Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/ Sound District is a social networking music community forum, a place for music lovers, artists and anyone who is interested in music. Members can have their own custom music profile and participate in discussions on the forum. en Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:35:27 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.sounddistrict.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/ <![CDATA[Snoop Dogg Talks Being First 'Rock Band' Rapper]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/snoop-dogg-talks-being-first-rock-band-rapper-8299/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT 'I'm the first hip-hop rock star,' he tells MTV News of his eight-song pack for the video game.
By Kyle Anderson, with reporting by Sway Calloway and Matt Elias


Snoop Dogg
Photo: MTV News

Even though he has been in the hip-hop game for nearly 20 years, Snoop Dogg still manages to tear down barriers and break records years-deep into his career. Now, he has set yet another precedent in hip-hop history, becoming the first rapper to provide downloadable content for "Rock Band," the video game that allows you to jump onstage with your favorite performer.

"I do it all, man," Snoop told MTV News' Sway at last month's Rock the Bells Tour kickoff. "I got some downloadable content with classic songs from Doggystyle, songs like 'Drop It Like It's Hot.' You'll be able to play along to the Snoop Dogg groove in a dramatic fashion, so you can feel like you're a member of the Snoopadelics."






In addition to "Drop It Like It's Hot," the eight-song pack contains the smash singles "Beautiful," "Sensual Seduction" and "Who Am I (What's My Name)?," as well as deeper cuts like "Ridin' in My Chevy," "Snoop's Upside Ya Head," "Tha Shiznit" and "That's Tha Homie." The package will be available for $13.49 (or 1,080 Microsoft Points, if that's your game) and will also be available for individual purchase.

Snoop, who describes himself as "an OG gamer," is a big fan of the "Rock Band" approach and is happy to be part of a new tradition. "It brings it back to life again for those who may not have heard it, or those who may not even have been around when it was out," Snoop said of the classic tunes getting new life via "Rock Band." "It keeps that classic material rolling. I like when they do it with Metallica and Guns N' Roses and the Beatles, when they bring [those songs] back to life. They're educating the youth on that great music that was here years ago."

As for being the first rapper to penetrate the "Rock Band" market, it's old hat for a living legend like Snoop. "I'm the first hip-hop rock star," he declared. "The others, they do what they do, but they don't do what I do."

For more on "Rock Band," check out the Multiplayer blog, updated daily.



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/snoop-dogg-talks-being-first-rock-band-rapper-8299/ <![CDATA[Justin Long Shares His 'Die Hard 5' Ideas]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/justin-long-shares-his-die-hard-5-ideas-8298/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT 'It's going to be Gabourey Sidibe and Bruce teaming up, finally,' he jokes.
By Kara Warner


Justin Long
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

The last time we heard any news on "Die Hard 5," Bruce Willis assured us that an official green-light for the film was "imminent." Given that small but hopeful tidbit, when we caught up with Willis' "Live Free or Die Hard" co-star Justin Long recently, we had to ask whether the "Going the Distance" star had yet been approached to reprise his role in the fifth film.






"I had a meeting recently at Fox about doing a romantic [comedy]," Long recalled. "And the guy in the office next door, he was in charge of the new 'Die Hard,' [so] I said, 'Do you mind if I pop my head in?' So I met him and I was like, 'Ummm?' " the actor explained, gesturing with his hands in a motion that suggested "What about me?"

"He was equally vague in his gesture back to me," Long said. "So I didn't get a good feeling that I was going to be a part of the imminent 'Die Hard.' I don't know if I'm going to get my hands on it." He added, "I would love to."

Whether the film happens with or without Long is still up for debate. Regardless, Long offered up some unique ideas regarding a possible story line for the fifth film.

"For a while, there was talk of, they were going to combine 'Die Hard' with '24,' " Long said. "It was going to be Kiefer Sutherland's character in it [to which we responded with a very suspicious, raised brow]. I'm not kidding!" Long insisted. "I think there was a script that had been imminent," he said seriously — and then veered off course completely. "Now it's going to be 'Die Preciously Hard,' so it's going to be Gabourey Sidibe and Bruce teaming up, finally," Long joked.

Perfect. Bruce Willis and Gabourey Sidibe in a "Die Hard" movie ... it's about time!

"That's what the fans are saying, it's about time! It's 'Die Hard Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire.' "

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more -- updated around the clock -- visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.





