- Artist: Akon
- Label: J, Orchard, The, Mr. 305, Pologrounds
- Director: David Rousseau
- Album: Rebelution
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=462035
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Akon - Shut It Down
B.o.B - Put Me On
- Artist: B.o.B
- Label: Reebok Classic Remixes
- Director: Isaac Klotz
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3238990&vid=406319
Akon Recalls Meeting Michael Jackson For The First Time
Before recording 'Hold My Hand,' the two spent quality time together.
By James Montgomery
Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In 2007, long before Michael Jackson's death and everything that proceeded it (including the just-released "Hold My Hand" video and the upcoming Michael album), Akon met with the King of Pop in Las Vegas to work on a batch of songs, then intended for MJ's comeback album.
To date, only two of those songs have ever been released: a remix of Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " that appeared on the 25th-anniversary edition of the Thriller album, and, of course, "Hold My Hand." And with the Thursday (December 9) premiere of that song's video — and the pending release of Michael — MTV News went back to our August 2009 interview with Akon, to get the inside story of what it was like to work with MJ. And though the two men recorded "days" of music, what Akon remembers most about those sessions was getting to know Michael Jackson, the man.
"My favorite moment was the day we actually met, because I didn't expect him to be that cool," Akon said. "I expected him to be this diva — just hard to deal with, rarely speaks, got to send his message through someone else, you know? Because these are the stories you hear."
But, as Akon quickly learned, Jackson wasn't a diva — quite the opposite, in fact.
"So I'm going upstairs [to meet him], I knock on the door, his bodyguard opens and says, 'OK, he's waiting to meet you.' I walk in, and [Michael's] in this spinning chair, but it's facing backwards," he said. "So I walk in the room, but his back is turned, and the guard says, 'Hey, Mike, Akon's here.' So he spins around, like it was all choreographed — so, off the top, I'm like, 'Oh boy.'
"But as soon as he turns around, gets up, 'Yo, what up, man?!' and I was like, 'What up, Mike?' and he gave me a pound, we hugged each other," he continued. "He's like, 'Yo, I've been waiting to meet you for so long, this is a great honor, thanks for showing up, thanks for making the time.' And in my mind I'm like, 'You know, I should be thanking you for making the time.' "
And though "Hold My Hand" was born out of the sessions that would soon follow, Akon's greatest memory from meeting MJ was that initial meeting, when all his preconceived notions melted away and he got to spend real time with the legend.
"It was the craziest thing, because we sat down, we talked about Africa, we talked about my foundation, we talked about the music, we talked about girls. We had a great, incredible time that day," he said. "He was extremely funny, he told jokes, and he liked to have fun."
What do you think of MJ and Akon's collabo, "Hold My Hand"? Share your reviews in the comments.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653929/akon-recalls-meeting-michael-jackson-first-time.jhtml
Akon - Day Dreaming
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Atlantic Records, Grand Hustle
- Director: RAGE
- Album: Gangsta Grillz: The Album, Vol. 2
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=344721
Bruno Mars, B.o.B, Janelle Monae Turn In Throwback Grammy Set
Pompadour-sporting stars rock medley of 'Grenade,' 'Nothin' on You' and 'Cold War.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Bruno Mars performs during the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards
Photo: The Recording Academy/CBS
Bruno Mars headed into Grammy night on top, with seven nominations under his belt for his singing and songwriting efforts. He has already scored snaps for his studio work, but on Sunday night, the 25-year-old Doo-Wops & Hooligans crooner showcased his stage skills with fellow promising genre-bending stars B.o.B and Janelle Monáe.
Following a string intro, Mars helmed the keys and gently crooned a softer version of his #1 smash with B.o.B, "Nothin' on You." The ATL hitmaker then took the mic, rocking a dapper old-school look and adding a scholarly touch with a monocle as he sang and rhymed the lyrics. Monáe kept the menswear theme going in a voluminous cape, quietly chiming in at a clear podium as B.o.B turned to croon to her.
Check out pictures from the Grammy show here.
