kedinginan.SKINNY JEANS
Banyak cewek tak menyukai cowok dengan celana terlalu ketat atau potongannya seperti celana cewek. Bagi cewek, cowok yang memakai model celana ketat ini tidak meperlihatkan kejantanannya.TERLALU BANYAK AKSESORI
Sebanyak 9 persen cewek beranggapan, memakai perhiasan atau aksesori berlebihan akan membuat penampilan cowok terlihat berantakan. Satu aturan praktis untuk cowok dalam hal mengenakan aksesori adalah tidak mengenakan perhiasan lebih banyak dari cewek.UKURAN PAKAIAN KEBESARAN
Kadangkala pakaian yang tidak pas di tubuh akan terlihat buruk bagi pemakainya. Ini juga merupakan fashion terburuk yang sering dilakukan banyak cowok. Rata-rata cewek pun tidak menyukai cowok dengan penampilan seperti ini.Hai para cowok, adakah kamu diantara mereka?
Source
Top 6 Bollywood Actors of 2010 -Tamil Cinema
2010 has been an unforgettable for many actors as it offered them whole of surprises and grand successes as well. We bring you a look of 5 best actors, who have been successful with their films and indeed made their producers happy.
#1. Rajnikanth
'Enthiran' has become the address of identification for Tamil film industry at international cinema. The film has been acclaimed by international audiences and Hollywood technicians as well. Superstar Rajnikanth is the man of honor as his dedication was very much blatant for the film's success.#2. Kamal Haasan
'Manmadhan Ambu' has become a sleeper hit with favorable situations in box office. He has showcased his best potentials into various arenas of performance, storytelling, screenwriter, lyrics and playback singer. It's a decorous effort from the legend of Indian Cinema.#3. Surya
The actor's track record has been on full swing as his previous films have been blockbusters. 2010 wasn't an exception as his 'Singam' become one of the biggest grosser spinning big profits for Sun Pictures. Suriya made it happen with his breathtaking performance. His other film 'Rattha Sarithiram' on the top of everything. The critics have made it clear that none could have done this role so efficiently than Suriya.#4. Vijay:
Sura our Ilaya thalapathi's 50th movie. Tamanna Bhatia is co-star for Vijay. Vijay as a fisherman and Tamanna Bhatia as a college student who fall in love with Vijay.Sura is Golden jubilee in number, but fails to earn the same for its quality!
#5. Aarya
A perfect hat-trick spell with 'Madharasapattinam', 'Boss Engira Baskaran' and 'Chikku Bukku'. Actor Aarya with his effortless performance managed to carry out a best track record in 2010. Next year too has some big projects on the line that includes Bala's 'Avan Ivan', Lingusamy's 'Vettai' and Mysskin's 'Mugamudi'.#6. Karthi:
His vivid experiment of performing unique roles in all the three films gets him a good position in A-League of actors. This could be the best year for Karthi as he had three films - 'Aayirathil Oruvan', 'Paiyaa' and 'Naan Mahaan Alla' based on different genres.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
'Hangover Part II': The Reviews Are In!
By this point, if anyone is still doubting whether "The Hangover Part II" will be a massive worldwide hit, Wednesday's midnight screenings should quiet skeptics. Warner Bros. announced that the follow-up to 2009's record-smashing hit roped in $10.4 million in those early showings, setting a new midnight opening record for an R-rated film on its way to what many are predicting will become a $125 million opening over the five-day holiday weekend.
All this box-office talk gets even more impressive when you note reviews for the film have been decidedly mixed. While the first "Hangover" won over both critics and moviegoers, the sequel is currently languishing at just a 31 percent approval at the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregator. Critics have pointed out how the second film follows the plot points of the original far too closely. They've also argued that the sequel simply isn't as funny as the first. Other reviews, however, are still getting a kick out of watching the Wolf Pack flail and fail all over again, similarities are not. Read on for a deep dive into the "Hangover Part II" reviews:
The Story
" 'The Hangover Part II' opts for the most popular cure: the hair of the dog that bit it. In other words, the sequel is almost identical to the first 'Hangover.' This time, dweeby Stu (Ed Helms), slick Phil (Bradley Cooper) and attention sponge Alan (Zach Galifianakis) are at a wedding (Stu's) in Thailand, instead of Las Vegas, but the rest is pretty much the same. The movie starts with the three waking up after a night of debauchery, with one of their pals missing, with a threatening crook on their tails and with vague knowledge of peccadilloes both sexual and chemical. Oh, and Mike Tyson is tangentially involved (Stu has a facial tattoo just like the former champ's). They spend the rest of the movie trying to make it to the wedding while piecing together clues to what happened the previous night and searching desperately for their missing bud." — Chris Hewitt, St. Paul Pioneer Press
The Laughs
"[The] laughs aren't just staged, they're superlatively engineered — even if that means, at moments, that they feel like they're falling into formatted slots. When they don't, the movie can be flat-out hilarious. As the guys begin their desperate search for a missing bank account number (they have to give it to a drug lord or he'll kill them), it's no surprise to discover that they went to a Bangkok strip bar. And when we learn what happened in that club to Stu — who hasn't shaken his tendency to fall drunkenly head over heels in love with hookers — you may see the twist coming, but you won't foresee the casual outrageousness of the dialogue, the kind that keeps on giving. Yet that sort of choke-on-your-popcorn laugh is more the exception than the rule." — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
The Performances
"Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis slide into their roles as if they didn't go on to play other characters in the interim, although at least two of the three (Helms being the exception) have seen significant career upticks. Phil is the good-looking leader, Stu is the worry-wart nerd, and Alan is quite possibly the most loathsome individual to have crawled out from under a rock. He's not a loveable loser; he's a detestable loser — and that's where a lot of the comedy comes from. Galifianakis stole the show in 'The Hangover,' and he steals it here. Refreshingly, [director Todd] Phillips does not feel the need to give Alan a heroic moment of redemption." — James Berardinelli, ReelViews
The Comparison
"The stock dismissal 'more of the same' has rarely been more accurately applied to a sequel than to 'The Hangover Part II,' which ranks as little more than a faded copy of its predecessor superimposed on a more brightly colored background. One can understand director Todd Phillips' initial reluctance to tinker with a formula that made the 2009 romp the highest-grossing R-rated comedy ever, but the rote professionalism on display verges on cynicism, and despite some occasional sparks, this ranks as a considerable disappointment. Box office should be huge all the same." — Andrew Barker, Variety
The Final Word
That comfortable air of familiarity provided by the returning characters also extends to many of the original's more inspired bits — but to less potent effect. Still, even a milder 'Hangover' manages to deliver more laughs than most of the competition. ... In addition to that hard-to-replicate element of surprise, also in short supply here is the manic energy that made the original such a delightfully unpredictable ride. The reunited cast looks to have been up for a greater challenge, especially gonzo Galifianakis, who emerged as the breakout star of the first 'Hangover.' " — Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter
Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Lady Gaga Fans Get Emotional About 'Inside The Outside' Special
As her quest for world domination proceeds, Lady Gaga teamed up with MTV for an exclusive sit-down chat about her extraordinary journey to pop music royalty for the "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" documentary, which premiered on Thursday night. In it, Gaga discusses her early career struggles and whirlwind rise to fame, a tale that has all of her Little Monsters abuzz after watching it.
