P.O.W.E.R. BLOG

Kanye West Feature on Vogue

2012-02-20T20:14:00.001-08:00

Kanye is featured in an editorial with designer Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy in Vogue’s March issue.

Adele's '21' Bump Getting Bigger: Now Aiming for 650-680,000 Sales Week

2012-02-20T20:10:00.001-08:00

Adele's "21" is shaping up to have an even bigger week than first thought.

Presently, the set is now projected to sell somewhere in the range of 650,000 to 680,000 by week's end on Sunday, Feb. 19, according to industry sources. That's up from the half-million-plus forecast that Billboard reported on Thursday morning (Feb. 16).

Next week, "21" will mark its one-year anniversary on the chart -- a list where it's never left the top 10 in a single week. It will also notch its 21st week at No. 1 and surpass the 7 million U.S. sales threshold. Currently, its sales stand at 6.62 million.

Finally, if "21" sells more than 650,000 this week, it will be the best week for any album since Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter IV" debuted with 964,000 at No. 1 on the chart dated Sept. 17, 2011. It will also be "21's" biggest sales week, period. Its highest frame came over the Christmas holiday, when it shifted 399,000.

On Nielsen SoundScan's Building chart (below), Adele is -- no surprise -- at No. 1 while the "2012 Grammy Nominees" compilation is at No. 2. The Building tally is a precursor to the final Billboard 200 ranking -- reflecting the first four days (Monday through Thursday) of SoundScan's tracking week (ending Sunday, Feb. 19) as reported by six major merchants.

The "Now 41" compilation is in the third place position, Paul McCartney's "Kisses on the Bottom" is found at No. 4 and Van Halen's "A Different Kind of Truth" is No. 5. Coldplay's "Mylo Xyloto" is No. 6, Bruno Mars' "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" is No. 7 and Lady Antbellum's "Own the Night" is at No. 8. The Civil Wars' "Barton Hollow" could find itself jumping into the top 10 for the first time next week, as it stands at No. 8 on the Building chart. The duo had a short performance on the Grammy Awards -- as a prelude to introducing Taylor Swift to the stage -- and it is clearly resonating with consumers.

Rounding out the Building tally's top 10 is the Fray's "Scars & Stories."

One note about SoundScan's Building chart -- it does not include catalog (older) albums, so Adele's "19" is absent from the list. However, Billboard expects that "19" will feature in the top five of the Billboard 200 chart next week. (The Billboard 200 includes both current and catalog titles.)

The new Billboard 200 chart's top 10 will be revealed on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Nielsen SoundScan Building Chart
Rank	LW BB 200	Artist	Title
1	1	Adele	"21"
2	8	Various Artists	"2012 Grammy Nominees"
3	3	Various Artists	"Now 41"
4	5	Paul McCartney	"Kisses on the Bottom"
5	2	Van Halen	"A Different Kind of Truth"
6	14	Coldplay	"Mylo Xyloto"
7	30	Bruno Mars	"Doo-Wops & Hooligans"
8	17	Lady Antebellum	"Own the Night"
9	41	The Civil Wars	"Barton Hollow"
10	4	The Fray	"Scars & Stories"
The Building Chart reflects the first four days (Monday through Thursday) of SoundScan's tracking week (which ends Sunday) as reported by six major merchants: iTunes, Trans World Entertainment, Best Buy, Starbucks, Target and Anderson Merchandisers. Billboard estimates that they make up about 85% of all U.S. album sales.

Chris Brown and Rihanna Reunite for Remixes: Listen

2012-02-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!! from Mechanical Dummy on Vimeo.

Nicki Minaj on Fashion Week: 'I'm Not Impressed'

2012-02-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

Perhaps her Versace nun-inspired outfit, accessorized with a Catholic Priest, from the Grammys was an even deeper fashion statement than we realized. In a Q&A with New York Magazine (where she's also on this week's cover), Nicki Minaj had some choice words for the fashion world -- dissing it, but praising its golden girl, Anna Wintour.

"I'm not impressed to be in that world. I'm in my own world. I think sometimes the fashion world isn't even about clothes anymore; it's about this "in" crowd, and I'm not into that," the "Starships" singer responded when asked if she'd be back to Fashion Week this year.

Minaj did gush about her love for Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour revealing a cute story about the two, who sat next to each other at shows last year. "I got an autographed photo from her the next day that said, 'We match!' I had on these, like, weird balls and craziness, and she had on this really sophisticated dress, but they both were orange. I was like, 'Oh my God, I'm getting this framed!'"

Nicki also spoke about how her eccentric qualities are ingrained in her, telling the magazine, "I was one of those weird little girls doing my own hair at the age of 9. I was, like, getting weird gels and new brushes and cornrow holders. I would tweak and perm at the age of 13," citing Cyndi Lauper's videos as a main source of inspiration.

"I like the idea of doing something that everyone else is not. I get high off that," Nicki added. "Just the idea that other people don't have the balls to do something-that's my thing."

Too bad. Fashion Week will miss those half-blonde, half-blue wigs and chicken wing brooches.

Very Inspiring – Will Smith On The Power Of Positive Thinking

2012-02-15T15:59:00.001-08:00

[In Beyonce News] The Queen is plotting a 2012 TAKEOVER.

2012-02-15T15:32:00.001-08:00

The Creole Satin Goddess is plotting a 2012 comeback. In between changing Givenchy diapers, and deciding which Louboutin booties Blue Ivy will be wearing, she is gearing up for a new album release!

The muse for her album will probably be her new bundle of joy, Blue Ivy, who even has a tumblr account dedicated just for her!

Producer Ryan Tedder [who just received an award for his production on Adele's 21 album] revealed some details!

He said it goes “without saying” that Bey’s work will have some reflection on her newborn child Blue Ivy, but that “the conversations about her next album literally just happened.”

“You feed her the best that you have. She’s just a phenomenal filter… she can identify what the next thing is,” Tedder said of the “Party” girl, noting that she has “two projects happening” this year. “You just let her go.”

‘Yonce is also conducting a global remix competition for her fans. The best remix of her track “End of Time” will appear on a future release.

The others never stood a chance!

Adele to take 5 years off from music

2012-02-15T15:27:00.001-08:00

If fans found it hard to live without Adele for the last five months, as the singer suffered throat problems and recuperated from vocal-cord surgery, they could be in for an even more difficult five years. In an interview with Vogue, the Grammy winner has revealed plans to take a half-decade break and focus on her relationship with new boyfriend Simon Konecki.

"I am fucking off for four or five years," Adele told the magazine. "If I am constantly working, my relationships fail. So at least now I can have enough time to write a happy record. And be in love and be happy."

"And then I don't know what I'll do," she added. "Get married. Have some kids. Plant a nice vegetable patch."
The "happy record" would certainly be a change of pace, as the singer's mega-selling '21' was inspired by a devastating breakup. Speaking with Vogue about what type of girlfriend she is, Adele said she's a good one, since she likes to laugh, cook and have sex -- though not at the same time, one presumes. She also admitted that she's prone to drama.

"I am not bipolar, but I go from, 'Oh, my God, I love you' to, 'Get the fuck out of my house!' really quickly," she said. "And I never sit there and talk about it. I give them the silent treatment." spinner

Joe Budden - Stay Schemin (Freestyle)

2012-02-15T12:35:00.001-08:00

Worst Acceptance Speech Ever - Kanye West

2012-02-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

Greatest Grammy speech - Kanye West

2012-02-14T06:01:00.001-08:00

POWER Tip of The Day: 3 Simple Steps to Get Your Body Back After the Holidays

2012-02-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays have come to a close and all of the feasting has finally slowed down, it is time to do something about those extra winter pounds that snuck up on us. Sure the extra slice of apple pie didn’t hurt anyone, but it sure did hurt your thighs! Ladies, we all know how this goes. Somehow the cold weather gives us an excuse to eat and hibernate and before you know it, it’s almost time to get back into that bikini. Starting an exercise routine now will keep your weight loss at a steady healthy pace and will tone you up by the time summer rolls around again. Following these basic routines will help you get a sexy body in no time.

The first and most important step in weight loss is combining a healthy diet with exercise. Drinking water is a great start. Staying hydrated will keep your tummy flatter and at the same time make you feel more full. Thirst is often on a bit of a delay, and it is common to mistake thirst for hunger. Before grabbing a snack, drink a glass of ice water or even iced tea and see how you feel. More often than not, the craving will subside and you’ll feel good about not splurging.

Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day will keep your metabolism high and your appetite satisfied. Take your time with these changes, and don’t deprive yourself completely from your favorite treats. Once in a while won’t do much damage, and this way you won’t feel resentful about your diet.

If you are really looking to drop serious pounds, the best exercise for you is cardio with added strength training. Getting on a treadmill, stepper, or bike machine can burn up to 300 calories in 30 minutes. Not part of a gym? Get outside and walk, run, or ride your bike! Staying active is so important. Instead of sitting and watching T.V. after work, leave on your favorite show and do a few exercises while watching. Remember to be safe about weight loss and not to strive to lose any more than 5 lbs a week. Even that can be a stretch.

If you work towards your goal and be smart about your body, you will see results in no time. Don’t give up. Imagine yourself in that bikini on the beach this summer and you’ll be looking great in no time!

Mara Hoffman FALL 2012 Collection

2012-02-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

Kanye West Takes Home 3 Grammys For Best Rap Album, Best Rap Collaboration and Best Rap Song In Pre-Telecast Grammy Ceremonies

2012-02-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

Kanye West has already won three trophies on the Pre-Telecast Grammy ceremony. The Louis Vuitton Don won for Best Rap Album for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Best Rap Collaboration and Best Rap Song for that album's single "All of the Lights."

Fantasy beat out Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV, Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday, Lupe Fiasco's Lasers and even managed to beat himself, besting The Thrones Watch The Throne disc.

My only question is why isn't this award shown on the main telecast?

We'll keep you updated as more winners are announced.

2012 Grammys: Whitney Houston’s death casts shadow on music's celebratory night; Adele wins Song, Record and Album of the Year

2012-02-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

The usual glitz of the Grammys was tempered by grief Sunday night as the music world paid tribute to Whitney Houston and showered its newest star Adele with awards.

A day after Houston was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel room at the age of 48, a dark cloud overshadowed the normally celebratory atmosphere.

From the start of the show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, host LL Cool J conveyed to the audience that the night would not be like any other awards program.

“There is no way around this. We had a death in our family,” he said. “So to me, the only thing that feels right is to begin with a prayer for a woman we loved, to our fallen sister Whitney Houston.”

A video clip of Houston preforming her monster hit “I Will Always Love You” at the 1994 Grammys brought the star-studded crowd to its feet, many with tears in their eyes.

“Whitney, we will always love you,” LL Cool J said.

“Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Hudson performed “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute to Houston.

But the rest of the awards show belonged to Adele - who picked up the hat trick of major trophies with Song of the Year and Record of the Year for her hit, "Rollin' in the Deep' and Album of the Year for "21".

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kicked off the show by performing their new single, “We Take Care of Our Own.”

Bruno Mars, up for six Grammys, paused in the middle of performing “Runaway” to say the night was more about healing.

“Tonight we celebrate music. Tonight we celebrate Whitney Houston,” Mars told the cheering crowd.

The first award of the night went to soulful British pop sensation Adele, whose song "Someone Like You" won Best Pop Solo Performance.

Coming off career-threatening throat surgery, Adele, who was up for six Grammys Sunday, thanked her doctor for saving her vocal cords.

Adele also picked up both the coveted Song of the Year and Record of the Year awards for “Rolling in the Deep.” Her record “21” also won for Album of The Year.

New York Giants receivers Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz got in on the act as the Super Bowl standouts presented Foo Fighters with Best Rock Performance for “Walk.” Cruz even showed off his salsa dance to wild cheers.

Three years after his career imploded on charges he beat beat ex-girlfriend Rihanna after pre-Grammys party, Chris Brown was awarded Best R&B Album for “F.A.M.E.”

“First and foremost, I just got to thank God for this opportunity,” said Brown, who performed his new single “Turn Up the Music.”

On the red carpet going into the Staples Center, entertainers also recalled Houston’s impact on their lives.

“Whitney Houston is the first voice and memory I think I have of music,” said singer Melanie Fiona, 28, who was up for two Grammy Awards.

“My mom used to play her for me to fall asleep in my crib,” Fiona said.

Many of the 78 awards up for grabs were handed out even before the live televised broadcast began.

At age 85, crooner Tony Bennett proved he was still relevant, picking up the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Album for “Duets.” Bennett’s “Body and Soul” duo with the late Amy Winehouse, who died of alcohol poinsoning in July, won Best Pop Performance by a Duo.

“We shouldn’t be here. Our darling daughter should be here,” Winehouse’s father, Mitch, said after he and the singer’s mother, Janis, accepted the award.

The Foo Fighters picked up four awards, including Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song and Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.

The techno-pop singer Skrillex won three Grammys for Best Dance Recording, Best Dance/Electronica Album and Best Remixed Recording for his song “Scary Monsters And Nice Spirits.”

Jay-Z & Kanye West - Niggas in Paris [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

2012-02-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Yelawolf - Marijuana [Official Music Video]

2012-02-08T20:49:00.001-08:00

Yelawolf - Marijuana (Produced By Willpower, Directed By Figz & Yelawolf) from Figz! on Vimeo.

With his new album Radioactive in stores Yelawolf reaches back to his previous effort, Trunk Muzik 0-60, to release an official video for "Marijuana."

Pharrell Williams In the Studio with Justin Bieber, Wiz Khalifa & More

2012-02-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Pharrell Williams may be hush, hush about upcoming projects -- such as his collaborative album with Lupe Fiasco -- but it's evident he's at work. Since the new year started Pharrell has been in the lab with more than ten artists that include Snoop, Dr. Dre, Ne-Yo, Wiz Khalifa and most recently, Justin Bieber and 'X-Factor' contestant, Astro.