More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/justin-long-shares-his-die-hard-5-ideas-8298/ <![CDATA[Chris Brown, Michael Ealy Interpret Final 'Takers' Scene]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/chris-brown-michael-ealy-interpret-final-takers-scene-8297/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT Stars of hit film explain why their characters make critical decision By Shaheem Reid Image:... Stars of hit film explain why their characters make critical decision
By Shaheem Reid


Chris Brown and Michael Ealy
Photo: MTV News

Chris Brown and T.I.'s new film "Takers" had another hefty haul this past weekend, bringing in close to $12 million after last week's $20 million-plus #1 finish. We've given you ample time to see it, so now we can reveal a spoiler. Warning: Stop reading now if you haven't seen the flick. We'll catch you on the rebound.

One of the climactic scenes in the film features brother bank robbers Chris Brown and Michael Ealy having a showdown with the police. The Takers' identities have been discovered, and police officers are dispatched to take them out. At the heist-master's hangout, a jazz club, Ealy arrives and learns that his girlfriend has been murdered by T.I.'s character, Ghost. Minutes later, the police amass in front of the venue. Ealy asks his brother, Brown, whether he wants to leave through the back door or through the front, where a SWAT team is waiting. The duo choose the front, and are subsequently gunned down. You don't actually see them die, but it is highly implied.

So, why not slip out through the back?






"I think it was that inevitable circumstance. We had to be like, 'You know what? We're gonna get caught, and we don't wanna do life in prison,' " Brown explained about the last scene. "We knew the risk we were taking when we did it. 'Let's go out in a blaze of glory.' "

"I had nothing else to live for," Ealy said about his character.

"Yeah. His girl was all dead," Brown added. "That's bad. He didn't wanna see me get locked up."

Ealy jokingly said his character really wanted to take an alternate escape route, but Brown's character wouldn't listen.

"I tried to tell him to go through the back door," Ealy said with a laugh. "But, even the back door, they had us surrounded. There was no getting around it."

Check out everything we've got on "Takers."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/chris-brown-michael-ealy-interpret-final-takers-scene-8297/ <![CDATA[Miley Cyrus And Ashley Greene Shoot 'LOL' In Paris]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/miley-cyrus-ashley-greene-shoot-lol-paris-8296/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT Teen-movie queens spotted filming with Douglas Booth, Ashley Hinshaw and Lina Esco. By Jocelyn Vena Image:... Teen-movie queens spotted filming with Douglas Booth, Ashley Hinshaw and Lina Esco.
By Jocelyn Vena


Douglas Booth and Miley Cyrus on location for "LOL: Laughing Out Loud"
Photo: Trago/ FilmMagic

Miley Cyrus and Ashley Greene have taken the shoot for their upcoming flick "LOL: Laughing Out Loud" internationally. The ladies were photographed filming in Paris, after being spotted in Detroit earlier this summer.

In stills taken on the set, Greene and Cyrus are pictured with various castmates filming "LOL," which is due in 2011. In one photo, taken Monday (September 6), a smiling Cyrus, embraced at the waist by costar Douglas Booth, is standing alongside a pensive-looking Greene and other castmembers Ashley Hinshaw and Lina Esco. In other shots, Booth and Cyrus are snuggling on a double-decker bus, while Greene is on another bus. Booth and Cyrus also were filmed standing on a bridge chatting.

Later, Cyrus, wearing a leather jacket, goes shopping with Hinshaw and Esco, and in another shot, she is alone and soaking wet, running through a puddle. Cyrus and Greene also were filmed walking arm in arm through Paris.

Cyrus has said that in her post-"Hannah Montana" career, she's looking to film more serious, mature movies, and that she intends to take a break from music to pursue her film career.

"I'm working on lots of different films: drama, action, comedy," she explained. "I like challenges, so I'm doing a little bit of everything."

"The more I make music that doesn't truly inspire me, the more I feel like I'm blending in with everyone else," she added. "I'm taking some time off [from music]."

Given those plans, "LOL" seems like a step in the right direction. The film is about a group of young people, led by Cyrus (whose character is named Lola), who try to navigate high school peer pressures and romance in a tech-savvy world. It also stars Demi Moore as Cyrus's mom.

"She's great," Moore said of her co-star, "and I think that she is incredibly grounded. ... [Miley] is a true professional, and she truly has a wonderful family. It really shows."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/miley-cyrus-ashley-greene-shoot-lol-paris-8296/ <![CDATA[50 Cent Says He Uses Twitter To 'Entertain']]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/50-cent-says-he-uses-twitter-entertain-8295/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT 'When other people used it, it was boring because they were trying to be safe,' he tells MTV News.
By Shaheem Reid


50 Cent
Photo: Getty Images/Jakubaszek

Celebrity Favorites: 50 Cent

Ah. It was but just three years ago around this time, VMA time, when the nation was divided: Kanye West or 50 Cent. Both were dropping albums on September 11. Fast-forward to 2010 — the hip-hop nation is once again forced to decide. This time, though, it's not about music; it's about who sends the most interesting tweets. Both 'Ye and 50 caught on to Twitter later than most people, but they have made up for it in impact. Kanye usually tweets about what's going on in his life, while 50 is unpredictable, taking a comedic stance in many instances.