Reactions to the hour-long special have been strong, with an overwhelming response coming in from fans who were selected to attend our special after-show live stream, users on the MTV News site and the social networks in between.
One of those Monsters chosen to visit MTV studios Thursday night was Adrianna, who told MTV News that she was personally touched by Gaga's account of her bullying incident. "I was been bullied all through high school, and I kind of want to thank those people in an awkward way because I wouldn't be the same person, just like Lady Gaga wouldn't be the same person," she shared. "We wouldn't be as strong and confident with ourselves if it wasn't for those people."
Decked out in Gaga-like leather gear, Adrianna explained that Mother Monster is a role model to those who may still endure bullying, and that ultimately she is an inspirational star.
MTV News' Facebook page was also flooded by a wave of Little Monsters who couldn't help but gush about the doc. Users like Jimmy Aleman got emotional watching the special, saying, "I saw it :) It made me cry. She is a true woman." And Rossi Ruska Coles appreciated the pop star's defiant story, writing, "Thank you for this great one hour, the true and real Gaga! Love her and her self-identity!"
Chifi55 also got in on the fun by commenting on MTV News' site, saying, "She's so honest and true ... You just can't believe how amazing and loving and kind she is. She was nothing and became the world's greatest pop star ... There is no one who deserves it more than her!"
Despite the 140-character limit, Gaga fans were also quick to hit us up via Twitter to share their thoughts on "Inside the Outside." Superfan Ryan Lee tweeted, "I cried watching the special. Whoever made it should win an award because they captured the beauty of the angel that is Lady Gaga."
HausOfKels revealed she also couldn't hold back tears, writing, "This interview was so sweet, I cried. She gives me hope for humanity. Her message changed my life + made me stronger. xo #MTVGAGA."
And it wasn't just Little Monsters who tuned in to the MTV special, but also some non-fans, including sayjay41297, who admitted she's been transformed. "I didn't know all that much about Gaga, but now I'm really inspired and I think I've just became a Little Monster. #mtvgaga" she wrote.
Like sayjay41297, RickG63 shared a similar reaction to the doc, but had one minor complaint, tweeting, "Fantastic show, but her interviews are never long enough. Thank you for the show. It was great to see. Now you know why we love Gaga."
Did "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" shed a new light on the pop star for you? Share your comments below.
Robert Pattinson In 'Cosmopolis': First Look!
Robert Pattinson spent eight months on the set of "Breaking Dawn" and was immediately pulled from the set to begin his whirlwind press duties for "Water for Elephants" last month. After perhaps just enough time to take a quick nap, RPattz is now back on a new set: "Cosmopolis," director David Cronenberg's adaptation of the slim Don DeLillo novel.
With production under way, Cronenberg's daughter has posted the first look at Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in character. The photo appears to capture the duo in a cab, though the great majority of the action, or lack thereof, in the book takes place in a limousine. Pattinson plays Eric Packer, a young and rich asset manager who, over the course of one day, manages to lose millions of dollars yet remain oddly detached from it all as his limo plods through horrendous New York City traffic. Gadon portrays Elise, a rich and beautiful heiress who is married to Packer but who doesn't seem to care for him very much at all and who certainly won't sleep with him.
"I had read the script about eight months ago and thought, 'Wow, this is something that hasn't been made in a long time,' "Pattinson told MTV News in March. "Which I think, like 'Water for Elephants' as well, I'm just trying to find that kind of stuff, because what else is the point? There's so much generic, everything's the same. So you might as well attempt to try something different."
When we caught up with him again in April, Rob revealed that he'd been working with a dialect coach to achieve a "very specific accent." But he still hadn't spoken with Gadon about the upcoming project. "I've seen a couple of things she's done," he said. "She's really good."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Lady Gaga's Loyalty Applauded Following MTV's 'Inside The Outside'
Underneath the layers of over-the-top outfits and catchy dance tunes, Lady Gaga has always remained loyal to her friends, family and army of Little Monsters. That was just one of many points made in the MTV documentary "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," which dove into Gaga's pre- and post-fame life.
During "Lady Gaga: The After-Show," MTV News' James Montgomery chatted with many of the singer's confidants, including Semi Precious Weapons frontman Justin Tranter, Lady Starlight, documentary director Davi Russo and producer Fernando Garibay.
As the opening act for her worldwide Monster Ball Tour, Tranter knows more than anyone about the singer's devotion, calling her "the most loyal friend you could ever ask for."
"We've been so desperately wanting to be a band for so long and busting our asses, and for Gaga to put her foot down as the biggest star in the world and insist that this really f---ing loud rock band fronted by a man in heels needs to open for her all over the world shows her character," Tranter said of the singer, who used to open for his band before she hit it big. "As a friend and as a fan, she's so loyal to what she likes and who she loves."
Gaga's longtime friend and early performing partner Lady Starlight also chimed in on the pop star's devotion since before her fame years, praising the singer for always giving credit where it's due.
"She's always ... talked about me and given me credit for anything we worked on together," Starlight told us via Skype. "And you don't see people coming out after, like, their first album, when they're trying to prove themselves, so willing to give exposure to the people who they care about and who influence them and who they work with. That's unprecedented."
Russo echoed those sentiments about Gaga's bond to friends like Starlight and Tranter. "It's just refreshing and inspiring to know. ... It's like the people you really come up with are the people you still surround yourself with, regardless of what's happening," Russo said of the singer. "I can't say that about so many people, unfortunately."
How does Lady Gaga show her loyalty to her Little Monsters? Let us know in the comments!
Cali Swag District 'Remember M-Bone's Energy'
As tragic as the shooting death of Mante "M-Bone" Talbert has been, his Cali Swag District bandmates continue to reflect on the positive when it comes to their fallen friend.
