Sequels can be big business, but they can also be tricky. While they build off already-existing reputations, they can also set up grand expectations, comparisons between then and now are inevitable, and the patina of nostalgia can sometimes make the “then” seem superior to the “now” by default. Pink Friday 2, the fifth album from firebrand Mc Nicki Minaj, attempts to balance the expectations attached to naming itself after its groundbreaking 2010 predecessor with Minaj’s spirit of constant reinvention and confrontational persona.
Almost immediately after her debut came out 13 years ago,...
Almost immediately after her debut came out 13 years ago,...
- 12/11/2023
- by Maura Johnston
- Rollingstone.com
Nigerian star Patoranking is manifesting greatness on his new album, World Best, out today, Sept. 6. “My musical journey hasn’t always been an easy one,” the musician tells Rolling Stone, “but still we rise like Maya Angelou said.”
World Best marks Patoranking’s fourth album, and first in three years, following 2020’s Three. The album’s title, Patoranking adds, is also his “affirmation.” Reflecting on his journey from his earliest releases in 2014 to now, he continues: “My first song ‘Alubarika,’ I said from ‘nothing to something, from Lagos to America.
World Best marks Patoranking’s fourth album, and first in three years, following 2020’s Three. The album’s title, Patoranking adds, is also his “affirmation.” Reflecting on his journey from his earliest releases in 2014 to now, he continues: “My first song ‘Alubarika,’ I said from ‘nothing to something, from Lagos to America.
- 9/6/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Lovers & Friends Festival is leaning further into early 2000s nostalgia that TikTok’s fashion influencers for the 2023 iteration of the Las Vegas music event. Scheduled for Saturday, May 6, the festival will feature headlining performances from Missy Elliot, Mariah Carey, and Usher.
Returning for its second year, Lovers & Friends will feature more than 45 artists across a single day. The lineup includes Christina Aguilera, Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, Bow Wow, Omarion, Sean Paul, Remy Ma, JoJo, Jagged Edge, Shaggy, Chingy, Petey Pablo, Dem Franchize Boyz, Yung Joc, Soulja Boy, Eve, Boyz II Men,...
Returning for its second year, Lovers & Friends will feature more than 45 artists across a single day. The lineup includes Christina Aguilera, Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, Bow Wow, Omarion, Sean Paul, Remy Ma, JoJo, Jagged Edge, Shaggy, Chingy, Petey Pablo, Dem Franchize Boyz, Yung Joc, Soulja Boy, Eve, Boyz II Men,...
- 1/17/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
After two years of virtual programming, the saints returned to New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome for the Essence Music Festival (now officially the Essence Festival of Culture) with mixed results. Nearly 30 years ago, the Black women’s magazine launched in the early 1970s created a celebration of music that has evolved into far more than a series of concerts with well-recognized brands (longtime sponsors Coca-Cola and Ford, among many others, play pivotal roles in Black consumer outreach).
Peak capitalism aside, the concerts remain a centerpiece and this year, the brand made...
Peak capitalism aside, the concerts remain a centerpiece and this year, the brand made...
- 7/4/2022
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- Rollingstone.com
Shenseea continues to break records; she is the first female dancehall artist to hit Billboard's Hot 100 in 17 years and the first female Jamaican artist to perform on the Rolling Loud stage in both Miami and New York. On top of that, she is also the sole female rapper featured on Kanye West's Grammy-nominated album, "Donda," with songs "Pure Souls" and "Ok Ok Pt. 2." With that, it is only fitting that her debut album is titled "Alpha."
Alpha not only means "first," but it is also symbolic of Shenseea's self-proclaimed identity. "I always called myself an alpha because of my mindset," she tells Popsugar. "Everything that resonates with the word resonates with me." The 14-song project is a sonic blend of dancehall, pop, and hip-hop. It features big-name artists, such as Megan Thee Stallion, Tyga, and Offset, and dancehall legends Sean Paul and Beenie Man. Shenseea's first single from the album...