Monday, the G-Unit general went on Twitter overload, writing about everything from squashing his quarrels with Diddy and Jay-Z to playing new music for Eminem and having sex with a woman he says also slept with Shaquille O'Neal.

"So I saw jayZ backstage at the show," he wrote, "so I say What's up n---a we gone kill each other or what he like And fuck up the money I aint witIt lol."

Regarding Chairman Combs, he wrote, "I talk to puffy he said n---a da sh-- you be doing is bad for business we can make a lot of money together. so that's the last puffy hit lol."

Last week in Detroit, before getting onstage with Eminem at the second of the Motor City shows in Comerica Park, Fif explained his tweet tirades.

"You know what's interesting? I look at that platform as another place to express yourself in a different way, to entertain," he said. "Not necessarily to create a perception of your actual character, but to be entertaining. When other people used it, it was boring because they were trying to be safe, be politically correct. They gave you the presentation they were taught to give you after they were prepped for publicity. What I gave you was some of the things I've seen that were entertaining topic-wise — things that made me laugh. I think it's healthy to smile. Even though I may have the persona as one of the darkest people in hip-hop culture, you seen me smile as often as — probably more often as — somebody you seen placed in that category."

Fif also cited Ice Cube as an influence — not necessarily as a muse for Twitter, but for expressing himself differently in a multiple of mediums.

"Ice Cube is one of my favorites," he said. "I admire what he's done with his life and career. But when you look at every Ice Cube CD, it's the same photo [a scowl]. He's fixin' to kill you."

"I understand, because the tone of the music matches that expression," he continued. "But, that's entertainment versus what you see him doing in 'Lottery Ticket,' doing other things to express himself in a different platform. That allows him to be successful in a different way."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines or follow the Mixtape Daily team on Twitter: @shaheemreid and @mongosladenyc.



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/50-cent-says-he-uses-twitter-entertain-8295/ <![CDATA[Chris Brown 'Jumped' On 'Make A Movie,' Twista Says]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/chris-brown-jumped-make-movie-twista-says-8294/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT 'It's sexy to the people,' Twista tells MTV News of Perfect Storm single.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Matt Elias


Twista
Photo: MTV News

Twista might be known more for his tongue-twisting rhymes than his sexier fare, but the veteran MC has scored big hits in the past with crooners like Trey Songz and Jamie Foxx.






Now, the Chicago star has recruited Chris Brown for his latest, "Make a Movie," the lead single from his forthcoming effort, The Perfect Storm. He said landing Brown was a matter of mutual respect.

"It was just a groove that I really felt, the whole vibe of the song," Twista told MTV News. "It was something that fit the criteria of what I wanted to come with as far as my next single, as far as me making the sexy jams and being able to come like that. So when I heard the song, I knew it was a jam we could really work with. By the time it came around to get Chris Brown on it, I was like, 'Man, we got to put the homie Chris on it.' "

According to Twista, he and his camp made a few calls to Brown and his representatives to gauge their interest. It didn't take long for Team Breezy to get back to the rapper. And to hear Twista explain it, both sides knew they had something on their hands with "Make a Movie."

"When he heard the song, he immediately jumped on it, as far as the mutual respect he had for me," Twista said. "When I got it back, I listened to it one time, and we knew it was a wrap. We knew we had to roll with it, because it was a jam. It's sexy to the people. Whenever we play it for different people we try to catch a vibe from, they always like it, so I knew it was the one for me."

What do you think of Twista teaming up with Chris Brown? Let us know in the comments.



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/chris-brown-jumped-make-movie-twista-says-8294/ Ice Cube Insists Rhymes Are Shout-Outs, Not Disses http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/ice-cube-insists-rhymes-shout-outs-not-disses-8293/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT Forthcoming album I Am the West references Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella By Jayson Rodriguez Image:... Forthcoming album I Am the West references Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella
By Jayson Rodriguez


Ice Cube
Photo: MTV News

Shots fired? Well, not quite.

Ice Cube toys with some pretty popular names on his forthcoming album, I Am the West, spitting rhymes that leave Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and DJ Yella's monikers in murky waters.