"We remember M-Bone's energy. We remember the fun M-Bone always wanted to have. We remember the spark that he lit onstage," C-Smoove told MTV News. "Onstage, Bone was like, 'Where is he goin'? Look at him, where'd he go?' He was everywhere. Sometimes he went so far, his mic started delayin'. We'd be like, 'Where's he at?' He'd be way at the top, at the nosebleed seats, dancin' with everybody."
On Friday (May 27), Cali Swag and M-Bone's family, friends and fans will bid farewell to the 22-year-old, who was murdered in a drive-by shooting on May 15. A public memorial service is set to take place at the Faithful Center in Inglewood, California. Inglewood Police Department's homicide division told MTV News that, while they have spoken to several witnesses, as of now they have made no arrests and have no suspects in the murder.
Despite the grim circumstances surrounding M-Bone's death, Cali Swag District's surviving members remain upbeat, laughing and even poking fun, choosing to remember the good times that they shared with the rapper/dancer. "We remember he couldn't pronounce a lot of words right," recalled Yung. "When he said 'phone,' he used to say 'foam.' Like, 'Pass me my foam.' "
CSD, who are most famous for their 2010 platinum single "Teach Me How to Dougie," remember Bone as a pretty calm guy ... that is, until it was time to dance, of course. "If you noticed, he's always quiet until it's his time to shine," Yung explained. "When it's time for anything that has to do with any craziness or hype-ness, that's his time to shine. If it's about dancin', that's when he go in. Other than that, he be chillin'."
M-Bone was so laidback when it came to talking with the press, in fact, that Yung said his crew should have changed his moniker in hindsight. "Chill Bone, that's what we should've called him when it comes to interview time, Chill Bone," he maintained.
The Inglewood Police Department is asking anyone with information surrounding the death of M-Bone to come forward and call its homicide division at (310) 412-5246 or its 24-hour anonymous hotline number, (888) 41 CRIME, or (888) 412-7463.
Do you have any condolence messages to send out to M-Bone's friends, family and bandmates? Share them in the comments.
Lady Gaga Pal Lady Starlight Recalls Their Bargain Costume Days
If there's one way to pay homage to Lady Gaga, it's by dressing up as the pop phenomenon in one of her many signature costumes. Little Monsters did just that when MTV News invited a select few to our studios to watch "Lady Gaga: The After-Show," our special live stream on Thursday night, where, following the airing of "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," we spoke with a few of the entertainer's close friends and collaborators.
From Gaga's one-of-a-kind red-laced VMA look to the barely-there hazard-tape outfit from the "Telephone" video, Little Monsters came decked out in their own Gaga gear. Among Mother Monster's close confidants, one who knows a thing or two about crafting outfits from scraps includes her longtime friend Lady Starlight.
After admitting that she just visited Michaels the other day, Starlight told MTV News' James Montgomery about their bargain-bin costume days. "Well, we didn't basically have any money, so we'd go to the dollar store," she said via Skype. "We didn't go to the $2 bin because that was too expensive. We stuck to the dollar bin of panties."
With a few crafts in hand, the duo went to craft store M&J Trimming and picked up the tool that held the outfit together — literally. "We would take this thing called Gem-Tac, and we literally would have it in our bags in case anything went wrong or we needed to make a costume on the fly," she said, adding, "Gem-Tack, dollar panties, something shiny — done."
Asked if Gaga has changed as a person or an artist since experiencing fame, Starlight was quick to deny any difference, citing the "fact that she can be friends with the same people that she was friends with before she was famous."
Lady Starlight was the center of one story during the MTV Lady Gaga documentary, which described one of their many shows at the Lower East Side's Rockwood Music Hall in New York.
"This was, like, super-inexpensive, but nobody on the Lower East Side was doing anything even remotely like it," Gaga says of her early performance show sets. "In fact, it was kind of uncool to be doing it, so it became cool because we were the only people doing anything like it. We would plug in all these crazy party favors, and we would throw glitter, and we would dance in these matching bikinis that cost us $4 to make. I got dubplates pressed in Brooklyn with my beats on them, so [Lady Starlight] would spin the dubplates."
What is your favorite Lady Gaga outfit? Tell us in the comments.
Lady Gaga Recalls Beyonce's Inspiration In MTV's 'Inside The Outside'
Sometime around 2006, Lady Gaga wasn't Lady Gaga. Sure, she was using the name back then, but she was still little more than a Lower East Side oddity, not the iconic, globe-spanning superstar she has since become. And so, she was understandably elated to score a meeting — and a subsequent deal — with Island Def Jam impresario L.A. Reid.
But after a few months, for reasons never really explained, her phone calls stopped being returned and she was summarily dropped from the label. In hindsight, it was just a minor bump on her road to stardom, but at the time, Gaga was crushed. It's a pain she's never quite forgotten, as she explained in the just-premiered "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" documentary.
"I remember when I got dropped from my first record label, I just said, 'Mommy, let's go see Grandma,' " Gaga recalled. "And I cried on my grandmother's couch. She looked at me, and she goes, 'I'm going to let you cry for the rest of the day, and then you have to stop crying, and you have to go kick some ass.' "
Devastated, but determined, Gaga set forth to do just that. And in addition to her grandmother's words, she drew inspiration from a rather unlikely source — one that would also prove oddly prescient in the years to come.
"You know, I've never told Beyoncé this, but I remember laying on my grandmother's couch crying, and a Destiny's Child video came on," she said. "I remember watching Beyoncé thinking, 'Oh, she's a star. I want that. I want to be on MTV.' And now I'm in music videos with Beyoncé."
It's because of those early rejections that Gaga has learned to savor her success. After all, she's certainly proved her naysayers wrong.
"The commercial success that I've had has been mind-blowing," she said. "I'm the girl that everyone said 'No' and shook their head and said 'I don't get it.' "
Well, it seems that millions of people around the world "get it" now.
What was the most interesting thing you learned from watching "Inside the Outside"? Let us know in the comments!
Producer RedOne Talks Working With J.Lo, Hints At Lil Wayne Collabo
Behind the Beats: RedOne
RedOne currently is riding high on the success of tracks he's produced for Lady Gaga ("Judas") and Jennifer Lopez (On the Floor"), and the noted knob twiddler is hinting that a Lil Wayne collaboration could be next.
RedOne has worked with a few rappers in the past — Joe Budden spit a verse on the remix he put together for Christina Milian's 2004 track "L.O.V.E." and, of course, Pitbull lent his swag to Lopez's "On the Floor" — but when the subject of Weezy comes up, the producer only teases. "That's it, I'm not saying anymore. It's gonna be a surprise," RedOne tells Mixtape Daily.