Suddenly, a faux mid-century black-and-white broadcast introducing Mars took over the screen, and then the live telecast switched to a retro two-tone look. Mars looked perfectly in place as he belted a slowed-down yet soul-injected version of his own #1 single "Grenade," with B.o.B on the piano. A crew of background singers helped transform the pop hit into a doo-wop effort, complete with a few stuttering dance steps; Mars even got on his knees during the bluesy arrangement in a move that would have made legendary funkateer James Brown proud.
Then Monáe stepped up for her ArchAndroid cut "Cold War" in her trademark button-down shirt-and-slacks outfit. Mars hopped on the drums as the lights flashed, fog rolled in and Monáe added her own vocal pyrotechnics to the mix. The songstress then took the performance from retro to rowdy by sailing into the audience for a brief crowd-surf as B.o.B strummed away on the guitar. The upstart trio's upbeat set scored a standing ovation.
Last year, Mars was floored when he first heard he'd racked up seven nods, but added that scoring accolades isn't even his favorite part of his hitmaking gig.
"The funnest part of our job is that we don't know who we're working with next," Mars told MTV News in December about working his songwriting and production crew the Smeezingtons. "We're fans and students of music, and we just love to work with whoever wants to work, whoever wants to write a song. Rock, hip-hop, R&B — we just want to do music. And we're happy just doing that."
What did you think of Bruno Mars' Grammy performance? Let us know in the comments!
For Grammy Awards winners list, analysis, interviews, fashion and more, stick with MTV News during the big show and beyond.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1657854/bruno_mars_b_o_b_janelle_grammy_performance.jhtml
B.o.B - Put Me On
- Artist: B.o.B
- Label: Reebok Classic Remixes
- Director: Isaac Klotz
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3238990&vid=406319
Akon - Wake It Up
- Artist: Akon
- Label: BME Recordings/Reprise
- Album: The Ball Street Journal
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=272732
Akon - Shut It Down
- Artist: Akon
- Label: J, Orchard, The, Mr. 305, Pologrounds
- Director: David Rousseau
- Album: Rebelution
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=462035
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
B.o.B - Bet I
- Artist: B.o.B
- Label: Atlantic, Grand Hustle, Rebel Rock
- Director: Gabriel Hart
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3238990&vid=512079
Akon Weighs In On New Michael Jackson Tracks
Their collaboration, 'Hold My Hand,' was 'preapproved,' Akon tells MTV News about Michael track.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kelly Marino
Akon
Photo: MTV News
There has been much debate over the release of new music by Michael Jackson, set for release on his album Michael, due out December 14. Some fans and some of Jackson's collaborators, such as will.i.am, have spoken out about the release of the tracks, many of which were finished after Jackson's death. It's an argument that Akon, who worked with Jackson on the song "Hold My Hand," understands.
"Michael Jackson's new album and the new releases, of course, there's been comments about whether or not [it] should actually be released or whether it would reflect his true authenticity, but naturally because of the fact he's not here to see it through, it definitely wouldn't reflect what he had in mind for it because there's other minds working for him," Akon told MTV News about the tracks. "But I think at the end of the day, we have two choices: We can put out the little that we do have to hold onto, or we can just never ever put it out again. ... The material that he did have that was finished, he would have loved to put it out.
"[The songs] were created by him, now whether or not they were finished by him is a different story," he added. "And that's just a collective effort of all of us. It's a double-edged sword."
Akon points out that one of those finished tracks is "Hold My Hand," making the argument that his contribution to the album is Jackson-approved.
"If he was here today, I think he would definitely approve of 'Hold My Hand,' because it was already preapproved," he said. "But the rest of the songs, I'm not quite sure how far those songs went 'cause Michael's a perfectionist. He wouldn't let anything go unfinished. Me knowing him from my standpoint of viewing him, I'm not quite sure, because he won't stop; he will go and go until there's not one doubt left in his mind that this record is perfect.
"So, I hope he would [have approved of the album], then again, you never know. He's the only one that can answer that question."