Aside from putting in studio time, the super producer is one of two music consultants for the 84th annual Academy Awards, alongside film composer and music producer Hans ZImmer. Expect to see, hear and read more of Pharrell as he preps his upcoming travel book, "Places & Spaces I've Been" and BBC's new line of boots adn women's line (Billionare Girls Club)

Beyonce Announces 'End of Time' Remix Contest, Hints at Single Release

2012-02-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

New mom Beyonce is making her music world return, calling for remix submissions for "4" track "End of Time" on Wednesday.

The singer, in her first major announcement is the birth of daughter Blue Ivy Carter, is asking fans to submit their versions via BeyonceOnline.com, where they can download stems from the "4" song.

The contest is in association with audio sharing site Soundcloud, which will allow votes on the entries.

The remix winner will win a $4,000 prize and inclusion on a future Beyonce release -- though the nature of that release was not revealed. The single release of "End of Time" would be a likely choice, making it the fifth track released from "4."

The song charted on download sales alone after the release of "4," reaching No. 13 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

Beyonce was photographed at husband Jay-Z's 40/40 Club on Monday, her first public appearance since giving birth.

L.I.E Feat Ceez - Fly On

2012-02-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

Kevin Durant x Privaledge - "Worried Bout Tomorrow"

2012-02-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

NBA star @KDTrey5 and @Privaledge get together to make the track "Worried Bout Tomorrow" Download Here and visit privaledge.com

Nikon D800

2012-02-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

meet the Nikon D800 a 36 megapixel HD-SLR. for professional photographers who require end results of the highest quality. w| the 36.3 mp's you get true 1080p HD cinematic quality video. below view a promo video titled "Joy Ride" shot by Sandro using a D800

Rick Ross "Yella Diamonds" [trailer]

2012-02-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

Missy Elliott, Timbaland Plotting Solo Album 'Movement'

2012-02-07T19:09:00.001-08:00

Missy Elliott and Timbaland will both launch new albums this summer, Timbaland told MTV News.

"Me and Missy are both coming out with our albums at the same time, and it will be in June," he said. "Right now, we're just preparing to get both our videos, our first singles shot at the same time. We want to do it as a movement."

While Timbaland has stayed prominent in recent years with solo efforts such as "Shock Value II," Elliott hasn't released an album since 2005's "The Cookbook."

In the interim, she revealed that she'd been diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder.

"I'm 30 pounds lighter because I've been exercising." the MC told People last year. "My thyroid is functioning, so I haven't had to take medication in about nine months. [But] you live with it for the rest of your life."

The dual album release is the latest collaboration in the duo's lengthy musical relationship, which has spawned such hits as "Get Ur Freak On" and Aaliyah's "I Care 4 U."

"People always ask if we're still working together, and the answer is we will always work together," Elliott told Billboard in a previous interview about the new album, then titled "Block Party." "He's always going to be involved, even if it is just on one record. That's my brother. I respect and honor what he says."

Nicki Minaj Announces Grammy Plans, New Single, & NBA All-Star Performance

2012-02-07T19:06:00.001-08:00

Ballers want to be rappers, and rappers want to be ballers. With her second studio album set for this April, hip-hop diva Nicki Minaj has announced a wave of news, including her next single, Grammy plans, and a performance at the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.

Minaj will hit the 54th Annual Grammy Awards with a new song. Nicki will give the Barbz a preview of "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded" (April 3) when she performs a never before heard track, titled, "Roman Holiday." The song will go on-sale immediately after the telecast.

Aside from her performance, Minaj is up for four Gammys including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album.

The day after her big Grammy night (Feb, 13), Ryan Seacrest will premiere Minaj's newest single, "Starships." Fans can download the track on iTunes the same day.

Nicki Minaj will wrap up a busy February with a performance at the 2012 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando on Feb. 26th. A press release hinted Minaj will perform, but did not reveal if for the halftime show.

Scrooge McHov? Jay-Z Made $63 Million In 2010 But Reportedly Only Gave $6,000 To His Own Charity

2012-02-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z is worth $420 million dollars according to Forbes. No doubt he's worked hard for it. The question is, when you're that wealthy do you have an obligation to give back to those less fortunate? Or at the very least break off a chunk of cash for your own charity?

Those are questions Jay-Z is probably thinking about today after The Daily published a report claiming the superstar rapper made $63 million dollars in 2010, but only gave $6,431 to his own charity. The Daily came up with those numbers by examining tax records for the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund.

Hov's wife, Beyonce, reportedly made $87 million dollars that same year, but did not donate any money at all to the Foundation.

According to the report, the average American gives about 3.5 percent of their income to charity. Jay-Z gave about 0.01 percent of his estimated income to his own charity in 2010.

The Foundation was established in 2003 by Jay and his mother, Gloria Carter. According to it's mission statement "Shawn Carter Scholars are studying at nearly 100 institutions of higher learning throughout the nation." Scholarships awarded help students with "the costs of books and lab fees, food, travel and other self-care expenses." But where exactly is the money to fund these endeavors coming from if Jay-Z is contributing so little?

Hov's representative, Jana Fleishman, told The Daily that the rapper contributes in other ways.

“Jay, along with his family, provided office support, overhead support, [mother] Mrs. Gloria Carter’s 100% effort and time, computers, FedEx expenses, accounting, and treasury function support. This was at no cost to the charity,” Fleishman said.

The Daily noted that tax records show the charity only had to pay $1,209 for office expenses, $1,401 for telephone, and $4,696 in other expenses in 2010.

Fleishman also said that in 2011 Jay-Z helped raise $1.25 million for the charity at its Carnival at Pier 54 event. The Daily couldn't verify those numbers because tax records for 2011 are not yet available.

To be fair to Hov he is playing two Carnegie Hall concerts for free (the first was last night, the second is tonight). Proceeds are being spit between the United Way of New York City and The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, but it's not known exactly how much money that will translate into for the foundation.

Super Bowl XLVI is No. 1 all-time in TV ratings

2012-02-06T22:11:00.001-08:00

MORE PEOPLE watched this year’s Super Bowl than any other television show ever. Ever!

The Peacock Network’s telecast of Sunday’s Super Bowl recorded the largest-ever viewership for a TV show in the history of the medium.

An average of 111.3 million people were watching the game at any one time, according to ratings Nielsen Co. released Monday. That topped the previous high of 111 million viewers set when Green Bay beat Pittsburgh in last year’s Super Bowl.

The show also recorded the most-watched half-time show, which starred Madonna, ever.

Going in, experts projected a big number for the game because the Giants and Patriots were in a rematch from a Super Bowl decided by last-minute drama. Likewise, the game pitted two major TV markets.

The average audience peaked at 117.7 million viewers between 9:30 p.m. and 9:58 p.m., just as the outcome of the game was in question.

Typically, the Super Bowl is the most-watched telecast of any kind each year because it draws in casual viewers who normally do not watch football or sports, but are drawn to the spectacle.

In Boston, a whopping 81% of the televisions turned on were tuned to the Super Bowl telecast, according to Nielsen. That was the largest percentage of any city in the country. In New York the number was 74%.

‘Amazing Spider-Man’ sneak peek: Sony gives fans first look at trailer that shows darker take on superhero

2012-02-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

New York's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man stopped by the neighborhood Monday.

As part of a massive publicity blitz in 13 cities around the globe, Sony Pictures invited select fans and press to have the first look at a trailer and previously unseen footage from "The Amazing Spider-Man" at Regal's Union Square Theater. Director Marc Webb spoke by video from Los Angeles, actress Emma Stone and the film's producers were in Rio and the film's villain, actor Rhys Ifans, was beamed in from London.

Because this is New York City, the superhero's stomping grounds from the comic books, however, the special guest was Peter Parker himself - actor Andrew Garfield.

"This is special," a seemingly overwhelmed Garfield told the the cheering crowd.

"Hallelujah," he laughed, repeating what one zealous audience member shouted out. "You said exactly what's on my mind."

The real star, however, was the footage Webb introduced: a seemingly darker take on Stan Lee/Steve Ditko's web slinging superhero than the recent Sam Raimi directed trilogy. Spider-Man is a fugitive from the police, at one point in seen with hands cuffed behind his backs, surrounded by cops with their guns drawn. There is a breathtaking shot of the hero diving off a radio tower as it collapses into the roof of an office building, grabbing onto a ledge amid a shower of broken glass and debris that leaps out at the audience in 3-D. Spidey's new nemesis is The Lizard, a Dr. Jekyll and Hyde type that is a lot more vicious than the campier Green Goblin played by Willem Dafoe in 2002's "Spider-Man."

When the lights came back on after the trailer played, the cast and crew were given a round of questions from fans.

Webb was asked what made this movie different from the last round of “Spider-Man” films starring Tobey Maguire. "This movie really starts out with Peter Parker and his parents - which is something we've never seen before," he said.

For a movie that bills itself as "The untold story,” though, a scene of Peter Parker fighting back against bully Flash Thompson seems a little too familiar. It's a reboot that comes just five years after the last successful installment of the Raimi era.

Once the action starts on the "sizzle reel" -- a montage of pulse-pounding action sequences that include unfinished special effects -- however, nothing else mattered for “Spider-Man” fans.

Why did Andrew Garfield, who grew up a comic geek, want to play Spider-Man so badly, he was asked?

"Cause I'm not an idiot," the 28-year-old actor answered to much laughter.

"It's so overwhelming to wear that symbol," he added, pointing to the screen.

Jay-Z finally gets chance to give 'Brooklyn in the House!' shoutout at Carnegie Hall

2012-02-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

HOW DO you get to Carnegie Hall?

The time-honored joke — (answer: practice) — could not possibly apply to Jay-Z. He’s a master of his art, yet it still took him 17 years to mount the stage of this hallowed hall. He did so Monday in a benefit gig for the United Way and the Shawn Carter Fund, which helps at-risk and low-income students in New York public schools.

While Jay isn’t the first hip-hop star to play here (Mos Def, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill beat him to it), he’s the first rapper to earn two nights running, with an encore set for Tuesday.

Those who wanted tickets to take in his achievement needed to be extra bling-worthy. While a small number of seats went for $150, more went for $500, $2,000 and beyond.

Unsurprisingly, the audience not only fell far from citizens of Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects, where Jay is from, but also from many of his usual fans. Those with scratch witnessed a show unlike any the star has played before. Never has he hit the stage armed with a full, 36-piece orchestra to complement his 10-piece band.
Early on, Jay leaned into the novelty of the event by announcing: “I’ve always wanted to say this at Carnegie — Is Brooklyn in the house?”

The whole production stressed local color, from the art deco shots of the New York skyline and the subway in the background, to the inevitable performance of “Empire State of Mind,” complete with Alicia Keys. Seldom has she sung its chorus with such soaring pride.

The best orchestrations of the night gave the material some of the grandeur of ’70s soul tracks, like “Theme from Shaft,” or “Across 110th Street.” The string section gave fresh bounce to hits like “99 Problems,” and added a more stern kind of funk to “Big Pimpin.” But with little room to fit in, the orchestra did sit out most of “Hard Knock Life.”

Jay admitted the arrangements were thrown together quickly. The rapper did the most to look dapper during the 90-minute show, appearing first in a white dinner jacket, then a chic black suit. To push the grownup act even further, he performed his newly penned song to his daughter with Beyoncé, “Glory.”

It’s not his most pronounced number, but it measured his own maturity as well as that of hip hop itself. For all of Jay’s surprise at his surroundings, the swiftness and wit of his raps prove he earned his place here.

Chart Highlights: Flo Rida Flies to No. 1 on Pop Songs

2012-02-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

Chart Highlights offers a sneak peek at a select group of Billboard charts every Monday. Find out the top songs, Greatest Gainers and debuts on the surveys listed below.

All our charts are refreshed on billboard.com every Thursday.

As Her Madgesty makes headlines with her grand entrance at No. 24, Flo Rida ascends to the Pop Songs summit with "Good Feeling" (2-1). The song marks the rapper's third pop topper, following his debut single "Low," which reigned for six weeks in 2008, and "Right Round" (two weeks, 2009). At No. 39, the other current hit that samples Etta James' "Something's Got a Hold on Me" - Avicii's "Levels" - debuts.

