Jay-Z’s Grammy-Nominated ‘Empire State Of Mind’: How Did It Happen?
For EMI Music Publishing executive "Big" Jon Platt, his most special #1 record started with an empty stomach. "I happened to be at the right place at the right time and wanted some good barbecue," Platt told MTV News, laughing. The music-industry vet is largely responsible for helping Jay-Z notch his first career solo #1 with "Empire State of Mind." The track is also up for Record of the Year at this year's Grammys. |
Rihanna’s ‘S&M’ Video Director Responds To Controversy.
As soon as Rihanna's music video for "S&M" hit the Web on Tuesday, it sparked a wave of controversy for its sexually charged imagery. Not only did it raise eyebrows among some viewers, but YouTube enforced an age restriction and 11 countries have banned its airplay altogether. The video's director, Melina Matsoukas, wasn't too surprised by the reaction. "When I go out to make something,........" |
Lil Wayne Drops ‘Black And Yellow’ Packers Remix, ‘Green And Yellow’
Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow" has proven to be the Pittsburgh star's breakout hit but the anthem has also helped to propel his hometown Steelers to within one game of the NFL championship. Lil Wayne, however, has something to say about that. The New Orleans native is a huge fan of the storied Green Bay Packers — who will be facing the Steelers in the Super Bowl on Sunday — and he released his take on Wiz's track, "Green and Yellow," a nod to the team's uniform colors on Thursday (February 3). |
Big Daddy Kane To Release A Full Band Live Album.
Big Daddy Kane, who first made the scene over twenty years ago, has long been considered one of Hip Hops most influential and consistent artists, impacting artists that were mere children when he was at his commercial peak. The Rap elder statesman now plans to release an album that showcases the music that influenced him. The record is title The Last Supper and its set to feature a full, live band sound. |
The RZA Speaks On Game Lawsuit.
Much has been made of recent reports that RZA filed a lawsuit against west coast emcee The Game. In an exclusive interview, Game confirmed that the Wu-Tang head honcho did indeed send a cease-and-desist to Game over the song "Heartbreaker," which appeared on Game's latest mixtape, Purp & Patron. Now, the RZA has taken to two forums to give his side of the story. First, the legendary producer took to Twitter: |
Why T-Pain Blames Drake for ‘RevolveR’ Hold-Up…
Earlier today, T-Pain took to Twitter to explain to his fans the reason for the hold up on his long-awaited fourth solo album RevolveR. According to the rappa-ternt-sanga, the only thing keeping him from releasing his album is a verse from Young Money superstar Drake. He also said that his collaboration with Drizzy will be the album's first single. |
[off-topic]Halle Berry Backs Out Of ‘New Year’s Eve’ Due To Custody Battle.
Early Monday (January 31), it was announced that Halle Berry had dropped out of the upcoming "Valentine's Day" sequel "New Year's Eve" and would be replaced by Katherine Heigl. Hours later, Berry's rep told People magazine that the Oscar winner's departure is due to Berry's upcoming custody battle with model ex Gabriel Aubry over their 2-year-old daughter, Nahla. |
Game Reveals Title And Concept Of DJ Premier Collaboration.
Last week, Compton, California emcee Game revealed to Complex.com that he and DJ Premier were able to secure a collaboration for this year's R.E.D. album. Speaking with HipHopDX last week, Game was asked to describe one of the three final tracks that the Gang Starr producer crafted with the Black Wall Street rapper. "The name of the song [DJ] Premier did is called 'Born In The Trap,'" revealed Game to DX. "I'ma say that it's an east coast beat from an east coast producer, a west coast artist rhymin' on it, and it's about the south. So get that. That shit is crazy, man." |
50 Cent Called Ciara A Bitch on Twitter -A Weekend Twitter Feud.
Ciara and 50 Cent exchanged barbs via Twitter over the weekend after formerly being romantically linked. Rumors of the pair dating began in 2006, when they both appeared scantily clad in Ciara’s “Can’t Leave Him Alone” video. In December of 2010, the singer told talk show host Wendy Williams she was not romantically linked to 50. |
Dr. Dre Relaunches Website, Used As A Platform To Preview Music.
Hip Hop superstar Dr. Dre is a lot of things, but he's never been a heavy Internet presence. The Compton, California producer/rapper and founder of Aftermath Entertainment is not known for tweeting, facebooking or doing many online interviews, but the icon's DrDre.com website has been relaunched this week... |