But the veteran MC says that, upon closer listen, his lyrics are just referencing others for context — they aren't personal attacks.

"To me, it's styling and finesse, that's where I come from," Cube told MTV News after previewing the album. "It's a lot of MCs out there, it's not dissing [them]. I guess when you mention these MCs that's at the top of the game and you mention yourself in there, you letting [people] know you on top of your game too. It's on that tip. It's just fresh, fly-ass lines. I couldn't let them go once I thought of them; I had to write them down. But it's not dissing."

Earlier this year, Cube released "Drink the Kool-Aid," which featured the lines: "I ain't the doctor/ This ain't the patient/ This ain't that n---a always on vacation/ This ain't no white boy's rehabilitation/ This is crazier then a boatful of Haitians."

The blogosphere jumped to a quick conclusion that the Los Angeles rapper was taking aim at his former N.W.A groupmate Dr. Dre.

Cube, however, took to his website and posted a blog denying the claims.

"I met Dr. Dre in the studio last night," Cube wrote. "When I got there, Snoop was in the booth laying the finishing touches on another classic from the dynamic duo. He played me some tracks set for the up-and-coming Detox record and we talked about me jumping on board the project. Of course I talked about him doing sh-- on my record, and he said he'd bless the album."

Last month, though, Cube told MTV News he and Dre weren't able to connect for I Am the West.

"He's been M.I.A. for two to three months now," Cube said, laughing. "But I don't feel bad, because Snoop can't find him either."



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/ice-cube-insists-rhymes-shout-outs-not-disses-8293/ <![CDATA[Sofia Coppola Calls 'Breaking Dawn' Love Story 'So Romantic']]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/sofia-coppola-calls-breaking-dawn-love-story-so-romantic-8292/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT 'I'm impressed by Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattison pulling it off,' director says, confirming she was in talks to helm the 'Twilight' finale.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Sofia Coppola
Photo: MTV News

While the "Breaking Dawn" director's chair for both parts 1 and 2 is officially occupied by Bill Condon, "Twilight" fans know that there were several other high-profile names attached to the project before Condon signed on.

Among them was "Lost in Translation" and "Marie Antoinette" director Sofia Coppola. When we caught up with the writer/director to discuss her upcoming Chateau Marmont-set film, "Somewhere," we asked her if there was any truth to the "Dawn" director rumors.

"Yeah, yeah, I talked to them about that," Coppola revealed to MTV News. "I was interested in doing something but I didn't end up doing it. But I love, I'm impressed by Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattison pulling it off in that whole story," she said. "And my friend's kids love the story so much that I thought it would be fun to make something that they love so much."

Asked what she liked best about the blockbuster vampire franchise, Coppola admitted she goes weak in the knees for romance.

"I just love that it's so romantic," she told us. "I'm always a sucker for a love story and also to do something for teenagers, because I feel like, why not have beautiful cinematography and all these things in a kid movie? Usually it looks like it's not crafted very sophisticated, and I feel like it'd be nice to bring that kind of style into a younger film."

Perhaps the studio heads can line up Coppola for the talked-about film version of the "Eclipse" novella, "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner"?

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.





More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/sofia-coppola-calls-breaking-dawn-love-story-so-romantic-8292/ <![CDATA['True Blood' Finale Will Have 'Blood And Bite,' Stars Say]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/true-blood-finale-will-have-blood-bite-stars-say-8291/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT 'I'd say it's crazier than last year's finale,' one castmember teases.
By Kara Warner


"True Blood" stars Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin
Photo: MTV News

There are approximately five days and counting until the third season of HBO's bloody vamp soap "True Blood" comes to a close. And if the last two season finales are any indication, regardless of any spoilers or speculation that pre-empt Sunday's episode, we expect that creator Alan Ball will provide us with enough titillating twists and turns to keep us champing at the bit for season four.






So until this week's inevitable cliffhanger and finale overanalyzing, we bring you a few juicy teaser tidbits straight from the stars themselves.

"I can tell you that there's going to be a lot of blood, a lot of sex, and a lot of people are going to die," Joe Manganiello told MTV News at HBO's Emmy bash last week. "Blah, blah, blah, vampire stuff."

Will his crazy ex-girlfriend, Debbi Pelt, survive the episode? "That would be a good question for Alan [Ball]," Manganiello said. Deftly deflected, Joe.

Fan favorite Nelsan Ellis (a.k.a. Lafayette) agreed about the blood factor. "There's going to be a lot of blood and bite," Ellis said.