Greatest Gainer/Debut No. 24 "Give Me All Your Luvin'" Madonna Featuring Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.
Debut No. 39 "Levels" Avicii

Adult Contemporary
*** No. 1 *** "Just A Kiss" Lady Antebellum
Greatest Gainer No. 10 "Set Fire To The Rain" Adele
Debut No. 27 "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" Kelly Clarkson
Debut No. 29 "Honesty" Whitney Wolanin

Adult Pop Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Set Fire To The Rain" Adele
Greatest Gainer No. 8 "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" Kelly Clarkson
Debut No. 31 "Somebody That I Used To Know" Gotye Featuring Kimbra
Debut No. 35 "Give Me All Your Luvin'" Madonna Featuring Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.
Debut No. 39 "Ships In The Night" Mat Kearney
Debut No. 40 "Turn Me On" David Guetta Featuring Nicki Minaj

Dance/Club Play Songs
*** No. 1 *** "You Da One" Rihanna
Greatest Gainer No. 7 "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" Kelly Clarkson
Hot Shot Debut No. 28 "International Love" Pitbull Featuring Chris Brown
Debut No. 36 "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." RLP & Barbara Tucker Featuring Lil Jon
Debut No. 38 "She Gets Down On Her Knees" Ono
Debut No. 45 "Never Fear" George Acosta Featuring Emma Lock
Debut No. 47 "Yes No Maybe" RCDM Featuring Candace Sames
Debut No. 49 "End Of Time" Beyonce

Rap Songs
Greatest Gainer/*** No. 1 *** "The Motto" Drake Featuring Lil Wayne
Debut No. 25 "Another Round" Fat Joe Featuring Chris Brown

Rock Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Lonely Boy" The Black Keys
Greatest Gainer/Hot Shot Debut No. 33 "Love Interruption" Jack White
Debut No. 45 "I Like It" Foxy Shazam
Debut No. 48 "Boss's Daughter" Pop Evil
Debut No. 49 "Love Bites (So Do I)" Halestorm

Alternative Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Lonely Boy" The Black Keys
Greatest Gainer/Debut No. 26 "Love Interruption" Jack White
Debut No. 37 "I Like It" Foxy Shazam
Debut No. 38 "I Come Alive" The Used
Debut No. 40 "How'd You Like That" The Kooks

Country Songs
*** No. 1 *** "All Your Life" The Band Perry
Greatest Gainer No. 19 "Banjo" Rascal Flatts
Hot Shot Debut No. 52 "Springsteen" Eric Church
Debut No. 58 "Something To Do With My Hands" Thomas Rhett

Latin Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Si Tu Me Besas" Victor Manuelle
Greatest Gainer No. 2 "Lovumba (Prestige)" Daddy Yankee
Hot Shot Debut No. 43 "Te Dijeron" Plan B
Debut No. 47 "Estoy Salado" Chuy Lizarraga y Su Banda Tierra Sinaloense
Debut No. 49 "El Mejor Perfume" La Original Banda el Limon de Salvador Lizarraga
Debut No. 50 "Solamente Tu" Arturo Jaimes y Los Cantantes

Regional Mexican Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Llamada De Mi Ex" La Arrolladora Banda el Limon de Rene Camacho
Greatest Gainer No. 4 "Intentalo" 3BallMTY Featuring El Bebeto y America Sierra
Debut No. 35 "Malabares" Duelo
Debut No. 37 "Lo Que Pienso De Ti" Banda Carnaval

Latin Pop Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Si Tu Me Besas" Victor Manuelle
Greatest Gainer No. 14 "Fuiste Tu" Ricardo Arjona Featuring Gaby Moreno
Debut No. 38 "Creo En Ti" Reik
Debut No. 39 "Levels" Avicii
Debut No. 40 "Fly" Nicki Minaj Featuring Rihanna

Tropical Songs
Greatest Gainer/*** No. 1 *** "Si Tu Me Besas" Victor Manuelle
Debut No. 20 "Si Te Digo La Verdad" Gocho
Debut No. 30 "Intentalo" 3BallMTY Featuring El Bebeto y America Sierra
Debut No. 31 "En El Cielo No Hay Hospital" Juan Luis Guerra
Debut No. 33 "Me Voy De La Casa" Tito "El Bambino"

Christian Songs
*** No. 1 *** "My Hope Is In You" Aaron Shust
Greatest Gainer No. 6 "Overcome" Jeremy Camp
Hot Shot Debut No. 27 "Just Another Birthday" Casting Crowns
Debut No. 47 "Able" Needtobreathe
Debut No. 49 "The Rescue" Adam Cappa

Gospel Songs
*** No. 1 *** "In The Middle" Isaac Carree
Greatest Gainer No. 12 "My Testimony" Marvin Sapp
Debut No. 30 "Awesome" Pastor Charles Jenkins Presents Fellowship Chicago Live

Nicki Minaj's Personal 'Marilyn Monroe' Leaks: Listen

2012-02-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

Fans of Nicki Minaj's smash hit "Super Bass" will soon have a new pop-friendly ballad to sing in the shower.

A new and unofficial track leaked to the web this week, in which the rapper appears to be channeling Barbie rather than her other male alter ego, Roman. The song is rumored to be titled "Marilyn Monroe" and features Minaj's sweeter, softer vocals instead of the rapid-fire rhymes we're accustomed to hearing from her.

"Just call me blessed. If you can't handle my worst, you ain't getting my best. Is this how Marilyn Monroe felt? Must be how Marilyn Monroe felt," Minaj croons against an upbeat piano and synth beats.

The song lyrics draw on a famous quote from Monroe, in which she said: "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

The song is likely unfinished, but this start certainly sounds promising. Minaj has a knack for straddling the line between hardcore rap fans and bubblegum pop lovers, with "Monroe" very clearly catering to the latter demo.

Minaj's sophomore album "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded" was set for a Valentine's Day debut via Young Money records, but was recently pushed back to April 3. Among the new songs to be released on the album are "Stupid Hoe" and "Roman in Moscow," which play in stark contrast to the softer "Monroe."

Brandy, Monica Reunite For New Single, 'It All Belongs To Me': Listen

2012-02-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

Finally! Brandy and Monica reunite fourteen years after their Hot 100 No. 1, "The Boy Is Mine."

On "It All Belongs To Me," produced and written by Rico Love, the R&B femmes join forces to kick their wrong-doing lovers to the curb, making sure they sure as hell don't leave with any of their own belongings.

It All Belongs To Me by RCARecords

" I know you mad, can't take no more/ But put that back, that ain't yours/ Have a fit, slam the door but leave them bags on the floor/ That shit belongs to me…" Brandy sings.

"It All Belongs to Me" will appear on both of the singer's albums, similar to "The Boy Is Mine." The collaboration will appear on Monica's sixth studio album, "New Life," (March 6) and Brandy's yet-to-be titled album also slated for March, 2012.

Super Bowl Spurs Sales for Madonna's New (and Old) Material

2012-02-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

Madonna's new single "Give Me All Your Luvin'" and forthcoming album "MDNA" are off to a solid sales start.

After only three days its release, "Luvin'" has sold over 100,000 downloads in the U.S. according to industry sources (through the close of business Sunday, Feb. 5), while pre-orders for her album via the iTunes Store stand around the 50,000 mark.

Comparably, Madonna's last lead single from a studio album, 2008's "4 Minutes," bowed with 217,000 downloads in its first week of availability (it was released on a Monday). Or, a little more than double what "Luvin'" has sold in three days.

Billboard.com will release Nielsen SoundScan's exact sales data on "Luvin's" first three days of sales on Wednesday morning (Feb. 8).

"MDNA" is the Super Bowl diva's 12th studio album, and is due out March 26 on Interscope Records. The title was exclusively available for pre-orders on iTunes beginning Friday, Feb. 3. Her single and video for "Luvin'" also premiered digitally the same day.

With over 100,000 "Luvin'" singles sold, along with its handsome airplay debut, the track will debut on this week's new Billboard Hot 100 chart (which measures airplay, sales and streaming data). Highlights of the Hot 100, on which Madonna will make her 56th career visit with "Luvin'," will be released Wednesday (Feb. 8).

Madonna's back catalog of albums also got a sales boost last week, thanks to sale pricing and publicity generated by her new single and her Super Bowl halftime performance. Sources say her top 10 digital sellers are showing a collected increase of over 1,700%.

Her "Celebration" greatest hits album got the largest bump, selling between 13,000-14,000 download copies (up from a couple hundred units the week previous). The best-of set was discounted to $6.99 in the iTunes Store, while most of her other albums were priced at $7.99 at the retailer. It also sold for $3.99 on Sunday in the Amazon MP3 store.

Further impact of the diva's Super Bowl spectacular will be felt next week, after a full seven days' worth of sales are registered post-game.

Madonna's Super Bowl Performance Watched By 114 Million

2012-02-06T21:49:00.001-08:00

Madonna's half-time show had an audience that of nearly 3 million more viewers than the game itself.

The singer's halftime performance was seen by 114.0 million viewers, nearly 4 million more than last year's performance featuring the Black Eyed Peas. It is the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show featuring entertainment. Bruce Springsteen, for example attracted 95.7 million viewers.

Super Bowl XLVI was the most-watched television program in U.S. history and the highest-rated Super Bowl in 26 years, according to fast national data from Nielsen. Importantly for NBC, 37 percent of the Super Bowl viewers hung
on to watch the second season premiere of "The Voice."

The game, in which the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 21-17, was seen by a record 111.3 million viewers, beating last year's Super Bowl XLV on Fox by 300,000 viewers. Viewership peaked between 9:30 and 9:58 ET, when 117.7 million viewers tuned in.

"The Voice" attracted approximately 34 million viewers, based on the Nielsen overnight rating of a 19.4/33. That topped last year's airing of "Glee" on Fox, which pulled in 26.8 million viewers, but trailed CBS' "Undercover Boss," which averaged 38.7 million viewers when it debuted after the Super Bowl in 2010

BET Refuses to Air Nicki Minaj Music Video: Report

2012-02-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Has Nicki Minaj been banned by BET?

According to TMZ, the music network has banned the rapper's new music video for her song "Stupid H-e" after deeming it too raunchy.

In the clip, directed by Hype Williams, Minaj -- sporting her signature cartoonish outfits -- repeats the title lyrics along with other explicit words, while writhing around in a cage, among other behavior befitting her manic-vixen persona. Among the song's tamest rhymes: "I'm Angelina, you Jennifer/ C'mon b--h, you see where Brad at."

Meanwhile, an image of a bare behind -- a clear tribute to Minaj's famous derriere -- flashes repeatedly on the screen. (If the report of BET's refusal to air the video has any weight, that might have had something to do with the channel's decision.)

A BET representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As for the video, judge for yourself below.

B.o.B "Strange Clouds" Remix Feat. T.I. & Young Jeezy

2012-02-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

T.I. and Young Jeezy hop on the official remix to Bobby Ray's "Strange Clouds." The song is the lead single off of B.o.B's sophomore album of the same name.

The disc is due out March 13th.

Bow Wow "Underrated"

2012-02-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

Bow Wow's Underrated cd is due out March 13th. The official tracklist was released today and revealed some interesting features.

Ace Hood, Miguel, Chris Brown, Musiq Soulchild, Talib Kweli, Meek Mill, Jadakiss, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J all make appearances. Machine Gun Kelly and Boys II Men are featured on the deluxe edition.

On the production side Bow recruited Cardiak, No I.D., Bei Major, Drumma Boy and Jahlil Beats among others.

Peep the full tracklist below.

Young Jeezy - OJ ft. Fabolous & Jadakiss

2012-02-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

David Guetta "Turn Me On" ft. Nicki Minaj

2012-01-31T19:15:00.001-08:00

David Guetta drops visuals for the fourth single off of his Nothing but the Beat album. The French DJ/producer recruits Nicki Minaj for this one.

British GQ Crowns Chris Brown The "Worst Dressed Man" In The World

2012-01-31T19:12:00.001-08:00

Maybe it's a matter of U.K. style vs. the U.S.

British GQ has rolled out it's list of the 50 Best Dressed Men 2012 and Chris Brown isn't on it. As a matter of fact he's at the opposite end of the spectrum. The publication has dubbed the singer the Worst Dressed Man in the world.

As the bespectacled child at the beginning of his video for "Yeah! 3X" cries out: "Hey, it's Chris Brown!" Inside this year GQ's 50 Best-Dressed Men 2012 in association with Mercedes-Benz, we reveal that the worst-dressed man on the planet is none other than the thuggish rapper-slash-singer. For someone who seems to have so much disposable income - he boasts on one track about spending "15 grand on a phone" and charged over $500 for meet-and-greets on his last tour - Brown seems utterly adverse to investing in tailoring, combining the worst excesses of XXL sizing with a penchant for deeply unflattering costumes. Here GQ.com presents the evidence of Brown's assorted crimes against fashion since 2005. Sorry "Team Breezy", but you may have to look away now...

Tracy Morgan Is Reportedly Worth $18 Million Dollars But Won't Help His Sick Mom Pay $25,000 To Save Her Home From Foreclosure "He's Never Been A Nice Person. Money Just Made It Worse" Says His Sister

2012-01-31T19:10:00.001-08:00

Comedian Tracy Morgan is catching flack from relatives for failing to help his mother save her home from foreclosure.

Alicia Warden told the New York Daily News she owes less than $25,000 on her Ohio home, but her son who is worth $18 million dollars would only offer her a one time payment of $2000.

Warden says that Morgan initially agreed to pay off the home, then reneged after accusing her of granting the media an interview. A claim she denies.

Morgan's younger sister, Asia Morgan, 41, confirms her mom's dire financial problems which she attributes to her failing health. Asia said she was going to keep quiet about the situation, but it's reached the point where she can no longer be silent.

“He’s never been a nice person,” says Asia of her famous brother. “And money’s just made it worse. My mom’s house isn’t extravagant, but it’s her home, Her health is failing. She has diabetes, and her legs are giving out on her. This would be a drop in the bucket for Tracy. She has a son that can do, and she’s done everything that she could possibly could for her family.”

Morgan's mom lost her job in February 2011, and her unemployment benefits have run out. Her utilities are about to be cut off and she is also close to losing her car. She asked her son for help and got a call back from someone who worked for him.

“Tracy’s offering you a one-shot deal” of $2,000 she was told. Warden turned down the meager offer out of pride.

“I told her, ‘Thank you, but no thank you. I’m not some person in the street,” Warden says. “That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. God don’t like ugly. Karma comes back to you.”

There are obviously two side to every story. The New York Daily News reached out to Tracy for a response and didn't get one.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony in ratings harmony on Univision; WCBS continues to build

2012-01-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

When they’re together, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony can sure shake up the Nielsen ratings.

“Q’Viva! The Chosen,” the formerly married couple’s reality competition show for Univision, was watched by 2.2 million viewers Saturday night, according to Nielsen estimates.

That represents a 37% increase over what the network has averaged the previous three Saturday nights, according to network statisticians.

The show features Lopez, Anthony and Jamie King detailing a transcontinental journey to find artists throughout Latin America.

The series is being filmed in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and is expected to eventually land on an English-speaking network in the United States, possibly Fox.

KERNEY JOINS CH. 2

WCBS/Ch. 2 Monday morning added sportscaster Lisa Kerney to the on-air lineup alongside Rob Morrison, Mary Calvi, John Elliott and Alex Denis.

Kerney, who joined the station from the MLB Network, is the latest hire in anticipation of CBS’ acquisition of Long Island’s WLNY/Ch. 55.

CBS announced the deal to buy the station in December. Insiders say the deal could close next month.