Alpha not only means "first," but it is also symbolic of Shenseea's self-proclaimed identity. "I always called myself an alpha because of my mindset," she tells Popsugar. "Everything that resonates with the word resonates with me." The 14-song project is a sonic blend of dancehall, pop, and hip-hop. It features big-name artists, such as Megan Thee Stallion, Tyga, and Offset, and dancehall legends Sean Paul and Beenie Man. Shenseea's first single from the album...
- 3/11/2022
- by Reilly Lucas
- Popsugar.com
Shaggy spends a “Raggamuffin Christmas” in Jamaica with fellow reggae greats Junior Reid and Bounty Killer in the latest video from the singer’s seasonal LP Christmas in the Islands.
“Both Junior Reid and Bounty Killer are reggae and dancehall legends in their own right,” Shaggy said in a statement of the collaboration. “For me to write and produce a song that embodies their unique style and charisma is an honor within itself. This song is about the experience of an inner-city Christmas — a story beautifully told by these two amazing artists.
“Both Junior Reid and Bounty Killer are reggae and dancehall legends in their own right,” Shaggy said in a statement of the collaboration. “For me to write and produce a song that embodies their unique style and charisma is an honor within itself. This song is about the experience of an inner-city Christmas — a story beautifully told by these two amazing artists.
- 12/3/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Edward “Bunny” Lee — the influential producer who both expanded reggae’s sound and helped proliferate the genre’s audience worldwide — has died at the age of 79.
Trojan Records, which licensed Lee’s Jamaican productions in the U.K., confirmed the producer’s death. While Lee’s exact cause of death is unknown, he battled health issues in recent years.
“Jamaican music giant, Bunny Lee, has very sadly passed away,” Trojan Records tweeted. “Bunny was massively influential in shaping Jamaican music, starting as a record plugger in the Sixties, then, as a pioneering producer,...
Trojan Records, which licensed Lee’s Jamaican productions in the U.K., confirmed the producer’s death. While Lee’s exact cause of death is unknown, he battled health issues in recent years.
“Jamaican music giant, Bunny Lee, has very sadly passed away,” Trojan Records tweeted. “Bunny was massively influential in shaping Jamaican music, starting as a record plugger in the Sixties, then, as a pioneering producer,...
- 10/7/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Reggae Sumfest has been Jamaica’s premiere festival for more than 25 years; the Montego Bay event mixes the genre’s legends with local acts, plus great local food, all night beach dance parties and more. The festival’s 2019 event will run from July 14th through the 20th. The lineup includes Chronixx, Spice, Spragga Benz, Buju Banton, Elephant Man and more. Dancehall DJ Spragga Benz helped announce the lineup at a New York party, debuting new music at the same time.
The most newsworthy part of the fest is the appearance...
The most newsworthy part of the fest is the appearance...
- 4/23/2019
- by Patrick Doyle
- Rollingstone.com
Few film festivals in the world double as an acquisitions marketplace quite like the Toronto International Film Festival, which will screen more than 300 movies between September 8 and September 18. Most of these films have yet to land a U.S. distributor, and only a select group of titles will secure a distribution deal before the end of the fest.
Which movies are likely to be swarmed by buyers at Tiff 2016? Here are nine hot titles from the lineup that could be prime targets for acquisition execs.
“The Bad Batch”
Writer-director Ana Lily Amirpour’s follow-up to her hit debut “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” is billed as a “dystopian love story in a Texas wasteland.” The film follows a young girl named Samantha (Suki Waterhouse) who’s been banished from civilized society and ends up escaping from a community of cannibals. Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures, the film stars Keanu Reeves,...
Which movies are likely to be swarmed by buyers at Tiff 2016? Here are nine hot titles from the lineup that could be prime targets for acquisition execs.
“The Bad Batch”
Writer-director Ana Lily Amirpour’s follow-up to her hit debut “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” is billed as a “dystopian love story in a Texas wasteland.” The film follows a young girl named Samantha (Suki Waterhouse) who’s been banished from civilized society and ends up escaping from a community of cannibals. Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures, the film stars Keanu Reeves,...