"I'd say it's crazier than last year's finale," Jim Parrack (sweet-as-pie Hoyt Fortenberry) added. "Wilder than last year's."

Todd Lowe, who plays PTSD-suffering war vet Terry, shared some insight into what his character will be up to. "You'll probably see some more tears," Lowe revealed. "And we'll see where they're coming from." Arlene? A possible war flashback?

As for Pam, the saucy queen of killer one-liners, actress Kristin Bauer shared that her character will be in the midst of a fight — both physical and emotional. "For Pam, the next two episodes, she's trying — she's in an emotional battle and a physical battle trying to save Eric. It's quite something," she said. "There are some twists and turns that happen. It's really clever."

Marshall Alman's summary wins the award for most succinct tease: "I can tell you that Tommy definitely gives Sam a run for his money."

Meanwhile, Kevin Alejandro wins the award for juiciest tidbit. "You actually find out what kind of person I am," he said of his character, Jesus. "It's good stuff."

Regarding his reaction to finding out his character's new "arc," Alejandro said it was cool. "I've never done anything like it. I kinda knew a little bit about it beforehand, so it's fun," he explained. "[I did] a lot of research to figure out how to go this route, but it's good stuff. I think you'll be really impressed and surprised."

Finally, the award for most vague tease goes to series stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer.

"Lots of stuff [happens]!" Paquin exclaimed.

"Some great Eric and Bill moments," Moyer added. "We're not supposed to tell you."

Paquin echoed Moyer's statement, adding that they'd prefer to keep their jobs rather than spoil or reveal any secrets. Good for them; too bad for us.

What do you think will happen in the "True Blood" season finale? Share your theories in the comments!





More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/true-blood-finale-will-have-blood-bite-stars-say-8291/ VMA White-Carpet Giveaway: Own A Piece Of The Show! http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/vma-white-carpet-giveaway-own-piece-show-8290/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT MTV News is giving away 10 squares of white carpet from Sunday's show.
By Kara Warner


VMA white carpet

Here at MTV News, we know not everyone can make the trek to Los Angeles for Sunday's Video Music Awards. Therefore, we are doing our best to bring you as up close and personal to the show's celeb guests, performers and inner-workings so we can all share in the experience of this always-exciting, one-of-a-kind awards show.

So far, the list of attendees is more than star-studded. Everyone who's anyone in the world of music will be waltzing down our snazzy white carpet come Sunday, including Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Eminem, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Drake, B.o.B and Ke$ha. And for those who would like to walk in the actual footsteps of your favorite stars, we're happy to announce that MTV News is offering a chance to have your very own piece of the show by giving away 10 squares of the sure-to-be-celeb-stomped-on carpet.

All you need to do is visit the MTV News Facebook page for the details. Current fans of the page should look for the VMA Giveaway tab for more info. Soon-to-be fans need only click "like" in order to receive the same info.

We'll be giving away one piece of carpet per day leading up to the show and the remaining few on Sunday.

New VMA presenters were just announced Tuesday (September 7), including the casts of "Jersey Shore" and "Glee," Ellen DeGeneres, Cher, Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian. It was also announced that Mary J. Blige and Swizz Beatz would be performing with Drake during the big show. Just a few more footprints added to your piece of white carpet!

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News' VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday.

Whose footprint would you like to have as a keepsake? Let us know in the comments!



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/vma-white-carpet-giveaway-own-piece-show-8290/ <![CDATA[Eminem's Road To Recovery And Beyond: A VMA Cheat Sheet]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/eminems-road-recovery-beyond-vma-cheat-sheet-8289/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT Take a look back at Marshall Mathers' journey to the 2010 VMAs, airing Sunday.
By Gil Kaufman


Eminem at the 2002 VMAs
Photo: Theo Wargo/ Getty Images

Eminem has been to this party before. With nine wins, he's one of the most rewarded artists ever at MTV's Video Music Awards (ahead of Michael Jackson, in fact.)

So it kind of makes sense that after almost five years spent out of the spotlight dealing with a nearly fatal addiction to prescription medication and a year after an attempted relaunch of his career with the Relapse album, Em is headed into Sunday night's show with the second-most nominations, the promise of yet another sure-to-thrill performance and a chance to reclaim his VMA throne. He may even slip into third or fourth place on the all-time list.

Behind only Lady Gaga's record 13 nods, Eminem banked eight bids, including Best Male Video and Video of the Year for the emotional "Not Afraid."