Do you think the tracks should be released? Sound off in the comments below.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652499/akon-weighs-on-new-michael-jackson-tracks.jhtml
Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Muse Added To Grammy Show
Usher, Jaden Smith, B.o.B, Janelle Monae and Lady Antebellum will also perform on February 13.
By Gil Kaufman
Justin Bieber and Usher
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
While Willow Smith is the one who made music headlines with "Whip My Hair" last year, it's her brother, "Karate Kid" actor Jaden Smith, who will take the stage at the upcoming 53rd Grammy Awards in a special performance alongside Usher and Justin Bieber, with whom he collaborated on the song "Never Say Never" last summer.
The trio joins a list of new performers added to the show on Thursday (January 20) that will also include another power trifecta made up of B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, according to a press release from the Recording Academy announcing the additions to the February 13 telecast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Also taking the stage next month will be nominees Muse and Lady Antebellum. They will join a roster of previously announced performers that includes Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, Cee Lo Green and Miranda Lambert. It will be the first time on the Grammy performance stage for Bieber, B.o.B, Lambert, Mars, Monáe, Muse and Smith. Eminem, Green, Gaga, Perry, Usher and Lady Antebellum will be making return visits for the occasion.
While 11-time Grammy winner Eminem leads the pack in nominations this year (with 10 nods), Mars has seven nominations, and Gaga and Lady Antebellum are not far behind with six nods each. B.o.B has notched five, Perry and Green are each up for four, and Arcade Fire and Lambert are vying for three awards. Bieber, Muse, Usher and Monáe are each nominated for two Grammys.
No details of the collaborative performances were released, but the Grammy announcement promised a rare, never-before-seen event for the Mars, B.o.B and Monáe segment.
With the addition of Antebellum, all five Album of the Year nominees (Eminem, Arcade Fire, Gaga, Perry) are now scheduled to perform on the show. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.
Which Grammy performance are you most looking forward to? Talk about it in the comments!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1656279/justin-bieber-bruno-mars-muse-added-grammy-show.jhtml
Akon - Dreamgirl
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Nappy Boy Digital
- Director: ME, YOU
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=369748
Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry Rock Z100's Jingle Ball
Madison Square Garden concert also featured Enrique Iglesias, B.o.B
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber performs at Z100's "Jingle Ball 2010"
Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
NEW YORK — At 7:30 p.m. on the nose, the house lights went down, the girls went crazy, and Z100's Jingle Ball 2010 got the party started Friday (December 10) for a rousing night of music and fun at Madison Square Garden.
Kim Kardashian, in a white body-hugging dress, kicked off the night's festivities by noting that it was her first time ever at MSG, then bringing Taio Cruz to the stage. He played "Break Your Heart" and "Dynamite," and for his track "Higher," he was joined by Travie McCoy, though the song usually features British pop princess Kylie Minogue.
Jesse McCartney was on hand to proudly invite Bruno Mars to the stage. The Grammy nominee played drums for an excited crowd.
He played "Billionaire," and the entire room sang along as McCoy joined him for their ode to getting famous. The crowd ate it up. He then slowed it down with "Grenade." The set ended with "Just the Way You Are" to the delight of the crowd.
Jay Sean beat-boxed, then helped introduce Paramore to the stage. The band brought some loud, boombastic rock to the show thanks to a set that included "Brick by Boring Brick."
"Anybody else care to join the party tonight?" frontwoman Hayley Williams asked the crowd before blaring out "Misery" and inviting a fan onstage to sing with her. They finished it off with "The Only Exception."
B.o.B was next to the stage. The rapper got real with his track "Don't Let Me Fall." Then the crowd went insane for "Magic." As if that didn't get the girls hyped enough, Bruno Mars returned for "Beautiful Girls."
"Everybody put your hands up," B.o.B told the crowd before playing his massive "Airplanes" with Williams by his side.
The crowd went nuts when Flo Rida introduced Selena Gomez for her dance-tastic performance of "Round and Round." Gomez looked like a true disco queen in her little black dress and heels.
She thanked Katy Perry for her next track, "Rock God," then got trancey for her song "A Year Without Rain," and ended her set with "Naturally," crediting it as the reason she got a spot on the radio tour.