- 9/7/2016
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
DJ Norie -- a dancehall artist and NYC radio personality -- got into a fight with his wife that had everything from fists to cable boxes flying around their apartment ... and they both got arrested. Law enforcement sources tell us Norie -- who's worked with dancehall giants Beenie Man, Bounty Killa and Mavado -- got into an argument with his wife, Yadira, Tuesday morning ... with her accusing him of cheating. But the verbal spat quickly...
- 6/4/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Tina Barrett has stripped off for a photoshoot to herald her new musical direction. The former S Club 7 star posed for Zoo ahead of the release of her new single 'Fire'. "I've gone in a different direction and want to make an impact," Barrett said. "In the video I'm a seductress and deeply saucy. I think it was about time!" She added: "Having come from a teenybopper group, I've now got the opportunity to be sexier, so I've been able to unleash my inner raunchiness. It's like an explosion!" Barrett has worked with William Orbit and Beenie Man on her debut (more)...
- 9/10/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Thor 2 has announced the villain, and my lack of comics knowledge means I have no comment on Malekith the Accursed, who leads the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim. But I do have a comment on the actor, Christopher Eccleston, who I love.
Testing fencing sensors at the Olympics is surprisingly gay.
Speaking of the Olympics, I'm not one to normally watch boxing, but Italian Clemente Russo has my full attention.
Civil partnerships in the UK have topped 107,000, far above the original estimates of 12,000 the government expected by this time. But is separate but equal really working out?
snicks mentioned in Briefs that Macaulay Culkin was rumored to be hooked on heroin and a host of other drugs, according to the National Enquirer. But his reps have come out swinging. “The report in the National Enquirer that Macaulay Culkin is addicted to heroin and assorted hallucinogens is not only categorically without merit,...
Testing fencing sensors at the Olympics is surprisingly gay.
Speaking of the Olympics, I'm not one to normally watch boxing, but Italian Clemente Russo has my full attention.
Civil partnerships in the UK have topped 107,000, far above the original estimates of 12,000 the government expected by this time. But is separate but equal really working out?
snicks mentioned in Briefs that Macaulay Culkin was rumored to be hooked on heroin and a host of other drugs, according to the National Enquirer. But his reps have come out swinging. “The report in the National Enquirer that Macaulay Culkin is addicted to heroin and assorted hallucinogens is not only categorically without merit,...
- 8/2/2012
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
Former S Club 7 star Tina Barrett has worked with William Orbit and Beenie Man for her debut solo album. The singer revealed that she is happy with her new collection of music because she has had more creative control over what she wants to do with the project in comparison to her S Club 7 days. "I'm making the decisions myself because these days artists can have more control compared with the S Club days where we were told what to do," Barrett said to (more)...
- 6/6/2012
- by By Lewis Corner
- Digital Spy
After Morning Show host Peter Rosenberg disses 'Starships,' Rick Ross, Nas and Lauryn Hill hold down annual hip-hop extravaganza.
By Rob Markman
Lil Wayne
Photo: Daniel Boczarski/ Getty Images
East Rutherford, New Jersey — It was surprising, it was strange — it was Hot 97's Summer Jam. On Sunday night, the popular New York hip-hop station corralled a gang of rap talent, and while surprise guests Nas, Lauryn Hill and Mase will surely cause a day-after buzz, it was Nicki Minaj's no-show that was the talk of the annual rap extravaganza.
The Young Money superstar was scheduled to headline the show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but Ym boss Lil Wayne made the executive decision to pull Nicki out of the lineup after Hot 97 Morning Show host Peter Rosenberg threw a dis to the Pink Friday Mc.
"I know there's some chicks here waiting to sing 'Starships' later,...
By Rob Markman
Lil Wayne
Photo: Daniel Boczarski/ Getty Images
East Rutherford, New Jersey — It was surprising, it was strange — it was Hot 97's Summer Jam. On Sunday night, the popular New York hip-hop station corralled a gang of rap talent, and while surprise guests Nas, Lauryn Hill and Mase will surely cause a day-after buzz, it was Nicki Minaj's no-show that was the talk of the annual rap extravaganza.