It's fitting that Shady gets resurrected after a nearly fatal car crash in his VMA promo, since just a year ago, some of his fans were wondering if Eminem had lost the golden touch that has earned the Detroit MC more than 80 million in global sales and made him one of the biggest breakout music stars of his generation. Though Relapse notched the biggest Billboard debut at one point in 2009 with 608,000, some critics noted that it lacked some of the lyrical crispness of Em's past work.

Though he's since said Relapse was recorded while he was still struggling to emerge from the fog of his addictions, Eminem showed he still had a sense of humor, taking it in stride at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards when gay Austrian fashion reporter Brüno landed in his lap backside up. It would prove to be one of the rare public appearances by the rapper in 2009, as a hoped-for joint tour and album with pal 50 Cent never materialized.

In a sign of his hard-won maturity, he uncharacteristically stepped aside from a continued battle with alleged ex Mariah Carey, even after she appeared to dress up as the rapper for her "Obsessed" video. OK, he did release the harsh comeback "The Warning," but otherwise Shady tried to downplay the ongoing beef, preferring instead to focus on delivering the breakout verse alongside Lil Wayne, Drake and Kanye West on Drizzy's "Forever."

He did some method acting with Tracy Morgan at the 2009 VMAs, where he also won for Best Hip-Hop Video for "We Made You" and presented the Best New Artist Moonman to Gaga. With Relapse easily crossing into platinum territory, Em had another hit on his hands, but the disc failed to create the groundswell of support his past efforts had, so by September, there was already rumbling about a more "emotionally driven" and "maniacal" sequel due by year's end.

While he was in the lab, the rapper performed his only full live gig of the year at November's Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, even as news emerged that Relapse 2 would drop in December. And then ... nothing. Amid a flurry of leaked songs like "Taking My Ball," "Elevator" and "Buffalo Bill," and "Hell Breaks Loose" and "Drop the Bomb on 'Em," no official word on the new album was forthcoming and prospects seemed grim.

December came and went, Shady shared the stage with Drake and Lil Wayne at February's Grammys for a run through Drizzy's "Forever" and teamed with Weezy for the "Drop the World" video, but no Relapse 2.

Then, without warning, on April 14, he said the album sequel was killed and he announced a few hours later that a brand-new effort, Recovery, would be released in its place.

Em took credit for the "ehh" sound of Relapse on the first single from Recovery, "Not Afraid," which marked one of the first times the MC had led with an initial single that didn't have a jokey, dis-heavy vibe. "Not Afraid" smashed the charts, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at an amazing #1 and Em followed that with the announcement of a series of hometown shows in Detroit and New York with Jay-Z.

Anticipation for Recovery continued to build as news emerged that it would feature tracks with Rihanna, Lil Wayne and Pink, and even when it leaked two weeks early, Eminem held firm on the release date and was rewarded with yet another highest-debut-of-the-year honor when Recovery smashed onto the Billboard album charts at #1 with sales of 741,000. That debut week run would turn into a rout, as Shady would hold onto the pole position for seven non-consecutive weeks during the summer as Recovery steamed past the 2 million mark and stayed in the top three 10 weeks into its run.

With the emotionally ripe "Afraid" already winning praise for its depiction of Em's struggles to come back from the ledge of self-destruction, fans were primed for an even more raw take in the video for his "Love the Way You Lie" collabo with Rihanna. The hard-hitting clip, starring "Lost" alum Dominic Monaghan and former "Transformers" hottie Megan Fox, struck a number of nerves with its depiction of a battling love affair that has clearly resonated with both artists' fans, as the single racked up #1 status on the Billboard 100 and iTunes singles' charts for several weeks.

After surprise live jump-ups at shows by Rihanna and Drake, Marshall rounded out his year of sporadic live appearances with a coronation of sorts. The kickoff of his four-show hometown tour with Jay-Z last weekend cemented his status as one of the biggest and most admired MCs of the modern era, as fans traveled from all over the country to catch a rare glimpse of him in concert and legends like mentor Dr. Dre came out to show their support.

It was a long struggle, but Em is back where we like him: on fire, making killer videos and ready to take on the world, with a gang of VMA nominations at his back.

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News' VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday.



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/eminems-road-recovery-beyond-vma-cheat-sheet-8289/ Lady Gaga Book Shows Monster Ball Behind The Scenes http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/lady-gaga-book-shows-monster-ball-behind-scenes-8288/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT Photographer Terry Richardson follows singer everywhere, Gaga tells Vogue Hommes Japan. By James Dinh Image:... Photographer Terry Richardson follows singer everywhere, Gaga tells Vogue Hommes Japan.
By James Dinh


Lady Gaga
Photo: Matt Harper/ MTV News

Dressing up as her male alter-ego, Jo Calderone, isn't the only surprise Lady Gaga has in store for fans in the upcoming issue of Vogue Hommes Japan. The singer, who is decked out in a string of raw meat with an open mouth on an alternate cover of the mag, dished about an upcoming Monster Ball book with photographer Terry Richardson and incorporating her artistic vision with another photographer, Steven Klein, on her "Alejandro" clip.