The show took an adult contemporary and old school turn when Michael Buble arrived to croon tunes such as "Hollywood" and "Haven't Met You Yet," and for "Let it Snow," he got in the crowd and paid homage to the season, dusting MSG with snow confetti.
Katy Perry brought the girl power in her performance, which featured ballerinas, Christmas trees, Santa Clauses and Perry popping out of a gift box in a latex toy soldier costume for "Hot n Cold."
"This is Madison Square Garden!" she shouted to the crowd. "This is something I've dreamt about for a long time."
"This next song is about falling in love with a foreigner, like far away ... Not even in England," she said to introduce "E.T."
After a jazzy version of "I Kissed a Girl," she proudly proclaimed, "Let's dedicate this West Coast anthem to the East Coast right now," ending her performance with "California Gurls" as red and green confetti fell from the ceiling.
Pauly D prompted the loudest screams of the night when he introduced Enrique Iglesias. The Latin pop star played the clean version of "Tonight," followed by older jams such as "Escape" and "Hero," serenading a girl from the audience.
With the swooning complete, Iglesias ended with fan favorite "I Like It."
Kardashian returned, telling the crowd, "I think I'm catching a fever," before the night's most-anticipated performance: Justin Bieber.
In a plaid top and khakis, the teen star got his party started with "Somebody to Love." Bieber was in full swagga mode, dancing like a seasoned pro and getting the crowd hyped.
"The last time I was here for Jingle Ball, I had a broken foot, and this year, I'm here and both my limbs are working," he joked. "We shot a movie here, and it's coming out in February, and I think we should show you a preview."
The trailer transitioned to "Never Say Never." Bieber even brought out a surprise guest, Jayden Smith, to join him.
"I had someone who's really special to me, and I decided to bring him out," he then announced, calling for Sean Kingston for "Eenie Meenie." The girls went crazy as the pals went back and forth on the cut.
"I think I want to slow it down a little bit. My acoustic album had an extra song on it that's really important to me. But first, I need everyone to close their eyes and 'Pray,' " he said before the inspirational ballad.
He then teased the excited crowd, saying, "I think we should do one more song," and listing some of his track names.
He settled on "Baby." "Who wants to be my baby?" he asked. He ended the night with showers of fireworks and confetti, saying, "You guys are amazing."
Did you go to Z100's Jingle Ball 2010? Give us your review in the comments below!
Related Photos Related ArtistsB.o.B - Bet I
- Artist: B.o.B
- Label: Atlantic, Grand Hustle, Rebel Rock
- Director: Gabriel Hart
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3238990&vid=512079
Akon Won't Release Unfinished Michael Jackson Tracks
'Hold My Hand' was done, but the rest are 'just ideas, concepts, harmonies,' Akon tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kelly Marino
Akon
Photo: MTV News
Akon's inspirational track with Michael Jackson, "Hold My Hand," was released as the official first single from Jackson's posthumous album, Michael. It is a track that was completely finished before Jackson's death.
However, many of the tracks on the album are pieced-together parts of songs Jackson was working on before his death. Akon told MTV News he has no plans to release any unfinished business he and Jackson worked on.
"I'm definitely excited about our single, because that was finished, complete, and I'm happy with the outcome," Akon explained. "And I know [Jackson] was [happy] 'cause we were there finishing the song together, so I'm really happy about what we accomplished on that record 'Hold My Hand.' "
So, what was the concept Akon and Jackson tried to deliver on the song? "We was trying to find the unity, like what can we possibly translate that can bring the world together?" he remembered. "It was a song I was previously working on that I eventually let [Jackson] hear, and when he heard it, he fell in love with it. ... We clicked instantly when it came to it. That was the main concept: Let's figure out something we can leave behind, in 20,000 years later it can still be relevant."
It's an idea Akon and Jackson thought a lot about and can be found on many of their unfinished songs, not that anyone will ever get the chance to hear them.