The Young Money superstar was scheduled to headline the show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but Ym boss Lil Wayne made the executive decision to pull Nicki out of the lineup after Hot 97 Morning Show host Peter Rosenberg threw a dis to the Pink Friday Mc.
"I know there's some chicks here waiting to sing 'Starships' later,...
- 6/4/2012
- MTV Music News
'We have to find a better way to commercially exploit music, while giving artists their proper respect,' Hill says in a written statement.
By Rob Markman
Lauryn Hill performing at Hot 97's Summer Jam 2012
Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
Nicki Minaj had grand plans for Hot 97's Summer Jam on Sunday night, but there's some discrepancy about who was supposed to appear during her headlining set. Lauryn Hill, who surprised fans when she came out during Nas' performance, wants to set the record straight.
"No disrespect to Nicki, but I need to clear up an inaccuracy. I was not scheduled to be a special guest on her set at Summer Jam, I was invited by Nas to perform with him," Hill said in a written statement sent out via Twitter on Monday (June 4).
Last night, Nicki tweeted that before she and Lil Wayne pulled the plug on her performance,...
By Rob Markman
Lauryn Hill performing at Hot 97's Summer Jam 2012
Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
Nicki Minaj had grand plans for Hot 97's Summer Jam on Sunday night, but there's some discrepancy about who was supposed to appear during her headlining set. Lauryn Hill, who surprised fans when she came out during Nas' performance, wants to set the record straight.
"No disrespect to Nicki, but I need to clear up an inaccuracy. I was not scheduled to be a special guest on her set at Summer Jam, I was invited by Nas to perform with him," Hill said in a written statement sent out via Twitter on Monday (June 4).
Last night, Nicki tweeted that before she and Lil Wayne pulled the plug on her performance,...
- 6/4/2012
- MTV Music News
Here is last week's caption pic winner. This week's caption pic is at the bottom of the page.
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"Bollywood Bares" has its dress rehearsal."
Thanks to hbeach for this week's winning caption!
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Timothy Olyphant (above) is 44, A certain icon will be celebrated with her own post on Sunday, Drew Fuller is 32, Tina Fey is 42, Pete Townsend is 67, Jane Wiedlin is 54, Mindy Cohn is 46, and Martika is 43. I first fell in love with Martika as Gloria on Kids, Inc., and she's best known for her #1 smash "Toy Soldiers," but I prefer two of her other hits. The Prince penned "Love, Thy Will Be Done," and her first hit "More Than You Know", which is so gloriously, unmistakably 1989. With his Alien prequel Prometheus about to hit theaters,...
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"Bollywood Bares" has its dress rehearsal."
Thanks to hbeach for this week's winning caption!
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Timothy Olyphant (above) is 44, A certain icon will be celebrated with her own post on Sunday, Drew Fuller is 32, Tina Fey is 42, Pete Townsend is 67, Jane Wiedlin is 54, Mindy Cohn is 46, and Martika is 43. I first fell in love with Martika as Gloria on Kids, Inc., and she's best known for her #1 smash "Toy Soldiers," but I prefer two of her other hits. The Prince penned "Love, Thy Will Be Done," and her first hit "More Than You Know", which is so gloriously, unmistakably 1989. With his Alien prequel Prometheus about to hit theaters,...
- 5/18/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Beenie Man has been criticized for using homophobic lyrics throughout much of his work, but now the Jamaican reggae star is offering the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (Lgbt) community a poignant apology.
In this newly-released video, Beenie says, "Let me make this clear and straight. I have nothing against no one. I respect each and every human being, regardless of which race or creed, regardless of which religious belief you believe in, and regardless of which sexual preference you are, including gay and lesbian people."