Once that happens, more news programs will be on the horizon at Ch. 55, and word is Kerney could be part of a morning effort on WLNY.

Before MLB, Kerney worked at Seattle;s KING-TV.

KARDASHIANS TAKE RATINGS WIN

Sunday’s finale of E!’s “Kourtney & Kim Take New York” was watched by 4.5 million viewers, making it the third most-watched telecast in network history, according to Nielsen.

The show, which included info on Kim Kardashian’s plans to divorce, doubled the numbers of last season’s finale. The show averaged 3.2 million viewers for the season.

Plenty of ‘love’ around after Simon Cowell fires Paula Abdul and 2 others from ‘X Factor’

2012-01-31T19:04:00.000-08:00

Simon Cowell loves Paula, Paula Abdul loves Simon, Fox loves Paula — yet despite the lovefest, Abdul is out of a job on “The X Factor.”

The day after being shown the door at Cowell’s singing competition — along with fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones — Abdul and Cowell professed admiration for each other.

“I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions oftentimes override personal considerations,” she said. “Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation.

“Simon is, and will remain, a dear friend of mine, and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle,” said Abdul.

She said she wanted nothing more than for the show to succeed.

Cowell praised all three in a statement, noting that Abdul was “a very close friend.”

“I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future,” Cowell said.
Mike Darnell, president of alternative entertainment at Fox, also said the network loved Abdul.

“She is a remarkable talent and we appreciate all of her contributions. We’re lucky that she is a part of the Fox family, and we look forward to working with her again soon.”

The mass firing came as Cowell sets up to retool the talent show for next season. Another judge, L.A. Reid, is still with the show.

In its first season on Fox, the show averaged 12.5 million viewers, a respectable crowd, but far lower than Cowell or anyone in the business expected.

The reteaming of Cowell and Abdul was predicted to bring back some of the ratings magic they had on “American Idol.”

That, however, never materialized.

At first the speculation was that Jones, largely lambasted through the season, would go. Then Scherzinger was the rumored judge to hit the road.

There was no major buzz that Abdul would go, too.

“We had a lot of fun making the show together and importantly, we found some real talent and stars,” Cowell said in a statement. “I'm sure all three are going to have massive success in what they do next, but now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year.”

Cowell has not revealed the team for next season.

However, in firing his three colleagues, he’s been able to finally overshadow “Idol” in buzz, if not ratings.

David Letterman, with Howard Stern on board, marks 30 years of transforming late-night comedy

2012-01-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

When David Letterman marks his 30-year run in late night Wednesday, there won’t a massive blowout, but rather an acknowledgment of a milestone.

“It will have to be mentioned, it’s a theme we’ll have to do on the show,” says executive producer Rob Burnett, who has worked there for 26 years. “It’s something that’s important in our world. But I don’t see an extravaganza coming to fruition.”
Low-key is more Letterman’s style, says Burnett.

“Dave has never been super comfortable drawing a lot of attention to himself,” Burnett says.

Letterman got his start in late night on Feb. 1, 1982, as host of NBC’s “Late Night With David Letterman.” He left NBC after not being named to replace Johnny Carson, his idol, as host of “Tonight.” He launched his CBS effort in August 1993.

Howard Stern has been booked for the Wednesday show, Burnett says, because “he is a very special guest for us.”
“Howard is a kindred spirit with Dave,” Burnett adds.

Though Letterman may want to go low-key for the milestone, it is a huge one.

When he started on NBC, Letterman redefined late night. Then, he was a little comic scrambling for guests, most of whom were far bigger stars at the time than he was. He made his mark by being different. He did stunts. He asked questions others wouldn’t.

He changed the face of late night.

The run at CBS has included huge markers, such as the birth of his son, his bypass surgery, his role as a unifying force after the Sept. 11 attacks and, most recently, exposing his own faults after a failed extortion attempt.

“One of the constant things Dave has put forth in 30 years on television is honesty, in addition to being the funniest person I’ve ever seen,” Burnett says.

One underrated aspect of Letterman’s talent is his ability to change, says Burnett. “It’s very hard in show business to have the courage or wherewithal to evolve yourself,” he says. “Dave has done that miraculously.”
It would have been easy, says Burnett, for Letterman to keep mining the stunts he used for the first four or five years, but he didn’t.

“Dave, to our chagrin, will suddenly say, ‘I’m not going to do that kind of thing anymore.’ He has this incredible internal sense to say, ‘No, I’ve done that enough. I don’t feel comfortable doing that kind of thing any more. It creates a vacuum and a hole that’s terrifying, but lo and behold, you find a new direction.”

During the past 30 years, Letterman has gone through several transformations, starting with breaking into late night, then shifting to CBS and now, Burnett says, settling into the Johnny Carson role, where he is bigger than the stars who visit the show.

“When I watch Dave come out at the top of the show, and he sticks his hands in his pockets and tells jokes, I see the audience’s response and see the wonder on their faces,” Burnett says. “I am immediately transported back to when I was 9 years old watching Johnny Carson.”

Letterman’s current deal with CBS ends this summer. Word is that he’s nearing a deal to keep him on through 2014, or two hears longer than Carson.

Burnett says he has no idea when Letterman will step aside.

“This is a guy who can still get around on a fastball and pull it right down the left field line,” Burnett says. “I don’t see this thing ending anytime soon.”

Hey, Kim, it’s all in the jeans!

2012-01-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

THE KARDASHIANS are going topless — for money.

Save for some strategically placed arms, Kourtney, Kim and Khloe strip down in new ads for their Kardashian Kollection denim line for Sears.

Shot by photographer Nick Saglimbeni (who also took the famous family’s Christmas portrait), the reality show siblings model three different styles named after themselves: The Kourtney Jean, The Kim Jean and The Khloé Jean.

“Denim is essential to every wardrobe,” Kim, 31, says in the company’s press release. “I wear jeans all the time — they are so easy to throw on with a white tee or dress up with heels and a blazer and fab accessories. A great pair of jeans can take you from day to night, but that perfect pair is tough to find.”

The jeans will sell for $46.99 to start.

The spotlight-loving trio said they designed the collection with curvy women in mind.

“My sisters and I have different body figures and I know how hard it is to find denim that is not only affordable but that also flatters and celebrates our individual shapes. We wanted to create a go-to line that women knew they could shop and find something to work with their body,” says younger sister Khloe, 27.

Adds Kourtney, 32: “We cannot wait for everyone to check our new line . . . and are excited to see our fans’ reactions to the designs.”

Britney Spears, Alicia Keys Joining Will.i.am on '#willpower'

2012-01-30T19:34:00.001-08:00

Will.i.am's "#willpower" will have some serious star power.

In addition to Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger, who join the Black Eyed Peas frontman on lead single "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)," Will.i.am told Capital FM that musicians including Britney Spears, LMFAO, Alicia Keys, Swedish House Mafia and Shakira will be among the album's contributors.

"I have a song with Alicia Keys - me, Alicia and Swedish House Mafia. I have a song with The Beats, which is pretty grand. Me and Shakira have been trying to finish the stuff we started, and me and Britney is really crazy," he said. "We got a song with me, LFMAO and Eva Simons. A song with me and Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beats. I got a whole other bunch of collaborations."

Will.i.am promises an "uplifting" album that will provide "encouragement for those who need it."

"It was all a dream when I was 15 years old - 20 years later I managed to take the dream from an idea to physicality," he explained, hoping he can share the inspiration.

However, fans of the rapper-producer may be surprised with one of his upcoming efforts.

"I made this song with Nicole Scherzinger that you never expect," he added. "It's classical music."

A release date for "#willpower" has yet to be announced. "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" will see an official release on Feb. 5.

M.I.A. Confirms Super Bowl Appearance

2012-01-30T19:32:00.000-08:00

M.I.A. will join Madonna and Nicki Minaj at the Super Bowl halftime show, the musician confirmed to the BBC's Zane Lowe.

"Yes, I'm going to the Super Bowl… I'm gonna be performing with Madonna and Nicki Minaj... If you're gonna go to the Super Bowl, you might as well go with America's biggest female icons," she said, according to NME.

M.I.A. and Minaj will join Madonna on a performance of "Give Me All Your Luvin'," the Material Girl's first single from "M.D.N.A."

M.I.A. released a single of her own on Monday, "Bad Girls," a reworked version of a track from last year's "Vicki Leekx" mixtape.

Busta Rhymes Ft. Chris Brown "Why Stop Now" [Official Music Video]

2012-01-30T19:29:00.000-08:00

Busta Rhymes released a preview of the "Why Stop Now" video over the weekend, here is the final version.

The Hype Williams directed clip features Chris Brown.

Drake Says He Won't Respond To Common's Diss Because He Believes The Chicago MC Used Him Just To Sell His Album

2012-01-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

It looks like the Common vs. Drake beef is officially over.

When Common spoke to Rolling Stone last week he told them that he wasn't going to fire any more shots if Drake didn't respond to his "Stay Schemin" diss.

"I feel like I said what I had to say, and I'm just going to let it be at that point," he said at the time. "Now, if something else happens, then I'll just have to act accordingly. But right now, I feel like, man, I said what I needed to say about this situation on record."

Now Drake has gone on record saying he won't respond because he feels like Common was only using him to promote his album.

"Despite how it’s been worded by him that situation is not a hip hop moment or a battle for the sake of musical integrity," Drake told Nah Right in a new interview. "It’s a ploy for attention around the release of an album. More than anything it was just disappointing cause what kid isn’t a fan of what Common has done for our genre. A guy who made such an incredible career for himself based off expressing genuine feelings about life and love is now targeting me for sharing my story."

How do you feel about Drake not responding? Did he lose the battle or was he right to assume it was a publicity stunt by Common?

Makin' Moves!! Rihanna To Produce And Appear In UK Fashion Series

2012-01-27T11:30:00.001-08:00

With an impressive resume of breaking music sales and video view records already under her belt, pop superstar Rihanna has now decided to jump into the producing field.

This summer, Rihanna will produce and star in a still unnamed series in the UK on Sky Living HD
Rihanna has chosen 'Girls Aloud' singer Nicola Roberts to lead the challenge in which contestants will design clothes for musicians and celebrities.

The final challenge and ultimate task for the winner will be to design a unique stage outfit for Rihanna's Wireless performance in Hyde Park in July 2012. The chance to dress one of the world's most famous women for an event that will attract worldwide coverage is the perfect springboard for the aspiring designer's future fashion career.

"I've always had a great love of fashion. It's a constant source of inspiration in my life, and is a big reason why I've grown into the person and artist I am today'' Rihanna stated.

"I have been very fortunate to work with some truly amazing designers and stylists throughout my career, and they have been instrumental in making sure my creative vision reaches the stage. I am excited to follow the journey of our aspiring contestants and see how their individuality influences their efforts during the course of the show."

Tyga Ft. Wale, Fabolous, Meek Mill, Young Jeezy & T.I. - Rack City (Remix) Clean Version

2012-01-27T11:27:00.001-08:00

Tyga drops his mega-remix to "Rack City" featuring T.I., Young Jeezy, Wale, Fabolous and Meek Mill. The official video is being released soon

Diddy To Host Grammy After Party At The Playboy Mansion Benefitting Children Affected By HIV/AIDS. Tickets Run As High As $50,000 For The Event

2012-01-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

If you've got deep pockets and want to mingle with Playboy bunnies and hang out with the likes of Diddy and Hugh Hefner while contributing to a good cause, you can do so by coughing up $50,000 for tickets to the Diddy-hosted "Fame at the Mansion" party.

That 50K will get you 2 cabanas, VIP admission for 20 people, buffet dinner, open bar, free bottle service and 15 dedicated female promotional models at the 54th annual Grammy Awards after party.

If that's a little bit too much for your budget you can cop tickets in other price ranges from $25,000 down to $1500.

The event is for a very good cause. It will benefit Angelwish.org. The organization grants wishes to millions of children around the world who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Check out the full price ranges and amenities below via the event's website.

General Admission - $1,500

General Admission includes: admission to the Playboy Mansion, complimentary parking, shuttle to the event, buffet, entertainment, dessert, and hosted/open bar.

VIP Admission - $2,500

“VIP Admission includes: VIP admission to the grounds of the Playboy Mansion, complimentary parking, shuttle to the event, preferred access to VIP lounge area, entertainment, dessert, and hosted/open bar, VIP Gift Bag”

Drive On Pass - $7,500 Per Vehicle

The Drive On Pass to the Playboy Mansion gives an individual the access to drive their car on to the grounds of the Playboy Mansion and park at the event. This is an exclusive privilege as all other attendees that do not have a drive on pass will be shuttled to this event from our hotel check in point. Tickets much be purchased separately for each individual in the vehicle. One vehicle per drive on pass - SIZE REGULATIONS APPLY- limousines and other large vehicles will need official clearance.

VIP Table - $15,000 Preferred Seating (per Table)

“VIP preferred seating at this event guarantees that you and your guests will have a comfortable spot close to the stage at the Playboy Mansion. Your VIP table comes with five (5) VIP admissions. Tables seat ten to each table. Along with the luxury of having this table reservation you will also receive several perks: five (5) of our dedicated female promotional models to mingle with, dinner, open bar, VIP check-in, and free flowing bottle service from our waitresses all night long.”

VIP Cabana - $25,000 (per Cabana)

“VIP Cabanas give you security, privacy, and exclusivity at this event. Your VIP Cabana it comes with ten (10) VIP admissions. Cabanas hold up to 15 people. Along with the luxury of having this cabana reservation you will also receive several perks: ten (10) dedicated female promotional models to mingle with, dinner, open bar, VIP check-in, and free flowing bottle service from our waitresses all night long.”

Back Stage Pass - $25,000

The Back Stage Pass is the ultimate in exclusive admissions. With the Back Stage Pass at the Playboy Mansion your admission includes all of the perks of purchasing a VIP ticket, plus each Back Stage Pass holder gets to go back stage at this exclusive event and take a picture with our host Sean “Diddy” Combs and all other celebrities/performers - this is a very exclusive honor and only 15 total Back Stage Passes are available.