"He wanted to do a book about the Monster Ball," she says in the magazine, which hit stands Sunday. "He wanted to shoot me backstage, not onstage, and look at who I am offstage. He's on the bus with me. He just follows me everywhere. He'll photograph me when I'm changing — those quick changes during the show. And sometimes I'll have to pee during the show, and I'm always screaming, 'Terry, get out!' "

But Gaga believes that Richardson remains keen on keeping the project full of candid moments, saying, "And he'll be saying, 'It's so beautiful. You're so punk!' If only my fans knew I was peeing in a beer cup backstage."

Whether it's her red-carpet fashion or the outfits donned during her everlasting Monster Ball Tour, the singer has always had an eye for pushing the fashion envelope. Things were no different when she had the opportunity to work on her "Alejandro" video with another critically acclaimed photographer: Steven Klein.

"We are both very strong-willed, and we both have very specific visions," she said. "And I knew his specific vision and he knew mine so that it was like tugging at a rope together."

But Mother Monster has ended up tying what she calls "a beautiful knot" with Klein despite their creative differences.

"I wanted to bring him out of his comfort zone, and he wanted to bring me out of mine," she explained. "I think what made the 'Alejandro' video so successful was getting Steven to look at pop choreography and my aesthetic in putting things that are really interesting of how to sell messages and metaphors into a pop landscape, so it suddenly becomes universal and means something completely different. And him stripping me down, taking off all my makeup, no eyelashes, no liner, saying 'I'm cutting all of your hair off' and not tanned. ... For me, I was hyperventilating, but it did force me to be myself."

Being a pop star who takes her image by the reins only makes Gaga comparable to her idols of earlier decades, she says.

"Everybody knew about it. It wasn't like you had to do the research or pull the references back then. It seemed innately part of who everybody was," she said, comparing herself to pop stars from the '70s. "The art and the fashion and the music world were all intertwined, and I guess that is the world that I live in today just through who I truly am."

Are you excited for Gaga's upcoming project with Terry Richardson? Share your thoughts below!



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/lady-gaga-book-shows-monster-ball-behind-scenes-8288/ <![CDATA[VMA Host Chelsea Handler Calls Lady Gaga's Fashion 'A Jackpot']]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/vma-host-chelsea-handler-calls-lady-gagas-fashion-jackpot-8287/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT She also said she plans to hook up with Eminem after Sunday's show.
By Gil Kaufman


Chelsea Handler
Photo: MTV News

Chelsea Handler often complains that the big stars avoid her E! talk show, "Chelsea Lately," leaving her with a string of Kardashians and the occasional rapper to fawn over. But on Sunday night, when she steps up as host of the MTV Video Music Awards, Handler will have more bold names than she could ever dream of skewering at once under one roof, and you can tell she's excited to be in the presence of such mega-wattage.






"She's pretty successful right about now. She's got some good music," Handler said of leading nominee Lady Gaga, who has a record 13 VMA nods. "She's got a lot going on."

Asked if she was surprised by the baker's dozen Gaga racked up this year, Handler said she was not shocked that the dance diva could corral such a mass of nominations, given the sweat she puts into her music and concerts. "I'm not really surprised by anything," Handler laughed before diving into one of her favorite topics, the absurd Internet meme questioning Gaga's gender. "If you work really hard, I guess you can accomplish anything. Even if that accomplishment is people being confused as to whether you are a male or a female."

The reason stand-up comedians have always done so well at the VMAs is because they're great on their feet, and given the rapid-fire nature of the roundtable celeb-kebabing that goes on during Handler's E! show every night, she's likely to have plenty of quips to drop during Sunday's broadcast. Some of them will undoubtedly be aimed at Gaga's notoriously elaborate outfits.

"It's always a jackpot, isn't it?" she said about Gaga's outré fashion choices. "Whatever she wears is amazing. You could watch her for hours just eat cereal. You don't even need the cereal."

She clearly has a thing for Gaga, but Handler's heart belongs to Eminem, who is close on Mother Monster's heels with eight nominations. "I love his album," she enthused of the rapper's smash Recovery. "I'll probably have sex with him after the show is over. Probably. I don't see why I wouldn't." But, after finding out that the Detroit MC is now sober, she seemed to have a change of heart. "I like guys who drink," she said.