RedOne and the rap star already have collaborated on a track by Young Money rocker Porcelain Black titled "This Is What Rock N Roll Looks Like." However, when questioned about whether or not he will provide a beat for Tha Carter IV, Red clams up.
He had no problem going on about J.Lo though, for whom he produced several songs featured on her Love? album. "When I met her, I just fell in love with the person. How [much of a] beautiful person she is and a warm person," he gushed. "She has a beautiful family, it's like they have a lot of integrity and love in their surroundings. And I'm very like that."
To hear Red tell it, he and the dancer/ actress/ singer/ "American Idol" judge had some pretty organic recording sessions. The results speak for themselves — "On the Floor" has hit #1 in countries like Australia, Germany, Canada and Italy, and has peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "I didn't think about anything else but the music and doing what we do," he said of recording with the Bronx bombshell. "And there we go, 'On the Floor,' #1 in the world. Biggest song on the world charts and has been #1 for quite a while."
That's quite a feat, but as we wait for more news about a Wayne collabo to emerge, fans can also expect to hear RedOne's tracks matched with Porcelain Black, his own artist Mohombi and the legendary U2. Rock on!
Would you be interested in hearing a RedOne collaboration with Lil Wayne? Tell us in the comments.
For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.
'Twilight' Actress Bryce Dallas Howard Is Pregnant
"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" star Bryce Dallas Howard is pregnant with her second child, a rep for the actress has told Us Weekly.
Howard and actor husband Seth Gabel ("Fringe") had their first son, Theo, in 2007. Details about how far along she is in her pregnancy or the sex of the child were not disclosed.
The 30-year-old actress, the daughter of director Ron Howard, has starred in "The Village," "Spider-Man 3" and "Terminator Salvation," in which she played a pregnant woman not too long after giving birth to Theo. But Howard is perhaps best known for playing the vampire Victoria in "Eclipse" — and for the circumstances under which she took on the role.
In July 2009, Summit Entertainment made a sudden announcement that it had decided to replace Rachelle Lefevre, who originated the part of the evil vampire in "Twilight" and its first sequel, "New Moon." Howard then stepped in. "It was actually a really unfortunate circumstance where the actress who everyone really cared deeply about, who has done an amazing job in this role, was unavailable," Howard told MTV News that December. "They were looking for someone to fill that slot. It was right before production actually happened, so of course there was intimidation there and feeling a huge responsibility to do my best."
This summer Howard appears opposite Emma Stone in "The Help," an adaptation of the New York Times #1 best-seller about segregation in '60s-era Mississippi. MTV News will actually be talking with Howard and Stone on Thursday as part of our MTV Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week, a five-day extravaganza in which we'll be debuting footage on MTV from some of this summer's hottest films and then sitting down for extended conversations online. So if you've got any questions for Howard, just tweet @MTVNews using the hashtag #spw.
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
View the original article here
Howard and actor husband Seth Gabel ("Fringe") had their first son, Theo, in 2007. Details about how far along she is in her pregnancy or the sex of the child were not disclosed.
The 30-year-old actress, the daughter of director Ron Howard, has starred in "The Village," "Spider-Man 3" and "Terminator Salvation," in which she played a pregnant woman not too long after giving birth to Theo. But Howard is perhaps best known for playing the vampire Victoria in "Eclipse" — and for the circumstances under which she took on the role.
In July 2009, Summit Entertainment made a sudden announcement that it had decided to replace Rachelle Lefevre, who originated the part of the evil vampire in "Twilight" and its first sequel, "New Moon." Howard then stepped in. "It was actually a really unfortunate circumstance where the actress who everyone really cared deeply about, who has done an amazing job in this role, was unavailable," Howard told MTV News that December. "They were looking for someone to fill that slot. It was right before production actually happened, so of course there was intimidation there and feeling a huge responsibility to do my best."
This summer Howard appears opposite Emma Stone in "The Help," an adaptation of the New York Times #1 best-seller about segregation in '60s-era Mississippi. MTV News will actually be talking with Howard and Stone on Thursday as part of our MTV Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week, a five-day extravaganza in which we'll be debuting footage on MTV from some of this summer's hottest films and then sitting down for extended conversations online. So if you've got any questions for Howard, just tweet @MTVNews using the hashtag #spw.
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
View the original article here
Lil Wayne Producer Was 'Shocked' MC Chose 'How To Love'
Be it rap, rock or pop, Lil Wayne is on a mission to stretch the boundaries of his music. Just ask Detail, the producer behind Weezy's new Tha Carter IV single "How to Love."
"Wayne is a rock star and he's up for any challenge in the world as long as it feels right," he told MTV News. "He don't ever really discriminate on talent and people; if it feels right, he's up for the challenge."
There was certainly no shying away from breaking new ground on "How to Love." The track features an acoustic guitar lick and a subdued drum pattern. Over it, Wayne sings about topics far sweeter than what his fans may be accustomed to hearing from him. Detail, who went to visit Wayne in Miami after the Young Money CEO was released from his eight-month prison bid, says that the song was recorded in MIA during a session last November.
"We created it in a very organic way; he's a very organic person," said Detail, who also writes songs and performs. "Me and my production team created a couple of tunes that we could deliver to him. I was shocked on his response on that song. Once he responded to it, it wasn't nothing to it but to do it."
The Detroit producer actually used Lil Wayne and Birdman's 2006 single "Leather So Soft" as inspiration for "How to Love." "The crazy part about it was I know Wayne plays guitar. If y'all ever seen the I Am Music Tour, he be playing the guitar. So we created something that was like 'Leather So Soft,' where he could rock out with the guitar.
"We're visual with that type of stuff, so we just created a simple guitar riff that he can play on tour as well, over some 808s, a smooth ballad type of a beat," he explained. "It wasn't nothing special, it was just something that felt strong. That was the type of record that would rock in his iPod and rock in my iPod for days and days and days before the world got a chance to experience the pleasure of something with such organic-ness."
What do you think of Wayne crooning on "How to Love"? Tell us in the comments!
'Hangover Part II' Stars Call Bangkok A 'Tropical Metropolis'
For those getting ready to see "The Hangover Part II" this weekend, there are a few things we'd like you to know about the film before settling into your seat with your popcorn.
First, check out our handy cheat sheet on the film. Next, we have a few fun details straight from the stars themselves — Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis — who have discussed Cooper's head-shaving skills and promised "a lot more comedy" in the second installment.
There is also the new-and-improved setting of Bangkok, Thailand. When we caught up with the actors recently, we asked them to describe filming on location in Bangkok.