"Me and Mike worked on a lot of concepts before he passed. 'Hold My Hand' was one of the records that was actually fully complete; the rest of the records are incomplete. They're just ideas, concepts, harmonies and stuff like that which the world will probably never see 'cause I wouldn't want to put it out unfinished," he explained. "I know at the end of the day if it wasn't fully complete, I don't think he would see it released that way.
"Majority of the concepts we worked on, they were all international, worldwide," he added. "It was always the point of which everyone has to find some kind of relativity in it. That was always a challenge, and we found concepts that would do it. We just never got the chance to finish the songs, but 'Hold My Hand' was a prime example."
Do you think Akon should release the other music he worked on with Michael Jackson? Sound off in the comments below!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652607/akon-wont-release-unfinished-michael-jackson-tracks.jhtml
Akon - Dreamgirl
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Nappy Boy Digital
- Director: ME, YOU
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=369748
B.o.B Goes After Tyler, The Creator In 'No Future'
Bobby Ray's track comes in response to Odd Future MC's 'Yonkers' dig.
By Jayson Rodriguez
B.o.B
Photo: Frank Mullen
Not everyone is amused by the antics of Odd Future's Tyler, the Creator.
B.o.B took aim at the upstart on Friday (March 25) with a fiery dis track titled "No Future," a response to a line the California rapper issued on his breakout "Yonkers." "What you think of Hayley Williams?/ F--- her, Wolf Haley robbing 'em," Tyler raps on the song. "I'll crash that f---ing airplane that that f----t n---a B.o.B is in/ And stab Bruno Mars in his goddamn esophagus."
The line is characteristic of Tyler and his crew's shocking rhymes; the collective are, in part, inspired by Eminem and works like his Relapse album with its slew of serial-killer references.
The "Airplanes" star, however, isn't a fan.
"If I was you I would be a little more cautious," Bobby Ray raps on "No Future." "I'm way too high for you to look at/ The future ain't looking promising for these rookies/ This is target practice but I don't even pull the f---ing trigger anymore, 'cause it's just a waste of bullets/ Come and get this pu---, wipe them off the floor/ I'm guessing they was hoping for some different results/ I'm guessing they was guessing 'cause they wasn't really sure/ But f--- it, I guess I'mma have to let these n----s know.
"Keep f---ing with me, you ain't gon have no future," he concludes.
Tyler responded via Twitter. Perhaps taking the high road after driving too close to the edge, the 20-year-old wrote that he didn't think "No Future" was a dis track. He even gave B.o.B props on the rhyme.
"Whoa," he wrote in his first message. "I don't think the 'No Future' song is even a diss. But I've never heard him spit like that. Took me by surprise, cus it's tight."
A second message took a swipe at producer Alex Da Kid over "Airplanes" and "Love the Way You Lie" sounding too similar.
What do you think of B.o.B's response to the "Yonkers" track? Sound off in the comments!
Related Videos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660657/bob-dis-tyler-the-creator-no-future.jhtml
B.o.B - Bet I
- Artist: B.o.B
- Label: Atlantic, Grand Hustle, Rebel Rock
- Director: Gabriel Hart
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3238990&vid=512079
Akon - Dreamgirl
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Nappy Boy Digital
- Director: ME, YOU
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=369748
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Akon - Day Dreaming
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Atlantic Records, Grand Hustle
- Director: RAGE
- Album: Gangsta Grillz: The Album, Vol. 2
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=344721
Akon - Out Here Grindin
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Koch Records
- Album: We Global [Clean]
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=257168
Akon Weighs In On New Michael Jackson Tracks
Their collaboration, 'Hold My Hand,' was 'preapproved,' Akon tells MTV News about Michael track.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kelly Marino
Akon
Photo: MTV News
There has been much debate over the release of new music by Michael Jackson, set for release on his album Michael, due out December 14. Some fans and some of Jackson's collaborators, such as will.i.am, have spoken out about the release of the tracks, many of which were finished after Jackson's death. It's an argument that Akon, who worked with Jackson on the song "Hold My Hand," understands.