He continues, "I love each and every one and am just begging each and everyone to do the same...do not fight against me for a song that I sang 20 years ago...I was a kid. Now I know that people live in the world that live their life differently than the way I live my life. Just love the music and respect the music.
In this newly-released video, Beenie says, "Let me make this clear and straight. I have nothing against no one. I respect each and every human being, regardless of which race or creed, regardless of which religious belief you believe in, and regardless of which sexual preference you are, including gay and lesbian people."
He continues, "I love each and every one and am just begging each and everyone to do the same...do not fight against me for a song that I sang 20 years ago...I was a kid. Now I know that people live in the world that live their life differently than the way I live my life. Just love the music and respect the music.
- 5/18/2012
- by Curtis M. Wong
- Huffington Post
From Kingston to Lewisham, here are five other must-see reggae movies
The Harder They Come (Dir. Perry Henzell, Jamaica, 1972)
Jamaica's first feature, and the one against which others are measured. The plot – poor country boy seeks fortune in city – is archetypal, but Henzell cleverly turns our admiration for hero Ivan (Jimmy Cliff in incendiary form) into revulsion, as the film shifts through melodrama, comedy and musical into tragedy. Immortal movie moments – "You think the hero can be dead before the last reel?" scoffs Ivan at one point – and a stunning soundtrack led by Cliff's title song make this a five-star classic.
Rockers (Dir. Ted Bafaloukos, Jamaica, 1979)
A "Dreadsploitation" flick that's now a vibrant time capsule of reggae's halcyon days. Drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace plays a hapless muso caught up in Kingston's music wars. The plot's paper thin, but there's a gallery of great cameo appearances – Jacob Miller and Gregory Isaacs...
The Harder They Come (Dir. Perry Henzell, Jamaica, 1972)
Jamaica's first feature, and the one against which others are measured. The plot – poor country boy seeks fortune in city – is archetypal, but Henzell cleverly turns our admiration for hero Ivan (Jimmy Cliff in incendiary form) into revulsion, as the film shifts through melodrama, comedy and musical into tragedy. Immortal movie moments – "You think the hero can be dead before the last reel?" scoffs Ivan at one point – and a stunning soundtrack led by Cliff's title song make this a five-star classic.
Rockers (Dir. Ted Bafaloukos, Jamaica, 1979)
A "Dreadsploitation" flick that's now a vibrant time capsule of reggae's halcyon days. Drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace plays a hapless muso caught up in Kingston's music wars. The plot's paper thin, but there's a gallery of great cameo appearances – Jacob Miller and Gregory Isaacs...
- 4/23/2012
- by Neil Spencer
- The Guardian - Film News
Puerto Rican senator Roberto Arango has resigned his position after photos of him in some compromising positions showed up on hookup app Grindr. Arango was the Puerto Rican chair of Bush/Cheney 2004, which swept to reelection on a wave of anti-gay sentiment.
Jennifer Aniston is homeless no more. Having sold her $38 million home recently, she's rented a house to make a love nest with her hunky boyfriend Justin Theroux.
A friend turned me on to the Living Bridges of Cherrapunji in northeast India, which are grown from the roots of a specific type of rubber tree. When the local tribes went to modernize with steel, a tourism idea was hatched.
MySpace, under the creative direction of Justin Timberlake, intends to take on Spotify and iTunes as a music destination. In their favor are licensing partnerships with all the major and indie labels, clearing away many copyright issues.
Music by Lady Gaga,...
Jennifer Aniston is homeless no more. Having sold her $38 million home recently, she's rented a house to make a love nest with her hunky boyfriend Justin Theroux.
A friend turned me on to the Living Bridges of Cherrapunji in northeast India, which are grown from the roots of a specific type of rubber tree. When the local tribes went to modernize with steel, a tourism idea was hatched.
MySpace, under the creative direction of Justin Timberlake, intends to take on Spotify and iTunes as a music destination. In their favor are licensing partnerships with all the major and indie labels, clearing away many copyright issues.
Music by Lady Gaga,...
- 8/29/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Love Letter singer cancels Reggae Sumfest performance.