"Bangkok is a tropical metropolis," Helms said. "It is very hot and steamy, incredibly urban, [there are] huge skyscrapers mixed in with abject poverty right tucked around it. It's totally mind-blowing."
"[It's a] Buddhist culture," Cooper jumped in. "Buddhist/Muslim."
"It's just an unbelievably dense place," Helms continued. "And it's just so colorful and eclectic and stimulating and overwhelming that even as a tourist with nothing to do but have fun, it's overwhelming. When you're trying to work there, it's brutal."
The boys then briefly debated how many people live in the city: 9 million, according to Helms, 12 million, according to Galifianakis (according to the U.N., it's 9.3 million).
"It also sounds like a 13-year-old tourist named everything," Galifianakis added with a grin, before naming a few familiar Bangkok-ian colloquialisms. "Bangkok, ladyboy, pu pu platter," he listed, trailing off into a few giggles.
Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner Meet MTV Movie Awards Host Jason Sudeikis
Ever since "Twilight" sank its fangs into the pop-culture landscape, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner have played major roles at the MTV Movie Awards. For the past few shows, they've appeared in movie spoofs, introduced exclusive franchise footage, kissed their co-stars and even accidently dropped a Golden Popcorn onstage.
For the 2011 Movie Awards, the actors decided to get involved in the action a little bit earlier. Not that they had a choice in the matter, as two new promo spots make clear. Host Jason Sudeikis follows up on his desire to meet the nominees before showtime (he's already shared face time with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Stone and Leighton Meester), and the "SNL" funnyman surprises the "Twilight" stars in some unlikely places.
In Stewart's clip, she has just settled in to get her hair cut, when Sudeikis pops into her dressing room. "You're not my hairdresser," she tells him. "Good eye!" he responds. But the two quickly hit it off, and it's not long before he's plopping a bowl on her head and snipping away. Say goodbye to Bella Swan's long locks!
In the other spot, Lautner hails a New York City cab, only to realize Sudeikis is behind the wheel, though he admits to being "a terrible driver." Lautner tries to escape, but the Movie Awards host locks the doors. "That's weird," the Twi-werewolf tells him. Weirder still is that Sudeikis confesses he stole the taxi, and as the police sirens swirl in the background, he leaves poor Taylor locked in the car plaintively crying, "Jason!"
Hopefully, he'll find his way out by June 5, when the 2011 MTV Movie Awards air live at 9 p.m. ET from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. Voting in all categories, from Best Villain to Best Line from a Movie, is now under way at MovieAwards.MTV.com. Voting is set to close on June 4. But voting for Best Movie will stay open through the show itself, meaning you have the chance to affect the night's biggest winner up until the very last minute.
Will vampires and werewolves own the 2011 MTV Movie Awards? Can wizards or dream thieves steal the Golden Popcorn? Find out on June 5, when the 20th annual show airs live at 9 p.m. ET/PT. To get into the magical movie mood, we're kicking off a Sneak Peek Week starting on May 30 — five days of exclusives and interviews with the casts of "Fright Night, "Horrible Bosses" and more. Check out everything there is to know about Sneak Peek Week and the Movie Awards at MovieAwards.MTV.com!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Rick Ross Talks 'Great Relationship' With Lil Wayne, Cash Money
Through the years, Rick Ross has developed a strong relationship with Cash Money and Lil Wayne. This year Ross toured with Wayne on the first leg of his I Am Still Music Tour, and he's already kicked around the idea of a joint album with Birdman and appeared on his fair share of songs with the YMCMB roster.
During this week's "RapFix Live," the Boss spoke to host Sway about his relationship with Wayne and his favorite memory from his I Am Still Music run. "The very first night the tour kicked off, just being backstage and me having a great relationship with Cash Money," he revealed. "So it's really like me being at home with my brothers when it comes to Birdman and Lil Wayne."
Rozay and Weezy currently appear together on DJ Khaled's brand-new "I'm On One," Ross' "9 Piece (Remix)" and, of course, Wayne's Tha Carter IV street single "John." For "John," Wayne found inspiration in "I'm Not a Star," the opening track from Ross' 2010 Teflon Don.
"When [Wayne] first came home [from jail] he was like, 'That '"I'm Not a Star," that's one of my favorite joints, let's do something in that vibe,' " Ross recalled. "I'm like, 'Easy.' He actually gave me the track and I was like, 'Wow, this is too easy.' "
With Tha Carter IV scheduled to drop on June 21 and the Colin Tilley-directed "John" clip in rotation and video outlets, Ross is excited for the future. "Sitting in the studio at the Hit factory in Miami, I remember him just playing joints off his album and us constantly going back to that joint and I was just like, 'It's gonna be a hot summer.' "
What's your favorite Ross and Weezy track? Tell us in the comments!
'Lady Gaga: Inside The Outside' Aimed To 'Peel Back The Surface'
When he was tapped to direct "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," Davi Russo knew he was going to get an opportunity to do something all Little Monsters dream of: spend hours with Mother Monster and ask her practically anything.
But he probably never thought he'd also be giving her wardrobe advice. Though, as soon as filming began, he quickly realized that would be part of his responsibilities too. Luckily, like Gaga, Russo is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn, and he currently lives on the Lower East Side, the same place Gaga haunted during her formative years. And so, though he'd just met her, he felt like the two shared enough background for him to offer a few sartorial suggestions.
"She came out in this majestic, pink [outfit], high-heels, full-on gown, with a bow, about yay big," he laughed, holding his hands a foot apart above his head, during "Lady Gaga: The After-Show." "And when we wanted to frame the shot, we wanted to live inside with her, because we wanted to give this feeling of intimacy, and we said, 'Oh my God, she has this 12-inch bow on her head!' And I'm thinking, 'Oh, God, we have to reposition our cameras ... '
"So, just immediately, during the haze of stuff, I just got as close as I could, and I said, 'Hey, you know, I want to kind of talk to you about New York and where you're from and where I'm from,' " he continued. "And she said, 'You want to talk about the neighborhood?' And I said, 'Yeah,' and she said, 'Oh my God, I need five minutes, I need to go get changed!' And she gets up, exits, and 15 minutes later, she comes out in this amazing, punk-rock, black leather jacket. Very cool."
And Gaga's ability to roll with the punches wasn't the only thing Russo learned during his time with the pop star. He came in reading all the same things we do, and he had no idea that, beneath all the glitter, she's really a DIY kind of girl.