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News' VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday.



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/vma-host-chelsea-handler-calls-lady-gagas-fashion-jackpot-8287/ <![CDATA[Katy Perry To Perform On 'SNL' Season Premiere]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/katy-perry-perform-snl-season-premiere-8286/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT 'California Gurls' singer tweets about performing on September 25 episode.
By Kara Warner


Katy Perry
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ WireImage

She had two singles battling it out for the summer jam of 2010, tackled hosting duties for the Teen Choice Awards, is vying for two VMAs (her "California Gurls" is up for Best Female Video and Best Pop Video) and now America's current pop sweetheart Katy Perry can add "Saturday Night Live" performer to her ever-expanding résumé.

Perry's more astute fans might have been able to guess the news before the singer made it official, given Perry's somewhat-cryptic tweet directed at "SNL" alum and the 36th season premiere host, Amy Poehler: "Dear Amy Poehler can I please be your braced faced neighbor friend that hangs out with you & RICKKKKK!"

We assume that comment is referring to Poehler's "Kaitlin" character — the precocious, excitable and extremely loud 10-year-old who appeared in a series of sketches alongside "Rick!" (played by Horatio Sanz).

Shortly thereafter, Perry followed her Poehler-themed tweet with the official announcement: "OKAY! My BIG surprise is I'm opening the season of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE on Sept 25 W/SNL Alum Amy Poehler!!!" she wrote, followed by a link toher official website with the announcement.

MTV News tracked down a representative from "SNL" to confirm Perry's appearance, though whether the pop star will be included in any of the cast's sketches remains to be seen.

Given Perry's plucky performance at the Teen Choice Awards — during which she impersonated a series of stereotypical high school characters with her co-hosts (the guys from "Glee") — she seems a shoo-in for inclusion in at least one of the show's many vignettes.

What do you think of Katy Perry performing on "SNL"? Should Poehler and the rest of the cast involve her in some improv?



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/katy-perry-perform-snl-season-premiere-8286/ <![CDATA['Jersey Shore,' 'Glee' Casts To Present At 2010 VMAs]]> http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/jersey-shore-glee-casts-present-2010-vmas-8285/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:27:26 GMT Mary J. Blige, Swizz Beatz to perform with Drake, while Bruno Mars also hits Video Music Awards stage on Sunday. By Jocelyn Vena Image:... Mary J. Blige, Swizz Beatz to perform with Drake, while Bruno Mars also hits Video Music Awards stage on Sunday.
By Jocelyn Vena


The cast of "Jersey Shore"
Photo: MTV

The 2010 VMAs may be going live in Los Angeles this year, but MTV viewers will get a glimpse of Seaside Heights when the cast of "Jersey Shore" appears to present on Sunday. But it's not all "GTL" at the MTV Video Music Awards: The show just got a bit more "Glee"-ful, as castmembers of the hit Fox show, including Jane Lynch, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer and Amber Riley will also be on hand to present on Sunday.

And those aren't the only big names just added to the presenters list. TV talk-show maven and former "American Idol" host Ellen DeGeneres (who will tape an episode of her show at the VMAs), "Burlesque" star Cher, VMA-nominated Katy Perry, "Star Trek" star Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, the cast of "Jackass" including Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera and Steve-O are all presenting, along with reality-show starlet Kim Kardashian and Romeo of the Latin music sensation Aventura.

Before the VMAs kick off at 9 p.m. ET, "Hills" star and newly named "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Audrina Patridge will be the official MTV International red-carpet guest correspondent. Nicki Minaj will take the stage during the pre-show portion of the ceremony, while model Coco Rocha will host MTV.com's "Red Carpet Report."

As if all of that wasn't news enough, an already star-studded performance lineup has just gotten more so: Bruno Mars will perform, while Mary J Blige and Swizz Beatz will hit the stage with Drake. This latest round of celebrities joins previously announced performers including Eminem, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Drake, Linkin Park and Usher.

Those VMA acts should more than meet the show's musical expectations, especially since host Chelsea Handler has said she won't be doing any singing or dancing on the Nokia Theatre stage.

"I'm not a dancer and I'm not a singer, and I don't have the kind of ass that should be mooned. I mean it's sweet, it's a sweet ass, but it's little and it's white," she joked. "I'm there to be funny, kind of, so hopefully I'll just kind of be doing that."

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News' VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday.



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More... ]]> Music News Sound District http://www.sounddistrict.com/f36/jersey-shore-glee-casts-present-2010-vmas-8285/