By Jocelyn Vena
R. Kelly
Photo: WireImage
It looks like the Reggae Sumfest will have to go on without R. Kelly. The singer has just announced that, due to health issues, he will no longer be on the lineup for the Jamaican festival, which began Sunday and will run through the upcoming weekend.
Kelly was scheduled to perform Friday, however he was rushed to the hospital for throat surgery. "R&B superstar R. Kelly will be laid up for an indefinite amount of time after undergoing an emergency procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital yesterday to drain an abscess on one of his tonsils," a press release reads.
"Kelly had visited a throat specialist earlier in the day complaining of severe throat pain," it continues. "Following a preliminary exam, he was rushed to Northwestern Memorial for the procedure. It is not known when the multiplatinum recording star,...
By Jocelyn Vena
R. Kelly
Photo: WireImage
It looks like the Reggae Sumfest will have to go on without R. Kelly. The singer has just announced that, due to health issues, he will no longer be on the lineup for the Jamaican festival, which began Sunday and will run through the upcoming weekend.
Kelly was scheduled to perform Friday, however he was rushed to the hospital for throat surgery. "R&B superstar R. Kelly will be laid up for an indefinite amount of time after undergoing an emergency procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital yesterday to drain an abscess on one of his tonsils," a press release reads.
"Kelly had visited a throat specialist earlier in the day complaining of severe throat pain," it continues. "Following a preliminary exam, he was rushed to Northwestern Memorial for the procedure. It is not known when the multiplatinum recording star,...
- 7/20/2011
- MTV Music News
M.I.A. has strong negative opinions about violent video games, but she's all about dancing and music games, as are her other fellow recording artists whose tracks appear on the full "Dance Central" track list that's been announced. Lady Gaga, Rihanna and the Beastie Boys also show up on the Kinect title's soundtrack, which should inspire much shaking and twisting.
"We felt it was very important to launch 'Dance Central' with a balanced selection of the latest, greatest and all-time classic tracks," MTV Networks senior vice president of music, electronic games and programming Paul DeGooyer said in a statement. "The setlist on the disc really achieves that goal, offering everything from 'jerking' to disco, from Rihanna to Young Mc. Whatever your jam, we think you’ll find something to get you moving in this contagiously fun soundtrack."
Here's what you'll be able to groove to:
· Audio Push – "Teach Me...
"We felt it was very important to launch 'Dance Central' with a balanced selection of the latest, greatest and all-time classic tracks," MTV Networks senior vice president of music, electronic games and programming Paul DeGooyer said in a statement. "The setlist on the disc really achieves that goal, offering everything from 'jerking' to disco, from Rihanna to Young Mc. Whatever your jam, we think you’ll find something to get you moving in this contagiously fun soundtrack."
Here's what you'll be able to groove to:
· Audio Push – "Teach Me...
- 10/13/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
Plus vampires find Tom Ford timeless, Mike Huckabee is homophobic and sexist at once, and Jaleel White is not gay (but he has a DVD set!).
Both sides of Adam Lambert's new haircut.
Last night at the MuchMusic Awards in Toronto, it was mostly tweens like Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus winning awards, but Adam Lambert took home the trophy for Ur Fav International Video. That entire sentence, down to spelling, makes me feel very old. Get off my lawn!!! At Trevor NY on June 28th, the Trevor Project will be honoring Vanessa Williams and Macy's department store for their activism. Special performance by Jason Mraz, and celebrity guests including Dustin Lance Black, Marc Consuelos, Ardin Myrin, Ana Ortiz and Kelly Ripa. There are still tables available for the event. Last month we reported that Filipino singing sensation Charice was joining Glee, which Charice then denied via Twitter. Today,...
Both sides of Adam Lambert's new haircut.