The `Monster´ Cabana - $50,000

“The Monster Cabana is the size of two regular cabanas combined and is the ultimate VIP preferred seating arrangement. It gives you security, privacy, and exclusivity at this event. The Monster Cabana comes with twenty (20) VIP admissions. This cabana can hold up to 30 people. Along with the luxury of having this cabana reservation you will also receive several perks: fifteen (15) dedicated female promotional models to mingle with, dinner, open bar, free flowing bottle service from our waitresses all night long, and VIP check-in-more options available, call for specific needs.”

Bow Wow Speaks to the Breakfast Club About The Industry, Rumors, Coming up in The Game, Famous Women He's Smashed + More

2012-01-27T11:11:00.001-08:00

Bow Wow Speaks to the Breakfast Club About The Industry, Rumors, Coming up in The Game, Famous Women He's Smashed + More

Cassie To Release New Single & Video 'King Of Hearts' On Valentine's Day

2012-01-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe Cassie hasn't released an album since her 2006 self titled debut. The singer appears ready to make a comeback starting with the release of a video for her new single "King of Hearts."

The video will drop on February 14. The song will hit iTunes on the same day the singer announced via Twitter.

Are you still checking for Cassie's music? While you contemplate that question check out the video teaser for "King of Hearts" below.

Simon Cowell spins new show on DJs with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s company

2012-01-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

Simon Cowell is getting into business with Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s company on a new reality show spotlighting DJs.

Cowell’s Syco Entertainment, Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television are planning to launch “DJ Superstar,” a live international show to find the world’s best DJs.

“We’ve been working on this show for over a year and we wanted to partner with the right people,” Cowell said in a statement. He said that as soon as he met Jada Pinkett-Smith and her producing partner, Miguel Melendez, he knew he had found them.

“DJs are the new rock stars. It feels like the right time to make the show,” Cowell said.

The partners will soon announce the show’s U.S. and U.K. broadcasters, said the announcement.

“This show will comb the world to find a new breed of talent,” Pinkett-Smith said in a statement.
Cowell is the force behind Fox’s “X Factor” and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

Adele stays on top: '21' enjoys the longest run at Billboard's No. 1 since 1993's 'The Bodyguard'

2012-01-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

If it seems like Adele’s album won’t leave the No. 1 spot, you’re not imagining things.

This week marks the 17th time her disk “21” has held that high ground, according to Billboard magazine. That’s the longest any work has hogged the magazine’s hottest spot since “The Bodyguard Soundtrack” parked there for 20 weeks — and that was nearly 19 years ago. (The soundtrack ended it run back on May 29, 1993).

Adele’s “21” moved another 95,000 copies in the last seven days, bringing its total to 6.14 million copies and counting.

The highest debut on the charts this week went to the Kidz Bop franchise. The series’ 21st CD opened at No. 2, with 59,000 copies sold.

This is the 14th Kidz album to open in the Top 10 and the fourth to reach No. 2.

Adele wasn’t the only one who had some upbeat news this week. So did the whole industry — which could use it. Year-to-date album sales are up 3% over the total at this time last year, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures. Also, digital track sales are up 7% over 2011’s total at this point (to 89.21 million).

Barack Obama: State of the Union [Full Speech] -Video Inside

2012-01-25T20:42:00.001-08:00

Mac Miller Announces Dates For The Macadelic Tour

2012-01-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

Mac Miller is about to hit the road starting in March on "The Macadelic" world tour. The Pittsburgh mc will be playing 22 dates starting March 27 in Norfolk, Virginia. The trek will wind through Green Bay, Atlanta and Paris, France before winding down in Amsterdam on June 1st.

The Cool Kids and The Come Up are the tour's opening acts.

For more tour information and to purchase tickets visits Mac's official website.

The Macadelic Tour Dates:
03/27/12 Norfolk, VA Norfolk State University
03/28/12 Clemson, SC Clemson University
03/29/12 Radford, VA Radford University
03/31/12 Fairfax, VA George Mason University
04/01/12 Loretto, PA Saint Francis University
04/03/12 State College, PA Penn State University
04/04/12 Ypsilanti, MI Eastern Michigan University
04/05/12 Kalamazoo, MI Western Michigan University
04/10/12 Green Bay, WI University of Wisconsin Green Bay
04/11/12 St. Louis, MO St. Louis University
04/12/12 Bloomington, IN Indiana University
04/14/12 Dayton, OH Wright State University
04/16/12 Charlotte, NC University of North Carolina Charlotte
04/17/12 Atlanta, GA Georgia State University
04/20/12 Orlando, FL University of Central Florida
04/26/12 Baltimore, MD Towson University
04/27/12 Clarion, PA Clarion University
04/29/12 Oneonta, NY SUNY Oneonta
05/18/12 Asbury Park, NJ Bamboozle Festival
05/29/12 Brussels Ancienne Belgique
05/30/12 Paris Le Casino de Paris
06/01/12 Amsterdam Melkweg

Ne-Yo Joins Motown Roster As Both An Artist & Senior VP of A&R

2012-01-25T20:38:00.001-08:00

Ne-Yo is taking his talents from Def Jam and moving over to Motown it was announced Tuesday (January 24).

Ne-Yo will record for the label and scout for new talent in his new position of Senior VP of A&R according to Billboard.

"His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark," Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown chairman/CEO Barry Weiss said in a statement announcing the news. "But this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012."

The singer/actor had previously released four albums on Def Jam. The last being 2010's Libra Scale.

His new disc, The Cracks in Mr. Perfect, will be released through his Compound Entertainment imprint and Motown later this year.

Ne-Yo said he's excited about the new opportunity.

"I'm honored that I¹ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson -- these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it," he said.

Rihanna Gets 2Pac's "Thug Life" Officially Tattooed On Her Knuckles

2012-01-25T20:36:00.000-08:00

Two things have become apparent about Rihanna. She loves tattoos and loves playing the role of bad girl.

Last September the singer was spotted on a hotel balcony in Brazil with what appeared to be "Thug Life" inked on her knuckles. It now looks like that was just sharpie ink as Riri hit up the Shamrock Social Club in Los Angeles on Tuesday and got the phrase made famous by late rapper Tupac Shakur tatted on her knuckles.

"All these b*tches screaming that 2pac back ♫ #THUGLIFE," she wrote on Twitter.

Chris Rock Inspired By Jay-Z & Kanye West's 'Watch The Throne' Tour. Wants To Hit The Road With Dave Chappelle

2012-01-25T20:32:00.001-08:00

If Chris Rock gets his wish fans may soon get the chance to see the biggest comedy tour in years.

Rock is trying to convince fellow comedian Dave Chappelle to hit the road with him.

"I've been talking to Chappelle a lot. Been trying to get Chappelle to go on tour," Chris told Vulture. "You know I'm not the hard one. But I'm trying to make that happen. After seeing Kanye and Jay-Z, I was like, 'Me and Dave should do this.'"

Chappelle has been mostly missing in action since he abruptly walked from his popular sketch comedy series "Chappelle's Show" in 2005. He's done a few shows here and there, but is rarely seen in public.

Would you be interested in seeing Chris and Dave tour together?

Kim Kardashian co-hosts ‘Live’ with Kelly Rippa, discusses painful divorce from Kris Humphries

2012-01-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

Eighty four days after ending her 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian broke her silence on her painful divorce - again.

The 31-year-old reality TV star spent the beginning of her co-hosting stint Monday on "Live with Kelly" answering host Kelly Rippa's questions about the backlash to her failed attempt at married life. Particularly gauling to Kardashian is inuendo that the televised wedding was all a hoax to drive up ratings for her show.

"If you really think about it, I would hope this is fake, that somene going through this wouldn't really have to go through this," Kardashian, in a form-fitting red dress, told Rippa. "Me being such a hopeless romantic, I wanted to believe in something so badly but if you really think about it, if this is a business decision and I really made all that money that everyone claimed we were making off this wedding...I'm a smart business person, I would've stayed married longer."

Kardashian said she moved in with her mother - bringing only two pairs of sweatpants and a pair of pajamas -- and "did some soul searching" after her marriage to Humphries imploded.
"I needed that," she added.

She said that she's a hopeless romantic who fell in love with Humphries, but it quickly became apparent that they rushed in to their nuptials without really knowing each other.

"I want babies and I want that forever love, but I felt if I know in my heart that this isn't right, then why wait years for this same result," she asked. "I think I learned I really need to rewrite my fairy tale."

Kanye West Takes Fan, Soundgarden Flack After Big Day Out Delay

2012-01-23T19:38:00.001-08:00

A Big Day Out turned into a rough one for Kanye West.

The hip-hop star, headlining the Australian festival over the weekend, was reportedly 45 minutes late to the stage after inclement weather led to sound problems. According to local publication the Gold Coast Bulletin, the delay was "unheard of in BDO history."

The delayed set reportedly earned chants of "bulls***" from fans, as well as harsh words from Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, whose co-headlining set clashed with the noise from West's soundcheck.

"Sounds like there's children playing music there, retarded children, retarded as in 'held back,'" Cornell told the audience, according to the Daily Telegraph. "There's no other word for it."

The festival drew 38,000 people, not enough to reach capacity -- the first time in years that the Gold Coast Big Day Out failed to sell out. (Among other possible reasons, West headlined Queensland's Splendour in the Grass festival last year.)

Kasabian and Noel Gallagher were also among the festival's performers.

Rihanna Bests Lady Gaga For Female YouTube Crown

2012-01-23T19:37:00.000-08:00

YouTube has a new queen.

Rihanna has topped Lady Gaga's video views to become the site's most-viewed female artist. The "We Found Love" singer hit 2,068,076,591 views over the weekend.

Gaga, the first musician to hit one billion views on YouTube back in October 2010, has failed to sustain the hundred million-view pace of tracks such as "Bad Romance" and "Telephone" with more recent efforts such as "You and I" and "Marry the Night," which still top 49 and 31 million, respectively.

Rihanna's "We Found Love," by contrast, stands at over 115 million views after three months.

Both women run behind Justin Bieber, YouTube's most popular singer. His videos have earned over 2.2 billion views.

Seal & Heidi Klum Announce Separation

2012-01-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

Seal and Heidi Klum have announced that their storybook marriage is coming to the end.

In a statement Sunday night, the power couple announced their separation after rumors swirled over the weekend that a divorce was imminent.

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul searching we have decided to separate," the joint statement read. "We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition. We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

The couple married in 2005 and has four children together, including the supermodel's daughter from a previous relationship.

They were one of Hollywood's most high-profile couples, and seemed to have the relationship everyone should envy. They two starred together in the music video "Secret," they renewed their wedding vows each anniversary, boasted of their love in the media, and threw Halloween bashes together where they dressed in outrageous outfits, most recently last year in New York City, where the two engaged in their typical public display of affection for the cameras.

In an interview with The Associated Press in 2007, the "Kiss from A Rose" singer described his wife, who has a tattoo of his name on her arm, as his best friend.

"It is really important that we have that understanding because apart from anything else it is really healthy," he said of the "Project Runway" host. "People often talk about the most important thing in a relationship. They say it is really important that you are turned on by your partner and you love each other, which is all really true.I often think that the most important thing, or certainly up there, with love is respect."

TMZ first reported on Saturday that the two planned to divorce this week.

His announcement comes as he releases his new album, "Soul 2," on Tuesday, which has songs like "Love T.K.O," ''Let's Stay Together" and "Love Don't Live Here Anymore."

Think BIG: XXL Pays Tribute to Notorious B.I.G. With March 2012 Issue

2012-01-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

XXL reports:
March 9, 2012, marks the 15-year anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.’s death and XXL is paying tribute to the late, great Brooklyn MC with a special issue dedicated to his legacy.

Similar to the honorary issue dedicated to Tupac Shakur and the 15th anniversary of his passing, released by XXL in September of 2011, the XXL team spoke to some of those closest to Big for an in-depth look into his life and death. From his kids T’Yanna and Christopher “CJ” Wallace and their mamas, Jan Jackson and Faith Evans, to his closest friends like members of Junior M.A.F.I.A. and others, many got their chance to share stories and more to pay homage to the beloved MC. Most even disclosed rare, never-before-published photos of Biggie from their personal collections, which are featured in this month’s issue. Since Big was one of the most swagger-jacked rappers of all time, there’s a list of the 100 best Biggie bites, a look a what The Notorious One might have looked like at 40-plus, and much more.

Even though the issue is a Big tribute there’s much more in the mag to look forward to. It’s been 15 years since 1997, arguably the best year in hip-hop music, and XXL explores that very notion with a detailed essay. There’s also a look back at 2011’s rap music with a recap of the five best albums, mixtapes, verses, producers and singles of the year.

Check out XXLMag.com for an entire month’s-worth of Biggie-related stories that celebrate his life and death, extras from the issue, including outtakes, as well as everyday hip-hop news and much more. And cop the special tribute issue when it hits stands on February 7

DMX Says A Ruff Ryders Reunion Tour Is In The Works "It's Going To Take The Nation By Storm"

2012-01-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

A full Ruff Ryders reunion tour could be headed to a city near you within the next several months according to DMX.

Dark Man X spoke with TMZ and said the tour would consist of himself, Eve, The Lox, Swizz Beatz, Drag-On and Murda Mook. Ruff Ryders CEO Waah Dean is reportedly already booking show dates at various venues across the country.

All parties have agreed to the tour except The Lox and Eve, but X says that's a mere formality which will be worked out once he gets in touch with them.

"We are all family and we're going to come back stronger than when we left," X said. "It's going to take the nation by storm."

20-Year Old Harlem MC Azealia Banks Signs Deal With Universal

2012-01-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

20-year old Harlem, New York rapper Azealia Banks has inked a deal with Universal Records. It's the second deal for Banks who signed her first recording contract at age 16 with London based XL Records. That deal quickly soured when she and the company's President, Richard Russell didn't see eye to eye on the direction she wanted to take her career in.