"Again, it's so easy just to see the surface of things, and I think that's maybe the biggest misconception that a lot of people who may not be fans [have of her, that she's artificial]," he said. "Myself included. I didn't know much about her going into it, [but] I try to always peel back the surface, to see the real person, and the interview gave us the opportunity to really see that. And she's just like me; she has red blood, breathes the same air, and everything else. She's human."
What was the biggest thing you learned about Lady Gaga from "Inside the Outside"? Let us know in the comments!
Taylor Swift Explains How Her Songwriting Has Grown
Taylor Swift's musical evolution has been pretty clearly aligned with her age. While she's writing about love and heartbreak, as she did when she was a teenager, the way she expresses that joy and pain has grown from the puppy-love lyrics to more mature reflections.
Back in the day, on her self-titled debut album, she was writing odes to country superstars, like in "Tim McGraw," and using metaphors to try to understand emotions that she hadn't yet fully experienced. With a career in full swing and a highly publicized love life, three albums later, it's apparent that Swift drew on real-life experiences for Speak Now.
When she sat down with MTV News earlier this week during "MTV First: Taylor Swift" Sway asked what she felt about her musical coming of age. "I don't know," she said. "I think retrospect will tell a lot. Years from now [and] I'll look back and go, 'I didn't know anything then.' "
Swift said the biggest difference between her teenage songs and her current ones is "the kind of things you say when you're hurt."
"I had this song called 'Picture to Burn,' that's talking about how 'I hate your truck,' and 'I hate that you ignored me,' 'I hate you,' " she explained. "Now, the way that I would say that and the way that I would feel that kind of pain is a lot different."
But Swift has no regrets about her earlier songs. "But I think that my first record came out when I was 16, the next one, Fearless, came out when I was 18 and this one came out when I was 20, so I think there's a lot of personal growth.
"I look back on the record I made when I was 16, and I'm so happy I made it," she continued. "I got to immortalize those emotions that when you're so angry, you hate everything. It's like recording your diary over the years, and that's a gift."
What do you think about Swift's growth as a musician? Tell us in the comments!
MTV Movie Awards Mania Kicks Off With Sneak Peek Week
Each year, we jam 12 months' worth of movie magic into just one day for the MTV Movie Awards. This time around, there's simply too much Golden Popcorn goodness to contain, so we're opening up things with a full five days of cinematic treats that we call MTV Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week.
Starting on Monday, May 30, and running through Friday, June 3, we'll be bringing you exclusive looks at some of this summer's hottest films, including "Fright Night," "Horrible Bosses" and more. Each night at 11 p.m. ET, we'll welcome a film's cast onto MTV to present an exclusive clip. Then you can continue the live conversation with the stars online, as our own Josh Horowitz hosts an extended chat with the talent. As always, you'll have the chance to ask the stars your own questions; just tweet at @MTVNews using the hashtag #SPW.
It's all building up to the Movie Awards themselves, which will be hosted by Jason Sudeikis and air live on Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.
On Monday, we'll be sitting down with "Fright Night" star Christopher Mintz-Plasse and director Craig Gillespie for an early glimpse at this horror remake. Mintz-Plasse and Anton Yelchin play high school seniors who get pulled into their neighbor's creepy world, eventually finding out that the stranger (Colin Farrell) is a vampire preying on the town.
The next night, the stars and director of "The Art of Getting By," a Sundance fave earlier this year, will be stopping by. Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser and director Gavin Wiesen will introduce a clip, then stick around to discuss their indie about a lonely student (Freddie Highmore) and the unlikely friendship he strikes up with Roberts' charismatic and complicated teen girl.
Wednesday brings us what's sure to be one of the funniest comedies of the summer. "Horrible Bosses" director Seth Gordon will present an exclusive clip before diving into a chat about how Jason Bateman and his onscreen cohorts hatch a plan to kill their nasty workplace superiors.
Then on Thursday, Emma Stone and Bryce Dallas Howard will jump into the action in support of "The Help." Based on the #1 New York Times best-seller, the film stars Stone as an unlikely civil-rights activist in '60s-era Mississippi.
Finally on Friday, the folks behind action-comedy "30 Minutes or Less" will bring Sneak Peek Week to a close. Stars Aziz Ansari, Michael Peña and director Ruben Fleischer will be on hand for the festivities, and stars Jesse Eisenberg and Danny McBride will deliver a special message for fans. The flick follows Eisenberg's pizza delivery boy, who's kidnapped and forced to rob a small-town bank.
After this week-long warm-up, the main event kicks off on Sunday, June 5. At this year's Movie Awards, "Eclipse" (eight nominations) will be facing off against "Inception" (seven noms) and "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1" (six noms). Voting in all the categories, from Best Kiss to Best Fight to Best Scared-as-S**t Performance and beyond, is currently under way over at MovieAwards.MTV.com. Voting is set to close on June 4. But voting for Best Movie will stay open through the show itself, meaning you have the chance to affect the night's biggest winner up until the very last minute.
The 20th annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET.
'Hangover Part II': The Reviews Are In!
By this point, if anyone is still doubting whether "The Hangover Part II" will be a massive worldwide hit, Wednesday's midnight screenings should quiet skeptics. Warner Bros. announced that the follow-up to 2009's record-smashing hit roped in $10.4 million in those early showings, setting a new midnight opening record for an R-rated film on its way to what many are predicting will become a $125 million opening over the five-day holiday weekend.