Last night at the MuchMusic Awards in Toronto, it was mostly tweens like Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus winning awards, but Adam Lambert took home the trophy for Ur Fav International Video. That entire sentence, down to spelling, makes me feel very old. Get off my lawn!!! At Trevor NY on June 28th, the Trevor Project will be honoring Vanessa Williams and Macy's department store for their activism. Special performance by Jason Mraz, and celebrity guests including Dustin Lance Black, Marc Consuelos, Ardin Myrin, Ana Ortiz and Kelly Ripa. There are still tables available for the event. Last month we reported that Filipino singing sensation Charice was joining Glee, which Charice then denied via Twitter. Today,...
- 6/21/2010
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
California native Patrick Hoelck had auspicious beginnings, but the corkscrew path he took through music, fashion, and commercial photography on his way to becoming a feature filmmaker belies his earliest and most abiding passion. Weaned on arthouse classics and American films of the seventies, Hoelck moved to New York City in his teens and became a music-video director before he was old enough to vote, eventually directing for the likes of Beenie Man, the Deftones, Ben Harper, and Alicia Keys. Over a decade ago, he turned to still photography and (with the help of pal Vincent Gallo) quickly made a name for himself as an artist with a knack for snapping celebrities in sultry, understated tones under bare-bones conditions. The entire time,...
- 4/28/2010
- by Damon Smith
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Beenie Man has been criticised after he performed homophobic lyrics at a concert sponsored by Pepsi. According to The Sun, the Jamaican reggae singer was appearing at a gig in Uganda when he sang about slitting the throats of gay men. Pepsi have now released a statement condemning Beenie Man's comments. "We are appalled by the performer's lyrics and find them repugnant," the company said. "Our bottling (more)...
- 12/12/2009
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Plus: Serani steps from behind the boards to in front of the microphone, in Mixtape Daily.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Shaheem Reid
Slaughterhouse
Photo: MTV News
Behind the Beats: Serani
Serani may be best known for his breakout hit "No Games," but the emerging Jamaican artist first made a name for himself crafting songs for some of his homeland's biggest stars.
"I'm a musician from birth, I played the keys from birth," Serani said. "As time went on, when I became a teenager I was listening to Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Capleton and Sizzla. I would listen to the beats and thought, 'Why are they on some of these? They could do better.' And I knew I had the talent to do it."
He got his start working as a musician, contributing to Wayne Marshall songs. Eventually he formed Daseca Productions with two partners, and the trio...
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Shaheem Reid
Slaughterhouse
Photo: MTV News
Behind the Beats: Serani
Serani may be best known for his breakout hit "No Games," but the emerging Jamaican artist first made a name for himself crafting songs for some of his homeland's biggest stars.
"I'm a musician from birth, I played the keys from birth," Serani said. "As time went on, when I became a teenager I was listening to Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Capleton and Sizzla. I would listen to the beats and thought, 'Why are they on some of these? They could do better.' And I knew I had the talent to do it."
He got his start working as a musician, contributing to Wayne Marshall songs. Eventually he formed Daseca Productions with two partners, and the trio...
- 10/9/2009
- MTV Music News
'As long as it's hot, we got it,' runner tells Mixtape Daily of what they listen to in Jamaica.
By Shaheem Reid
Usain Bolt
Photo: Courtesy of Usain Bolt
Celebrity Favorites
Even the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, slows down long enough to get hip to all the talk around our 2009 Hottest MCs in the Game list. The Jamaican track champ has been unstoppable the past few weeks, and when it comes to the mic, he gives a gold medal to the Carters.
"When I was in the Olympics," he told us, "I didn't really listen to music. During the Olympics, it was mainly reggae, a little hip-hop. But I like Lil Wayne, Jay-z, those guys. That's who we listen to in Jamaica. A little bit of Ludacris. But as long as it's hot, we got it."
When asked for his #1, Bolt chose Weezy F. Baby. (To...
By Shaheem Reid
Usain Bolt
Photo: Courtesy of Usain Bolt
Celebrity Favorites
Even the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, slows down long enough to get hip to all the talk around our 2009 Hottest MCs in the Game list. The Jamaican track champ has been unstoppable the past few weeks, and when it comes to the mic, he gives a gold medal to the Carters.