"It was almost the day I signed to XL that they started checking out," she told BBC earlier this month. "There were a good seven to eight months where I was just sending them texts and no-one would say anything or pick up the phone or respond to my emails. Nothing. And it started to ruin me. So I started harassing Richard. Like, 'Dude, I'm going to chop your neck off. Answer my emails!' So I was like, this is not what I worked so hard my entire life to do - to be rejected by some English guy in West Bumblefrickin' nowhere London, telling me I'm amateur or something like that. So I just said, 'Screw you!'"

The split from XL was just what the young mc needed. She went on to drop the video to "212." The song/video got the attention of many in the industry. Banks got co-signs from the likes of Kanye West, Kelly Rowland and Gwyneth Paltrow. West was said to be interested in signing her to his G.O.O.D Music imprint, but in the end she decided Universal was the right place for her.

She announced her signing via Twitter yesterday.

"God dealt me a really f*cked up hand at birth. Half the sh*t I've been through & successfully gotten through would blow some of your minds," she wrote on the social networking site. "God just dealt me a new hand today. I reaaaaaaaaaaallllly good hand."

Red Cafe- Keep Ballin

2012-01-19T19:35:00.001-08:00

Rihanna Tweets Series Of Sexy Pics From Hawaii. Announces She Will Be Performing With Coldplay At The Grammys

2012-01-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Rihanna seems to be enjoying her vacation in Hawaii quite a bit. The singer who was caught on camera smoking weed a couple of days ago. Yesterday she sent out a series of sexy pictures to her 12 million Twitter followers, which you can check out below.

Riri also announced that she will be performing "Princess of China." at the 54th annual Grammy Awards with Coldplay.

"WE reached 2BILLION views on @youtube !!! THANK U!!! I'm in a great mood, and I got some GREAT NEWS!!! PRINCESS OF CHINA #GRAMMYS2012," she wrote a few minutes later.

"Princess of China" is featured on Coldplay's latest album Mylo Xyloto. After peeping Rihanna's latest Hawaii vacation pics below, check out the video of Coldplay talking about how they got Rihanna to record with them.

Common Responds To Birdman Saying The Whole YMCMB Camp Is Riding With Drake. "I'll Get My Squad Too. You Can't Forget G.O.O.D Music, Kanye & The Brothers"

2012-01-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

Common called into WGCI's Tony Sculfield & The Morning Riot Show today to discuss his ongoing between himself and Drake. Tony asked him about Birdman's comments regarding the situation.

"Drake's the homie, so we ride or die," Birdman told Big Boy's Neighborhood last week. "However the young homie deal with it we behind him 100% supporting him with our life. It's Drake or nothing."

Common responded by saying he has a team of his own he can call up in G.O.O.D Music.

"If it ever got to like teaming up I'll get my squad too," Common told Tony. "You can't forget G.O.O.D Music, Kanye and the brothers, but like i told him [Drake] on the record it's just man to man, one on one. We in the boxing ring as MC's."

Tony reminded Common that a lof of fans will automatically side with Drake because YMCMB is the "cool thing" right now.

"I think you're gonna have that crowd too and then you're gonna have a crowd that sometimes may be into what's going on right now," Common said. "They like, 'hold up, wait.' They gonna recognize as far as rhyming goes whoever is slashing whoever. Whoever is winning they got to recognize it."

So far the battle is one sided because Drake hasn't responded to Common's "Stay Schemin" diss

Talented Dude: Ryan Leslie Creates New Song '5 Minute Freshen Up' From Scratch Then Invites A Twitter Follower To Come Join The Session

2012-01-18T18:08:00.001-08:00

If you follow Ryan Leslie on youtube you have seen him create songs from scratch in the studio before for artists like Cassie. Leslie takes a slightly different approach in his latest video. He creates a new song "5 Minute Freshen Up" from scratch, playing all of the instruments himself including the piano, organ, bass guitar, tambourine and drums.

After the song is complete he invites a Twitter follower to the studio to come check it out. She then invites several of her friends and it turns into an impromptu party.

Former X-Factor Contestant Astro Signs Deal With L.A. Reid At Epic Records

2012-01-18T18:06:00.001-08:00

After a disappointing end to the X-Factor season where he placed seventh, Brian Bradley has good reason to be happy today.

Ending weeks of speculation and rumors MTV is confirming that the 15-year old who raps under the name, The Astronomical Kid, has inked a deal with L.A. Reid at Epic Records. Reid was Astro's mentor on the show.

In an interview with VladTV earlier this month Astro talked about what having Reid in his corner meant to him.

"He's a great man. He let's me be me and that's what I respect," Astro said of Reid. "I feel like if I didn't have L.A. as a mentor I probably would have went insane."

Astro will appear on "RapFix Live" today at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com to talk about his new deal.

Jay-Z Lays Off Half Of Rocawear Staff Due To Economic Reasons. But Sources Say "It's Like He's Given Up On The Brand"

2012-01-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z's got 99 problems and his clothing line is one of them.

Hov just fired 28 of the 56 member staff at his once hugely successful Rocawear Clothing company according to the New York Post.

The massive lay off was due to "economic reasons" according to documents filed with the New York State Department of Labor. The bad economy has hurt a lot of businesses, but according to a source Jay just doesn't seem interested in the company any more. He rarely shows up in the office.

“It’s kind of like he’s given up on the brand,” the source told the Post.

Rocawear was founded in 1999 by Jay and Dame Dash. In 2005 Dash sold his share of the company back to Jay-Z and other silent partners for $30 million.

"They gave me $30 million and 75% of Team Roc. I’m real happy with the deal. I got $22.5 million in cash and the rest in companies (like State Property, Team Roc, Pro-Keds and other entities)," Dash told AllHipHop at the time.

Less than two years later Jay-Z sold the company to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million in cash. As part of the deal Jay remained a shareholder and in charge of product development, marketing and licensing.

Although he still retains an interest in the company, his contractual obligations have expired and he reportedly has refused to promote the brand as sales have steadily decreased.

“Jay-Z doesn’t do anything without getting paid a lot of money — a lot more than Rocawear is generating,” an insider told the New York Post.

The massive layoff came on January 6, one day before Jay's wife Beyonce gave birth to their first child.

LL Cool J To Host The 54th Annual Grammy Awards [Video]

2012-01-18T17:51:00.001-08:00

Hip Hop icon and veteran actor LL Cool J has been named the host of the 54th annual Grammy Awards show the Recording Academy announced Wednesday (January 18). LL has hosted Grammy nominations concert since its first live broadcast in 2008, but this is the first time in seven years the actual show will have a host. Queen Latifah was the last to perform the duties in 2005.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of music's biggest night," said the two-time Grammy winner. "I will always have fond memories of my first Grammy Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true."

Kanye West leads all nominees with seven nods including Song of the Year for "All of the Lights." West is also nominated twice in the category of Best Rap Album for his solo disc 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,' and 'Watch The Throne' with Jay-Z.

Adele, Bruno Mars and The Foo Fighters are close behind West with six nominations each.

Performers on the night include Nicki Minaj, Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, The Foo Fighters and Kelly Clarkson.

The show will be held on February 12 in Los Angeles, and broadcast live on CBS.

Check out the full list of nominees in the top categories below.

Record of the Year: "Rolling in the Deep," Adele; "Holocene," Bon Iver; "Grenade," Bruno Mars; "The Cave," Mumford & Sons; "Firework," Katy Perry.

Album of the Year: "21," Adele; "Wasting Light," Foo Fighters; "Born This Way," Lady Gaga; "Doo-Wops & Hooligans," Bruno Mars; "Loud," Rihanna.

Song of the Year: "All of the Lights," Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter and Kanye West, songwriters (performed by Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie); "The Cave," Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford and Country Winston, songwriters (Mumford & Sons); "Grenade," Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Bruno Mars); "Holocene," Justin Vernon, songwriter (Bon Iver); "Rolling in the Deep," Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele).

New Artist: The Band Perry, Bon Iver, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex.

Pop Vocal Album: "21," Adele; "The Lady Killer," Cee Lo Green; "Born This Way," Lady Gaga; "Doo-Wops & Hooligans," Bruno Mars; "Loud," Rihanna.

Rock Album: "Rock 'n' Roll Party Honoring Les Paul," Jeff Beck; "Wasting Light," Foo Fighters; "Come Around Sundown," Kings of Leon; "I'm With You," Red Hot Chili Peppers; "The Whole Love," Wilco.

R&B Album: "F.A.M.E.," Chris Brown; "Second Chance," El DeBarge; "Love Letter," R. Kelly; "Pieces of Me," Ledisi; "Kelly," Kelly Price.

Rap Album: "Watch the Throne," Jay-Z and Kanye West; "Tha Carter IV," Lil Wayne; "Lasers," Lupe Fiasco; "Pink Friday," Nicki Minaj; "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," Kanye West.

Country Album: "My Kinda Party," Jason Aldean; "Chief," Eric Church; "Own the Night," Lady Antebellum; "Red River Blue," Blake Shelton; "Here for a Good Time," George Strait; "Speak Now," Taylor Swift.

Latin Pop, Rock or Urban Album: "Entren Los Que Quieran," Calle 13; "Entre La Ciudad y El Mar," Gustavo Galindo; "Nuestra," La Vida BohGeme; "Not So Commercial," Los Amigos Invisibles; "Drama y Luz," ManDa.

Jazz Vocal Album: "`Round Midnight," Karrin Allyson; "The Mosaic Project," Terri Lyne Carrington & Various Artists; "The Gate," Kurt Elling; "American Road," Tierney Sutton (Band); "The Music of Randy Newman," Roseanna Vitro.

Contemporary Classical Composition: "Elmer Gantry," RobertAldridge and Herschel Garfein; "The Ghosts of Alhambra," George Crumb; "String Quartet No. 3," Jefferson Friedman; "Lonely Motel-Music from Slide," Steven Mackey; "Piano Concerto No. 2," Poul Ruders.

For the entire list of nominees go HERE

Motivational Speech Of The Week – Grant Cardone Trains Honda sales team

2012-01-17T20:41:00.001-08:00

Grant Cardone motivates Honda car sales team.

Beyonce Draws Criticism For New Promotional Pic For Her Album '4' That Shows Her With Much Lighter Skin

2012-01-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

If you hardly recognize Beyonce in the new promo picture for her latest album '4' you're not alone. The singer is drawing criticism for the photo that shows her with skin a few shades lighter than she actually is.

The singer was also accused of something similar when she appeared in a 2008 ad for Loreal.

"It’s like, Again? Are we here again? I think in a lot of ways shes culpable because there’s history there," Lincoln Anthony Blades, founder of ThisIsYourConscience.com told the New York Daily News. "She's not saying explicitly you have to lighten your skin, but it does carry that inherent message,"

The controversial new photo shows a blonde Beyonce reclining on a leopard-print couch wearing a black knit monokini. If her name wasn't prominently displayed on the picture you might not know it was her. Some argue that her lighter than normal complexion in the picture could be the result of bright lighting.

Beyonce also drew criticism for a 2011 photograph that showed her out shopping in Los Angeles. In that picture she also looked much lighter than normal.

Writer Yasmin Alibhai-Brown said at the time that the singer was causing harm to the self esteem of black and Asian kids.

"Too many black and Asian children grow up understanding the sad truth that to have dark skin is to be somehow inferior," Yasmin wrote in the Daily Mail. "Of course, black and Asian parents work hard to give their children a positive self-image and confidence in their appearance, despite the cultural forces stacked against them. "But when black celebrities appear to deny their heritage by trying to make themselves look white, I despair for the youngsters who see those images."

Is this a big deal about nothing? Or should Beyonce make sure this doesn't happen in future photographs?

Rihanna Sports Darker Hair Color In Sexy New Photo Shoot For Emporio Armani Underwear & Jeans

2012-01-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

Rihanna ditches the blonde hairdo seen in her previous pics for Emporio Armani Underwear & Armani Jeans in favor of long dark locks for the company's Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.

Odd Future To Release New Album 'The OF Tape Vol. 2' & Tour North America In March 2012

2012-01-17T20:28:00.001-08:00

Hip-Hop's most controversial group is about to drop lots of new music in 2012.

Odd Future will be releasing The OF Tape Vol. 2 on March 20th via Odd Future Records with distribution being provided by Sony Red. According to Rolling Stone, the disc will feature contributions from Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, Hodgy Beats, Domo Genesis, Leftbrain, Mike G, Syd the Kid and The Internet.

A 10-city North American tour will kick off in March to coincide with the release.

As an added tour bonus the group will screen an episode of their new Adult Swim show Loiter Squad before every concert. The sketch comedy series premieres on March 25th. The concerts will also feature Odd Future pop-up retail stores for fans that want to grab official OFWGKTA merchandise.

The OF Tape Vol. 2 is only one of four expected Odd Future related releases in 2012.

Singer Frank Ocean will be releasing his major label debut this year. The group's front man Tyler, The Creator will release Wolf in the Spring. In addition Left Brain and Hodgy Beats, together known as MellowHype are expected to drop an album this Summer.

Kid Cudi Pushes WZRD's Debut Album Back Until February

2012-01-17T20:25:00.001-08:00

Fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the debut album from Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius, together known as WZRD. The album was originally scheduled to be released on January 30, but that date has been changed to February 28.

Dot made the announcement via Twitter yesterday.

Hey Guys, WZRD Update:

Me and Cudi have been working on our debut album and it's almost near completion. We are in the final stages of mastering but we really had to take time and pay attention to the sonics as this is new territory for us. With that being said, we have decided to change the release date. We are looking roughly at Feb 28th. Y'all know how Cudi is' and I'm the same way. Everything has to be in place and now it is.

Dot added that the band will release the singles "Teleport 2 Me" and "Brake" on January 30 to hold fans over until the full disc is ready.

Fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the debut album from Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius, together known as WZRD. The album was originally scheduled to be released on January 30, but that date has been changed to February 28.

Dot made the announcement via Twitter yesterday.

Hey Guys, WZRD Update:

Me and Cudi have been working on our debut album and it's almost near completion. We are in the final stages of mastering but we really had to take time and pay attention to the sonics as this is new territory for us. With that being said, we have decided to change the release date. We are looking roughly at Feb 28th. Y'all know how Cudi is' and I'm the same way. Everything has to be in place and now it is.

Dot added that the band will release the singles "Teleport 2 Me" and "Brake" on January 30 to hold fans over until the full disc is ready.

B.o.B - How Bout Dat ft. Future & Trae Da Truth

2012-01-17T20:22:00.001-08:00

B.o.B unveils a new video for "How Bout That." The track is off of his mixtape EPIC: Every Play Is Crucial and features Future and Trae Tha Truth.

Diddy Reportedly Stuns Party Goers At Golden Globes After Party With His Controlling Behavior Towards Rumored Girlfriend Cameron Diaz

2012-01-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Diddy wasn't in the mood to hand around long with fellow guests at The Weinstein Co.’s Golden Globes after party Sunday night (January 15). He was apparently in a hurry to leave with rumored girlfriend Cameron Diaz.

Diddy and Diaz arrived at the party separately, but after posing for pictures with Paris, Nicky and Kathy Hilton, Diddy found Diaz talking to another guy and told her, "let's go" according to the New York Daily News.

Diaz and Diddy then headed for the exit before being stopped by three male fans of Diaz who asked her to pose for pictures. Diaz obliged, but that didn't last long before Diddy again told Diaz he was ready to leave.

“I’ve never seen him so controlling,” a source told the New York Daily News, who added Diaz “seemed to like the manly power thing.”

The two then left the party together.

Charlie Sheen show is ‘not a cynical publicity stunt,’ but FX president admits ‘Anger Management’ is gamble

2012-01-15T19:09:00.001-08:00

The FX network hasn't seen a pilot episode or even a script of the new Charlie Sheen sitcom "Anger Management" that it plans to launch in June.

But FX President John Landgraf told TV critics Sunday that he'll take the gamble, because "this is a different Charlie Sheen" and "I believe in redemption."

The pickup is not, he added, "a cynical publicity stunt."

FX has committed to 10 episodes, then 90 more if it likes what it has seen. The show is based on the 2003 Adam Sandler/Jack Nicholson movie of the same title, with Sheen playing a man struggling with his career while raising a 13-year-old daughter.

"This is the character Charlie ought to be playing now," said Landgraf. "He has a checkered past, but he is very self-aware and he wants to do more positive things in his life."
Sheen personally pitched the show, Landgraf says - to several networks - and he thinks last year's bad boy has gotten his act together.

"I think we saw a different Charlie Sheen than we saw around the time he was leaving 'Two and a Half Men'," Landgraf said.

And yes, Landgraf said, he knows it's not a sure thing, particularly since he buys almost no shows without seeing a pilot.

"But everything you do," he said, "is a roll of the dice."

‘Contraband’ steals top spot at the box office from ‘Beauty and the Beast 3D’

2012-01-15T19:04:00.001-08:00

The heist thriller, "Contraband," managed to score the top spot at the box office this weekend with a some perfectly executed timing.

The Mark Wahlberg film, which made off with a haul of $24.1 million according to Hollywood.com,
avoided the crowded field of action movies hitting the multiplex in the coming months.

“You could put a movie like ‘Contraband’ out in the summer, but you'd have to spend so much money marketing it it would kill the profits,” says Paul Dergaradedian, box office analyst for Hollywood.com.

“Releasing this in January where you don't have to commit all the advertising you need to go up against movies like ‘The Avengers’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is a really smart choice.”

Disney’s 3D re-release of “Beauty and the Beast” finished in second place with $18.5 million. Industry experts, though, say the film might get an extra bump from Martin Luther King’s Day holiday, when kids are off from school.

The weekend’s other major new release, “Joyful Noise,” finished in fourth place — behind “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” — with a disappointing $4.1 million.

Last week’s champ, “The Devil Inside,” plummeted into sixth place with $3.1 million — a 77% drop — as word of mouth and scary critical reviews caught up with the horror film.

NY Giants beat Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, will head to San Francisco to play 49ers in NFC Championship for shot at Super Bowl

2012-01-15T19:01:00.001-08:00

NY GIANTS 37, PACKERS 20

The Giants walked off their own field in early December knowing they were good enough to beat the Green Bay Packers.

On Sunday night, at frigid Lambeau Field, they proved to the world they were right.

For the second time in four years, the Giants braved the frozen tundra and did what many thought was impossible and knocked the Packers out of the playoffs. And this time they didn’t need overtime or any late-game heroics to beat the Packers 37-20 in an NFC divisional playoff game.

Now the Giants (11-7), who were on the brink of an epic collapse less than a month ago, are headed back to the NFC championship game for the first time since 2008. They’ll face the NFC West champion San Francisco 49ers (14-3) at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday night with a berth in Super Bowl XLVI on the line.

For the Giants, that will also be the next stop on their “Revenge Tour.” They lost to the 49ers in San Francisco, 27-20 back on Nov. 13 when a would-be, game-tying touchdown pass from Manning was batted down at the line of scrimmage in the final seconds of that game.

The first stop on their “Revenge Tour” couldn’t have gone better. Just like they did in their 38-35 loss to the Packers back on Dec. 4, the Giants had little trouble moving the ball and scoring on the Green Bay defense. Despite windchills in the teens, Manning completed 21 of 33 passes for 330 yards.

That included 7 catches for 165 yards from Hakeem Nicks, who made the biggest grab of the game on the final play of the first half – a leaping, 37-yard touchdown catch that he pinned against his helmet on a Hail Mary pass.

The way the Giants’ revived defense was playing, that was more than enough. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (26 for 46, 264 yards, 2 TDs, INT) looked rusty after not playing for three weeks and he wasn’t helped by his butterfingered receivers. Even late in the game when it looked like he got into a groove, the Giants found a way to stop him – like at the start of the fourth quarter when the Packers went for it on fourth down from the Giants’ 39, but were stopped when Michael Boley got his second sack of the game.

The Giants’ defense put the final exclamation point on the game with about seven minutes remaining, when safety Kenny Phillips knocked the ball out of Packers running back Ryan Grant’s hands and linebacker Chase Blackburn returned the fumble to the Green Bay 4. On the next play, Manning hit Mario Manningham with a 4-yard touchdown pass that put the Giants up 30-13 and put the game away.

The Giants always knew they could score on the Packers, and they struck first early in the game. After the teams opened by trading field goals, Manning found Hakeem Nicks on a crossing route near the middle of the field, and Nicks just bounced off Packers safety Charlie Peprah. He took off from there for a 66-yard touchdown that gave the Giants an early 10-3 lead.

They had a chance to build on that too, a few minutes later, when it appeared that Packers receiver Greg Jennings fumbled deep in Giants territory. But the officials ruled he was down before he fumbled, and despite a replay that seemed to show he wasn’t, referee Bill Leavy upheld the call after a review.

That opened the door for the Packers, who tied the game on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to fullback John Kuhn. They tried to build on that momentum by trying a surprise onside kick, but the Giants recovered down at the Packers 41. But the Giants blew that opportunity when Lawrence Tynes’ 40-yard field goal attempt was blocked.

They would get another one, though. After Manning was intercepted in the second quarter by safety Morgan Burnett, the Packers gave the ball back four plays later on a Kuhn fumble. That allowed the Giants to add another Tynes field goal for a 13-10 lead.

It was the end of the first half, though, where they finally took control. A third-down sack by Giants linebacker Michael Boley got the Giants the ball back with 41 seconds to go. Then on 3rd-and-1, Ahmad Bradshaw took off on a long, side-to-side, 23-yard run and got out of bounds with six seconds to go.

Then, instead of trying a 54-yard field goal, the Giants went for the Hail Mary instead. And it worked. Manning heaved a 37-yard pass into the end zone where Nicks made a leaping, David Tyree-like catch, pinning the ball against his facemask for a touchdown to give the Giants a stunning, 20-10 lead.

They kept the pressure on at the start of the second half, too, getting a strip-sack by Osi Umenyiora at the end of the Packers’ opening drive. And even when the Packers’ offense seemed to find its groove, the Giants defense held them out of the end zone. The Packers did get a 35-yard field goal from Crosby late in the third quarter, though, which kept them within a touchdown, 20-13, at the start of the fourth.

Jimmy Iovine on Beats by Dre Parting With Monster: 'We Have to Control Our Own Destiny'

2012-01-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

As Beats By Dre prepares to sever ties with Monster Cable Products, Interscope chairman and Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine has plans for further expansion into other entertainment arenas. With Beats technology already on Hewlett-Packard laptops and PCs, in Chrysler's 300 S sedan and the 2012 Dodge Charger as well as on HTC smartphones ( HTC purchased a $300 million majority stake in the company last August, Iovine left this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with a call to arms for the consumer electronics industry.

"You're only as good as your weakest link in the ecosystem of sound, of audio," Iovine told Billboard.biz shortly after touching down at LAX on Friday. "In the music industry, we have lost an entire generation to bad sound…We want PC makers to have better audio, because these things are used as home stereos by a lot of people and that makes it suck."

Iovine says there's no bad blood between Beats and Monster, and in fact just saw Monster CEO Noel Lee in Vegas Thursday night. "It was cool, it was social," Iovine said. "We had a few business things that you have when you work with a guy for five years. But we've grown so fast we have to be nimble, to control our own destiny. It was always structured that way."

He noted that Monster played no part in the Chrysler, HTC or HP deals, and that Beats will act as its own manufacturer going forward. NPD group recently valued Beats as accounting for more than half of the $1 billion headphone market in 2011, which would place their product sales in the $500 million range. Iovine says the company will focus on staffing up in 2012 while actively talking to other potential partners and device manufacturers.

"We are purely on a mission to fix audio for every record company for every artist around the world. We have to turn this thing around and we're starting to," he said. "I'm happy that everyone else is now jumping in on culture and audio. If anything should be said about this, it's that. The impact that we have had on moving audio forward is that we're taking it out of a downward spiral. When was the last time you heard a kid say, 'I wanna get some Bose for Christmas?'"

As for Beats' growing roster of celebrity competitors (50 Cent's line for SMS Audio, RZA's Chambers, Soul by Ludacris, etc.), Iovine said he's paid little attention to them thus far. "This artist stuff is irrelevant, this jumping in. Everyone sees Dr. Dre as a sound pioneer that happens to be a rapper," he said. "Some of our competitors are cheap engineers who have never been to a recording studio. You can't just stick someone's name on a headphone that doesn't know anything about sound."

Iovine is also set to be honored by the Recording Aacademy during Grammy Week in Los Angeles next month for his achievements in recorded music. "It's important to me because it's another step another piece to pushing that message forward," he said. "It's one thing for the industry to lose half its revenue to piracy, it's another to destroy it emotionally. That has to be caught before it's too late, that's what our mission was and that's what our mission is."

Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony Reunite to (Awkwardly) Promote Project

2012-01-15T18:50:00.001-08:00

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony were together again on Saturday - at least to promote their new project. The stars, who announced last summer they were ending their marriage after seven years, appeared on a stage Saturday to talk briefly about a new music series they are doing together. "Q'Viva! The Chosen" premieres on Univision on Jan. 28.

Anthony reached down to offer his hand and help Lopez climb three stairs to the stage, and later admired the four sparkling rings on her left hand. They sat side by side on director's chairs.

The two stars, along with Jamie King, travel throughout north and south America to search for artists who will come to the United States and participate in a live show of Latin music and entertainment. It airs in 12 weekly episodes in the U.S. and on Spanish-language stations across Latin America. An English-language version is planned later for Fox.

Anthony and Lopez were working this week to judge some of the contestants, Univision said.

"It was like any time that we work together," said Lopez, who wore a tight blue leather mini-dress for the morning news conference. "We have a great time working together."

Lopez, also a judge on Fox's "American Idol," said she'd be open to doing another season if the first one is successful.

Anthony said that there's been a misconception that "Q'Viva! The Chosen" is just a talent show.

"We're not judges," he said. "We're show producers. We're putting together a live show and we're documenting the process."

Their time on stage was limited. The news conference began 30 minutes late, and a reporter shouted down a talkative emcee to demand that journalists be allowed to ask questions.

Only two were allowed before Univision began a musical performance. Afterward, the stars were hustled offstage as Adele's hit about a breakup, "Rolling in the Deep," was played over the public address system.

Young Jeezy Ft. 2 Chainz - SupaFreak [Official Music Video]

2012-01-15T18:47:00.001-08:00

David Letterman close to deal to host 'Late Show' through 2014

2012-01-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

David Letterman is on the verge of signing a new deal with CBS that will make him the longest running late-night show host in the history of TV.

The new deal will keep him on the air for 32 years, longer than his idol Johnny Carson, who left the air as host of “Tonight” in 1992 after 30 years on the job.

The deal, once signed, would put the late-night funnyman behind the desk of CBS’ “Late Show,” through 2014, according to a report in the New York Times, which broke the story.

Also in play is the contract for Craig Ferguson, who hosts the show that follows Letterman.

Representatives for Letterman had no comment.

“As would be expected at this time, we’re having conversations with both Dave and Craig about future years. There are no further details to announce at this time,” CBS officials said in a statement.

Letterman’s current deal, according to the report, ends in August. When that deal was reached in 2010, the host had suggested he might retire.

Now, it seems, he’s staying.

Snoop Dogg Launches New Cigar Brand

2012-01-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

Snoop Dogg is launching his own tobacco cigar line called, Executive Branch.

"Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to travel the world and try all different types of tobacco products. During my travels throughout South America and the Caribbean, I was fortunate to encounter this tobacco company, Executive Branch and was so impressed by their commitment to quality [far superior than all others], I knew I had to bring them to the States for all my fans to enjoy," Snoop Dogg says in a press release. "Throughout 2012, we plan on releasing new styles and flavors, in which I will be working with their team to make sure all products are up to Snoop Dogg standards."

The first product to be released from Executive Branch will be the Executive Branch Cigarillos. They will be sold for "$0.99 a pouch, with two cigars per pouch." The cigarillos are manufactured by Dufort Holdins SA and distributed by Good Times USA.

Snoop will unveil his cigar brand, made with "premium tobacco from the Dominican Republic," at this year's Coachella Festival where he will headlining along side Dr. Dre

People's Choice Awards 2012: Katy Perry, Rihanna & Demi Lovato Win Big

2012-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry made her presence felt at the 2012 People's Choice Awards on Wednesday (Jan. 11). Never mind that she wasn't even there. The "Firework" singer earned five trophies at the annual fan-driven affair, including favorite female artist and music video, for "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.).

Perry also grabbed favorite tour headliner, favorite song ("E.T.") and to round things out she even won favorite TV guest star for her cameo on the CBS hit sitcom "How I Met Your Mother."

She was up for seven awards, spanning music, film and TV, but canceled ( in a tweet) two days before the ceremony. It would've been her first public appearance since the announcement of her divorce from actor and comedian Russell Brand and possibly could have helped the star in her quest to score her sixth No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

Meanwhile, Bruno Mars was honored with favorite male artist, besting Justin Bieber and Blake Shelton, among others.

Early on Demi Lovato, in a shock red dress and surrounded by a Cheap Trick-inspired checkerboard set, delivered a rousing performance of her single "Give Your Heart a Break." She then won favorite pop artist, in a surprise, besting music royalty Beyonce, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. Lovato was the only nominee who attended (free pass, Beyonce).

Almost immediately a Twitter hashtag emerged -- "Congrats Demi" -- to toast the singer. "Demi just beat Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry and Beyonce ..... Is she irrelevant now …?" asked @ibeliebnmemi.

Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" went on to win the favorite album of the year nod at the bash, held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Other genre favorites included Eminem, for hip-hop and Taylor Swift, for country. Fellow country superstar Faith Hill was one of the few musical performers of the night and she delivered a moving performance of her current single, "Come Home."

Rihanna, who just announced her next single will be "Talk That Talk," was deemed favorite R&B artist by voters, topping her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown in a bit of unintentional justice. It was a good day for the Barbados-born singer: her "We Found Love" notched its ninth week atop the Hot 100.

Maroon 5 took home favorite band. Lead singer Adam Levine, who is prone to controversial statements on Twitter, kept it simple in his acceptance speech. "This is incredible," he said. "Our fans are the greatest on Earth."

Film and TV categories garnered the majority of attention throughout the night, as is normally the case with the People's Choice Awards, but like previous years there was some crossover among the winners.

"Glee" star Lea Michele bubbled over when she was awarded favorite TV comedy actress, giving all the "Rachel Barrys" of the world a shoutout. "I want to dedicate this to my amazing cast -- my glee club. I'm an only child, and now I have 11 other siblings," she said. "This is for our fans. 'Glee' would be nothing without you guys. This is thanks to you. We're all Rachel Barrys out there, so this ones for you."

Jane Lynch was also up for the award, but the FOX series, about a glee club called New Directions, failed to take home additional hardware throughout the night.

In the favorite TV competition category, the newly revamped "American Idol" outdid "Dancing With the Stars" and "The Voice."

Head on over to The Hollywood Reporter for a full rundown of the non-music winners.

Nicki Minaj To Perform At 54th Annual Grammy Awards

2012-01-12T20:50:00.001-08:00

Nicki Minaj has been added to the list of performers at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards it was announced January 11.

Minaj joins Jason Aldean ,Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift as the the first confirmed performers on the show which airs live on CBS on February 12.

Adele is also rumored to in talks to sing at the event.

Minaj is also nominated in four categories: Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance for "Moment 4 Life.", Best Rap Album for Pink Friday, and Album Of The Year (as a featured artist on Rihanna's Loud).

Amber Rose Breaks Down & Cries On MTV's RapFix When Talking About Being Bullied By Kanye West & His Fans "I'm A Nice Girl, I Don't Deserve That"

2012-01-12T20:47:00.001-08:00

Get More: Music News

Things got very emotional for Amber Rose when she appeared on MTV's RapFix Live yesterday [January 11). Sway was asking if all the talk about her ex Kanye West bothered her current boyfriend Wiz Khalifa when she broke down.

"Wiz knows that I've never loved a man the way I love him. He knows that, he's very secure with that," Amber said. "He knows that know matter what I would never go back to that. and he also knows that I haven't talked in so long--so nobody really knows my side of the story. No-one knows what I've been through. The things that I've had to deal with when Kanye made his album. And he talked reckless about me on his album. And them I have people throwing things at me in the street because they're fans of Kanye's."

There was a long pause as Amber tried to compose herself. Sway tried to make her feel more at ease by telling her to take her time, but by that point the tears were starting to flow.

"I'm just crying because I don't deserve to bullied like that," she said. "I'm a nice girl, I don't bother anybody. And I keep my mouth shut because I don't want any trouble. But to be bullied through music and through stuff like that it's not fair to me. I don't deserve that."

Lil Wayne To Release New Book Detailing His 2010 Rikers Island Prison Stint

2012-01-12T20:45:00.001-08:00

Lil Wayne is releasing a new book detailing his 2010 stint in prison.

"Gone Till November" will give fans an inside look into Weezy's 10-month bid on New York's Rikers Island on a gun charge. The rapper kept detailed diaries and notes of day to day events, people he met, his kids and family according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The book will be released November 28 through Grand Central Publishing, a division of the Hachette Book Group.

“We are thrilled to be publishing Wayne’s prison memoir," said Ben Greenberg, executive editor at Grand Central Publishing. "He kept detailed journals of his inner and outer life while he was on Rikers Island, and they certainly tell a story. They are revealing.”

Madonna Reveals Album Title, Comments on Gaga

2012-01-11T20:42:00.001-08:00

In a pre-taped interview for "The Graham Norton Show" just hours ago, Madonna revealed the title of her 12th studio album: "M.D.N.A."

The interview will air on Friday's episode of the BBC talk show, but this tidbit of news couldn't be held back, now being confirmed on Madonna's official website. An exact release date has not yet been pinned down publicly for "M.D.N.A." though it is widely expected during late March 2012. As for Madonna's take on the album's release, she reportedly told Norton in today's interview that "it's soon -- it depends how quickly people hack in to my server and leak it. Can people wait? It's terrible."

Madonna may be a little on edge about the leaks these days, considering the November leak of a demo of "Gimme All Your Luvin'," the first single off "M.D.N.A." The Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.-assisted track will impact at pop radio on Feb. 7, just two days after Madonna's Super Bowl XLVI halftime show. The trio filmed a video for "Gimme All Your Luvin'" back in early December, on the set of which Minaj and Madge locked lips.

"M.D.N.A." will be Madge's first studio release on Interscope, since leaving Warner Bros. Records and entering into an all-encompassing deal with Live Nation. Her final Warner Bros. studio set, "Hard Candy," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has sold 740,000 copies stateside, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

According to Glamour, another reported topic of conversation between Madonna and Graham Norton in today's interview was, inevitably, Lady Gaga, who is surely used to the Madonna comparisons by now. "When I first saw her [Gaga] I was really impressed by her and she was cool. She did remind me of me back in the day," Madonna said. "I do think she is very talented."

Kelly Clarkson To Sing National Anthem At Super Bowl

2012-01-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

Kelly Clarkson will trail the footsteps of a string of big-voiced divas before her when she kicks off Super Bowl XLVI belting out the national anthem, according to The Associated Press.

The announcement was expected to be made later this month, but a source close to the AP broke the news on Wednesday night (January 11). Country couple Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton are also set to serve as entertainment when they perform "America The Beautiful" during the pre-game rounds.

And, of course, Madonna will make her much-talked-about comeback when she rocks Lucas Oil Stadium as the championship game's halftime show performer. The pop queen, who just announced the title of her 12th studio album, M.D.N.A., will perform her new single "Gimme all Your Luvin" in a performance that will be "imagined" by Cirque du Soleil and her longtime creative director Jamie King.

Clarkson is no stranger to national TV exposure. Just this past weekend, the pop songstress wrapped up another big gig as musical guest for "Saturday Night Live." Marking her third appearance on the iconic sketch comedy show, the singer performed her new hits "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" and "Mr. Know It All."

MTV News caught up with the original "American Idol" champion, who gushed about the "SNL" cast. "It's a fun environment. You don't feel like you're working," she admitted. "This is like a family place. Everybody here is nice to people who aren't famous. You know what I'm saying? They're nice to my makeup artist, my hair guy ... I hate people who are just nice to famous people. It bothers me. I want to kick 'em."

Ashton Kutcher wants another season on ‘Two and a Half Men’; says ratings prove 'people like it'

2012-01-11T20:28:00.001-08:00

PASADENA — Ashton Kutcher says he would like to return for another season on the CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men" — "if we can work it out."

Kutcher signed a one-year deal to join the hit show after former star Charlie Sheen self-destructed last summer.

Fueled by the commotion over Sheen, the first episode last fall drew about 28 million viewers. It has since settled down to slightly over half that number, which is still more than it averaged in Sheen's last season.
Kutcher told TV critics here he's gratified.

"The show is outperforming the numbers from before when I was here," he said, "so people like it."

The perennially employed Kutcher said he plans to do a movie project or two during the show's production
hiatus this summer, "and that's how I'm looking at it now, as a hiatus. I would be interested in coming back if we can work it out."

'Bruce Almighty,’ Jim Carrey's most successful movie, will get a sequel

2012-01-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

It's a miracle — "Bruce Almighty" is being resurrected to become a holy trinity of comedy.

The 2003 box office hit will begat a sequel, and mark the return of Jim Carrey as the title character, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The comedy — which grossed nearly $500 million worldwide — would reunite Carrey with Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel, who penned his 2008 comedy, "Yes Man."

A spin-off to "Bruce" was released in 2007. "Evan Almighty" featured Steve Carell, who played a rival to Carrey in the original film, and was a special effects-laden box office disappointment of biblical proportions.

"Bruce Almighty," Carrey’s most successful film, also starred Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman. It told the epic tale of a newsman who is given the powers of the Supreme Being after complaining He was an absentee Heavenly Father.

Will Smith to host Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in March

2012-01-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

Will Smith will host Nickelodeon’s 25th-annual Kids’ Choice Awards.

Nickelodeon announced Wednesday that 10-time winner Smith will host the March 31 ceremony from the

Galen Center in Los Angeles. The show will air live on Nickelodeon.

Smith calls the awards “the year’s liveliest, slimiest and most outrageous party for kids and teens.”The actor recently finished filming “Men in Black III.”

The Kids’ Choice Awards honor kids’ favorites in film, music, sports and television by tallying the votes of kids online and via mobile devices. During the show, green slime is routinely dumped on celebrities and winners receive trophies shaped like blimps.

Charlie Sheen says he’s ‘not crazy anymore’: 'I think I’m a different person than I was yesterday'

2012-01-09T13:41:00.001-08:00

Just when you thought the celebrity news couldn't get any worse, Charlie Sheen drops this bombshell: He's not a wack job any more.

Great. So what do we do now?

First Britney Spears cleans up her act, now Charlie Sheen. Who's next? Lindsay Lohan?

Some celebrities are so inconsiderate.

Sheen made a highly popular guest appearance Sunday at the Fox “all-star party” for TV critics, and used the occasion to announce, “I’m not crazy any more. That was an episode.”

Now he tells us.

Sheen was in the house to promote “Anger Management,” the appropriately-titled new show he will be making for Fox's cable sister channel FX. It is based on the 2003 Adam Sandler/Jack Nicholson movie of the same name.

Casting is under way, according to the Hollywood Reporter, with filming set to begin in March and the on-air premiere in June.

Sheen’s deal reportedly is that if the first 10 episodes reach a satisfactory ratings level, 90 more episodes will be filmed. A hundred episodes is considered the necessary number for a show to eventually go into syndication.

Sheen said he’s “happy to be in a situation where the people I work with are excited about my input. That hasn’t happened in a long time.”

That was a mild slap at CBS, which fired him last year from the hit sitcom “Two and a Half Men” after his behavior spun out so far out of control it became an international story.

In the first episode this season, “Two and a Half Men” killed off his character in a funeral sequence that suggested one of his ladies finally got tired of his act.

On Sunday night he called the CBS decision “a little mean-spirited,” but said he thought the episode itself was well done.

He said his replacement, Ashton Kutcher, is doing a good job, and that “it’s a different show now.”

Looking relaxed and upbeat, with his new tooth firmly in place, Sheen said he has backed off from a life of multiple drugs and multiple women.

“I think I’m a different person than I was yesterday,” he said. “Everything is a lot more mellow and focused and much more rooted in reality.”

Sheen’s track record suggests, of course, this might not necessarily be a permanent situation.

Rihanna is top-selling digital artist of all time

2012-01-09T13:38:00.001-08:00

When it comes to selling digital songs, Rihanna must feel like the only girl in the world.

The 23-year-old pop superstar is the best-selling digital artist of all time, according to Nielsen Soundscan, which provides sales data to the music industry.

Rihanna has notched 47.5 million digital downloads, 5.1 million ahead of second-place Black Eyed Peas.

Will.i.am, Fergie and co. did notch the No. 1 most downloaded song of all time, "Feeling," which has sold a staggering 7.68 million downloads.

Eminem is the third most downloaded artist of all time, with sales of 42.3 million.

Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift rounded out the top five.

Katy Perry, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, Kanye West and Britney Spears finished in sixth through 10th place.

"There's nobody really in my league," Rihanna recently told Look magazine. "There's competition everywhere. The whole music industry is competition."

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