All this box-office talk gets even more impressive when you note reviews for the film have been decidedly mixed. While the first "Hangover" won over both critics and moviegoers, the sequel is currently languishing at just a 31 percent approval at the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregator. Critics have pointed out how the second film follows the plot points of the original far too closely. They've also argued that the sequel simply isn't as funny as the first. Other reviews, however, are still getting a kick out of watching the Wolf Pack flail and fail all over again, similarities are not. Read on for a deep dive into the "Hangover Part II" reviews:
The Story
" 'The Hangover Part II' opts for the most popular cure: the hair of the dog that bit it. In other words, the sequel is almost identical to the first 'Hangover.' This time, dweeby Stu (Ed Helms), slick Phil (Bradley Cooper) and attention sponge Alan (Zach Galifianakis) are at a wedding (Stu's) in Thailand, instead of Las Vegas, but the rest is pretty much the same. The movie starts with the three waking up after a night of debauchery, with one of their pals missing, with a threatening crook on their tails and with vague knowledge of peccadilloes both sexual and chemical. Oh, and Mike Tyson is tangentially involved (Stu has a facial tattoo just like the former champ's). They spend the rest of the movie trying to make it to the wedding while piecing together clues to what happened the previous night and searching desperately for their missing bud." — Chris Hewitt, St. Paul Pioneer Press
The Laughs
"[The] laughs aren't just staged, they're superlatively engineered — even if that means, at moments, that they feel like they're falling into formatted slots. When they don't, the movie can be flat-out hilarious. As the guys begin their desperate search for a missing bank account number (they have to give it to a drug lord or he'll kill them), it's no surprise to discover that they went to a Bangkok strip bar. And when we learn what happened in that club to Stu — who hasn't shaken his tendency to fall drunkenly head over heels in love with hookers — you may see the twist coming, but you won't foresee the casual outrageousness of the dialogue, the kind that keeps on giving. Yet that sort of choke-on-your-popcorn laugh is more the exception than the rule." — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
The Performances
"Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis slide into their roles as if they didn't go on to play other characters in the interim, although at least two of the three (Helms being the exception) have seen significant career upticks. Phil is the good-looking leader, Stu is the worry-wart nerd, and Alan is quite possibly the most loathsome individual to have crawled out from under a rock. He's not a loveable loser; he's a detestable loser — and that's where a lot of the comedy comes from. Galifianakis stole the show in 'The Hangover,' and he steals it here. Refreshingly, [director Todd] Phillips does not feel the need to give Alan a heroic moment of redemption." — James Berardinelli, ReelViews
The Comparison
"The stock dismissal 'more of the same' has rarely been more accurately applied to a sequel than to 'The Hangover Part II,' which ranks as little more than a faded copy of its predecessor superimposed on a more brightly colored background. One can understand director Todd Phillips' initial reluctance to tinker with a formula that made the 2009 romp the highest-grossing R-rated comedy ever, but the rote professionalism on display verges on cynicism, and despite some occasional sparks, this ranks as a considerable disappointment. Box office should be huge all the same." — Andrew Barker, Variety
The Final Word
That comfortable air of familiarity provided by the returning characters also extends to many of the original's more inspired bits — but to less potent effect. Still, even a milder 'Hangover' manages to deliver more laughs than most of the competition. ... In addition to that hard-to-replicate element of surprise, also in short supply here is the manic energy that made the original such a delightfully unpredictable ride. The reunited cast looks to have been up for a greater challenge, especially gonzo Galifianakis, who emerged as the breakout star of the first 'Hangover.' " — Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter
Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Death Cab For Cutie's Guide To Seattle: Watch A Preview Here!
Death Cab for Cutie originally formed sometime around 1997, in the idyllic college town of Bellingham, Washington (unofficial nickname: "The City of Subdued Excitement"), but it was in a city 90 miles south where they'd really make their mark: Seattle.
Most of the band had grown up in towns surrounding the Emerald City during the height of the so-called "grunge explosion," and their teenage years progressed somewhat accordingly — Ben Gibbard, who was raised in Bremerton, would take a 55-minute ferry trip across the Puget Sound to watch bands play at the now-defunct OK Hotel in downtown Seattle — so, when they decided to make the move from Bellingham to the proverbial big city to try their hand at becoming a real rock band, well, it was sort of the stuff of dreams. Only, things didn't quite work out the way they had planned.
DCFC's early years were a struggle, marked by lousy, low-paying jobs and thinly attended gigs. When Gibbard took up residence in a tiny apartment on Corliss Avenue, working as what could charitably be described as a medical tech (he basically washed testing equipment), there were times when he thought about packing it in and heading back home. It seemed simpler than striking out as a rock frontman.
But he didn't, and slowly, people began paying attention. Released on Seattle's Barsuk Records, early efforts like We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes (most of which was written in that apartment on Corliss) and The Photo Album were met with much acclaim, and Death Cab for Cutie were on their way. Only, in a lot of ways, they've never really left ... Seattle is, was, and probably always will be their spiritual home.
And those sentiments are readily apparent on the band's May 31 album, Codes And Keys, Codes And Keys, which is about several things, most of which seem to be about the eternal longing for home, no matter how far away from it you may be. So, in celebration of the new album, earlier this month, we asked Death Cab to show us around their adopted hometown of Seattle ... the venues they haunted as teens, the places they worked before they made it big, the studio where they recorded parts of the new album. But it's much more than a guided tour; it's also a history lesson, both in terms of the band, and the Seattle music scene too.
We're calling it "Death Cab for Cutie: Seattle Sonics," and it begins Tuesday on MTVNews.com. But as we head into the long weekend, we figured we'd give you a taste of what's to come. Click on the teaser clip featuring Gibbard and bassist Nick Harmer recalling the glory of all-ages OK Hotel shows, and the havoc parent-mandated curfews wrecked on those magical nights. Enjoy, and make sure to check back on Tuesday, when the history lesson truly begins.
View the original article here
Most of the band had grown up in towns surrounding the Emerald City during the height of the so-called "grunge explosion," and their teenage years progressed somewhat accordingly — Ben Gibbard, who was raised in Bremerton, would take a 55-minute ferry trip across the Puget Sound to watch bands play at the now-defunct OK Hotel in downtown Seattle — so, when they decided to make the move from Bellingham to the proverbial big city to try their hand at becoming a real rock band, well, it was sort of the stuff of dreams. Only, things didn't quite work out the way they had planned.
DCFC's early years were a struggle, marked by lousy, low-paying jobs and thinly attended gigs. When Gibbard took up residence in a tiny apartment on Corliss Avenue, working as what could charitably be described as a medical tech (he basically washed testing equipment), there were times when he thought about packing it in and heading back home. It seemed simpler than striking out as a rock frontman.
But he didn't, and slowly, people began paying attention. Released on Seattle's Barsuk Records, early efforts like We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes (most of which was written in that apartment on Corliss) and The Photo Album were met with much acclaim, and Death Cab for Cutie were on their way. Only, in a lot of ways, they've never really left ... Seattle is, was, and probably always will be their spiritual home.
And those sentiments are readily apparent on the band's May 31 album, Codes And Keys, Codes And Keys, which is about several things, most of which seem to be about the eternal longing for home, no matter how far away from it you may be. So, in celebration of the new album, earlier this month, we asked Death Cab to show us around their adopted hometown of Seattle ... the venues they haunted as teens, the places they worked before they made it big, the studio where they recorded parts of the new album. But it's much more than a guided tour; it's also a history lesson, both in terms of the band, and the Seattle music scene too.
We're calling it "Death Cab for Cutie: Seattle Sonics," and it begins Tuesday on MTVNews.com. But as we head into the long weekend, we figured we'd give you a taste of what's to come. Click on the teaser clip featuring Gibbard and bassist Nick Harmer recalling the glory of all-ages OK Hotel shows, and the havoc parent-mandated curfews wrecked on those magical nights. Enjoy, and make sure to check back on Tuesday, when the history lesson truly begins.