"When I was in the Olympics," he told us, "I didn't really listen to music. During the Olympics, it was mainly reggae, a little hip-hop. But I like Lil Wayne, Jay-z, those guys. That's who we listen to in Jamaica. A little bit of Ludacris. But as long as it's hot, we got it."
When asked for his #1, Bolt chose Weezy F. Baby. (To...
- 8/26/2009
- MTV Music News
Plus: Lil Boosie and Hurricane Chris 'clique up'; Rich Boy wants people to 'party instead of get violent,' in Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
Gucci Mane
Photo: MTV News
His fans are yelling for Gucci Mane. "Goocheee!," to be exact. He's been doing it this year. Man — 2009 is halfway over already? The years go by so quick. As always, though, we're here to document everything. All this week, in addition to our regular coverage, we're going to be highlighting all the impact players in the mixtape circuit so far this year. Who had the biggest mixtape? What Mc was the most consistent? What albums have we kept in rotation? Rappers, DJs, producers, shows — we've got the best of the best of this year thus far. Stay with us all week.
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: Bad Azz Hurricane
Headliners: Lil Boosie and Hurricane Chris
Key Collaborations: The entire tape is a joint effort,...
By Shaheem Reid
Gucci Mane
Photo: MTV News
His fans are yelling for Gucci Mane. "Goocheee!," to be exact. He's been doing it this year. Man — 2009 is halfway over already? The years go by so quick. As always, though, we're here to document everything. All this week, in addition to our regular coverage, we're going to be highlighting all the impact players in the mixtape circuit so far this year. Who had the biggest mixtape? What Mc was the most consistent? What albums have we kept in rotation? Rappers, DJs, producers, shows — we've got the best of the best of this year thus far. Stay with us all week.
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape: Bad Azz Hurricane
Headliners: Lil Boosie and Hurricane Chris
Key Collaborations: The entire tape is a joint effort,...
- 7/14/2009
- MTV Music News
By Ayana Allen
You would have hoped that the combination of performers from island nations and the availability of copious amounts of jerk chicken would keep the rain from falling on the Floyd Bennet Field in Brooklyn, site of the 2nd annual Brooklyn Music Festival. The weather threatened early, but as the night wore on the clouds were beaten back.
Though sunshine was at a premium, heat was not. Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Serani, Bounty Killer and Mavado each brought their own personal fire to a dynamic day of music. While Beenie Man and Bounty Killer are veterans, Serani and Mavado are two up-and-coming dancehall artists moving quickly into the mainstream scene. Serani, the Kingston-born singer, has produced hits for Sean Paul but is more recently known for his big hit, “No Games.” He smooth serenades for the ladies were juxtaposed with the intensity of Mavado.
When Mavado’s catchphrase “Anywayyy!
You would have hoped that the combination of performers from island nations and the availability of copious amounts of jerk chicken would keep the rain from falling on the Floyd Bennet Field in Brooklyn, site of the 2nd annual Brooklyn Music Festival. The weather threatened early, but as the night wore on the clouds were beaten back.
Though sunshine was at a premium, heat was not. Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Serani, Bounty Killer and Mavado each brought their own personal fire to a dynamic day of music. While Beenie Man and Bounty Killer are veterans, Serani and Mavado are two up-and-coming dancehall artists moving quickly into the mainstream scene. Serani, the Kingston-born singer, has produced hits for Sean Paul but is more recently known for his big hit, “No Games.” He smooth serenades for the ladies were juxtaposed with the intensity of Mavado.
When Mavado’s catchphrase “Anywayyy!
- 6/22/2009
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
Actor Steven Seagal is recording his debut album in Kingston, Jamaica, alongside Fugees star Wyclef Jean. Exit Wounds star Seagal has recorded some songs with the Grammy Award-winning reggae star Beenie Man and also covered Bob Marley's classic Redemption Song. Seagal says, "Doing movies took up all of my time, but music has always been my first love." The album is expected to be released later this year.
- 4/11/2001
- WENN
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