View the original article here
'American Idol' In 60 Seconds: Scotty McCreery Wins It For The Kids
"American Idol" season 10 has drawn to a close, and while Scotty McCreery was still digesting all that confetti he ate on Wednesday night, we here at MTV News were working around the clock to bring you news from the big finale, including Thursday's "Idol Party Live" (streaming live right here on MTV.com at 12 p.m. ET) and "Idol" in 60 Seconds, the script of which you can peruse below while you watch the video:
On Tuesday night, Fox televised a Southern junior high school talent show. Yes, season 10 came down to Scotty McCreery and his smirk versus Lauren Alaina and her doctor. There were songs about teenage love, and moms, and the civil war and ... I'm so sorry, guys, I'm trying, but me and country music go together like Haley Reinhart and pants.
On Wednesday, producers booked only the biggest, most contemporary pop stars for the big finish: Gaga, Beyoncé, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones ... Gaga, Beyoncé.
And after every guest star from stage and screen and total f---ing catastrophe [shot of "Spider-man"] finished their cameo, Ryan Seacrest did this. [Montage of Seacrest plugging all the guest stars' projects.]
Wow, if "Idol" did this good a job promoting their own artists, Lee DeWyze might be selling records.
Unless you were a fan of James Durbin's armpits, the night was really all about the big winner, Scotty, and runner-up Lauren, the two youngest "Idol" finalists ever, so producers made this finale especially family-friendly.
[Gaga gets busy with a dancer.] [J.Lo shakes her booty.] [Beyoncé sings, "Let's make love! Make love!"]
Or not. But give "Idol" some credit for still trying to kickstart David Archuleta's puberty.
Ding!
Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. Get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
View the original article here
On Tuesday night, Fox televised a Southern junior high school talent show. Yes, season 10 came down to Scotty McCreery and his smirk versus Lauren Alaina and her doctor. There were songs about teenage love, and moms, and the civil war and ... I'm so sorry, guys, I'm trying, but me and country music go together like Haley Reinhart and pants.
On Wednesday, producers booked only the biggest, most contemporary pop stars for the big finish: Gaga, Beyoncé, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones ... Gaga, Beyoncé.
And after every guest star from stage and screen and total f---ing catastrophe [shot of "Spider-man"] finished their cameo, Ryan Seacrest did this. [Montage of Seacrest plugging all the guest stars' projects.]
Wow, if "Idol" did this good a job promoting their own artists, Lee DeWyze might be selling records.
Unless you were a fan of James Durbin's armpits, the night was really all about the big winner, Scotty, and runner-up Lauren, the two youngest "Idol" finalists ever, so producers made this finale especially family-friendly.
[Gaga gets busy with a dancer.] [J.Lo shakes her booty.] [Beyoncé sings, "Let's make love! Make love!"]
Or not. But give "Idol" some credit for still trying to kickstart David Archuleta's puberty.
Ding!
Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. Get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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Wale Describes Working With Rick Ross Vs. Mark Ronson
On one hand you have a British DJ/ producer/ record executive whose claim to fame is producing Amy Winehouse's 2006 classic Back to Black. On the other hand there is the Boss, Ricky Ross. After switching label homes from Mark Ronson's Interscope-distributed Allido Records to Ross' Maybach Music Group, Wale broke down the differences between the two labels on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."
"I went from being around him in the studio to being around good vibes, good grass, good everything. The type of vibes that make me feel like block parties or just hanging with my friends," Wale told Sway of the change. "Not to say that Ronson ain't my friend."
In 2009, the D.C. rapper released his debut album Attention Deficit on Ronson's label. The album was well-received critically, but commercially it only sold 138,000. In February, Wale announced that he officially signed with Ross' MMG label, and on Monday, Rozay and his new signees released Self Made, the label's first compilation.
For Wale, the creative process has been much smother. "We're in conversation and we'll start rapping about what's going on around us. The last time I was in the studio with Mark, I had to take myself somewhere, because I wasn't there," the rapper said about his motivation.
Overall, the "Chillin' " MC is just in a better creative space; culturally he and his new boss just have more in common. "I'm in my environment now. I go to Overtown with Ross; I go to King of Diamonds with Ross. I take Ross to D.C. Star. I can't take Mark Ronson to D.C. Star. I mean, I could, but it'd be awkward for everybody."
"The vibe now is a little bit more natural and it's a lot more fun for me. And I'm really in a groove where I can make the type of music I like," he said. "The energy is so good with Ross and Meek and Pucci and everybody at Maybach."
Lee DeWyze Speaks Out About 'American Idol' Dis
The controversy over whether or not Lauren Alaina would be able to perform because of a torn vocal cord (manufactured drama? true curtain-time nail-biter?) wasn't the only one swirling around "American Idol" in the lead-up to Wednesday's finale. Supporters of season-nine champ Lee DeWyze were up in arms that the singer wasn't asked to take part in the final show, as is usually the custom with past winners. Instead, he was reduced to standing meekly in the background, often just over Ryan Seacrest's shoulder as the host emceed the event.
It was not a good look for a former "Idol" with lackluster album sales. Following the show, though, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe took to Twitter to make clear that he had, in fact, asked DeWyze to join in the fun. "I was so upset Lee DeWyze wouldn't present the winner's trophy to Scotty," he wrote. "Especially as he'd been on the show this season. I guess he was shy."
What Lythgoe failed to note, it seems, is the circumstances of that invitation. DeWyze himself hopped on Twitter to clear the air and set the record straight in one extended message.
"Hey everyone, first off I want to say congrats to Scotty & Lauren, awesome job," Lee began. "Well done, Scotty! Secondly, just for the record... I was not asked to be involved in the finale. It wasn't until about 2 minutes before they announced that Nigel had approached me and asked if he could 'borrow' me for a second.
"I didn't feel a last second jump onstage was appropriate," he continued. "It was Scotty's moment. I appreciate 'American Idol,' and the opportunity it has given me. And the people who have made that show possible. I am not angry, or bitter etc. It was an amazing finale, and I would have loved to be a part of it. I just wasn't asked."
Staying above the fray and declining to take any shots at Lythgoe, DeWyze concluded his tweet, "Good luck to all the contestants and stay true to yourself. Thanks everyone for your support, tour coming up... Good times :) I'll talk to you all soon. Love ya!"
Were you disappointed that Lee DeWyze didn't participate in the finale? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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