"Michael Jackson's new album and the new releases, of course, there's been comments about whether or not [it] should actually be released or whether it would reflect his true authenticity, but naturally because of the fact he's not here to see it through, it definitely wouldn't reflect what he had in mind for it because there's other minds working for him," Akon told MTV News about the tracks. "But I think at the end of the day, we have two choices: We can put out the little that we do have to hold onto, or we can just never ever put it out again. ... The material that he did have that was finished, he would have loved to put it out.
"[The songs] were created by him, now whether or not they were finished by him is a different story," he added. "And that's just a collective effort of all of us. It's a double-edged sword."
Akon points out that one of those finished tracks is "Hold My Hand," making the argument that his contribution to the album is Jackson-approved.
"If he was here today, I think he would definitely approve of 'Hold My Hand,' because it was already preapproved," he said. "But the rest of the songs, I'm not quite sure how far those songs went 'cause Michael's a perfectionist. He wouldn't let anything go unfinished. Me knowing him from my standpoint of viewing him, I'm not quite sure, because he won't stop; he will go and go until there's not one doubt left in his mind that this record is perfect.
"So, I hope he would [have approved of the album], then again, you never know. He's the only one that can answer that question."
Do you think the tracks should be released? Sound off in the comments below.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652499/akon-weighs-on-new-michael-jackson-tracks.jhtml
B.o.B - I'll Be In The Sky
- Artist: B.o.B
- Label: Rebel Rock Entertainment / Grand Hustle / Atlantic Records
- Director: Gabriel Hart
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3238990&vid=331708
Akon Weighs In On New Michael Jackson Tracks
Their collaboration, 'Hold My Hand,' was 'preapproved,' Akon tells MTV News about Michael track.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kelly Marino
Akon
Photo: MTV News
There has been much debate over the release of new music by Michael Jackson, set for release on his album Michael, due out December 14. Some fans and some of Jackson's collaborators, such as will.i.am, have spoken out about the release of the tracks, many of which were finished after Jackson's death. It's an argument that Akon, who worked with Jackson on the song "Hold My Hand," understands.
"Michael Jackson's new album and the new releases, of course, there's been comments about whether or not [it] should actually be released or whether it would reflect his true authenticity, but naturally because of the fact he's not here to see it through, it definitely wouldn't reflect what he had in mind for it because there's other minds working for him," Akon told MTV News about the tracks. "But I think at the end of the day, we have two choices: We can put out the little that we do have to hold onto, or we can just never ever put it out again. ... The material that he did have that was finished, he would have loved to put it out.
"[The songs] were created by him, now whether or not they were finished by him is a different story," he added. "And that's just a collective effort of all of us. It's a double-edged sword."
Akon points out that one of those finished tracks is "Hold My Hand," making the argument that his contribution to the album is Jackson-approved.
"If he was here today, I think he would definitely approve of 'Hold My Hand,' because it was already preapproved," he said. "But the rest of the songs, I'm not quite sure how far those songs went 'cause Michael's a perfectionist. He wouldn't let anything go unfinished. Me knowing him from my standpoint of viewing him, I'm not quite sure, because he won't stop; he will go and go until there's not one doubt left in his mind that this record is perfect.
"So, I hope he would [have approved of the album], then again, you never know. He's the only one that can answer that question."
Do you think the tracks should be released? Sound off in the comments below.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652499/akon-weighs-on-new-michael-jackson-tracks.jhtml
Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry Rock Z100's Jingle Ball
Madison Square Garden concert also featured Enrique Iglesias, B.o.B
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber performs at Z100's "Jingle Ball 2010"
Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
NEW YORK — At 7:30 p.m. on the nose, the house lights went down, the girls went crazy, and Z100's Jingle Ball 2010 got the party started Friday (December 10) for a rousing night of music and fun at Madison Square Garden.
Kim Kardashian, in a white body-hugging dress, kicked off the night's festivities by noting that it was her first time ever at MSG, then bringing Taio Cruz to the stage. He played "Break Your Heart" and "Dynamite," and for his track "Higher," he was joined by Travie McCoy, though the song usually features British pop princess Kylie Minogue.
Jesse McCartney was on hand to proudly invite Bruno Mars to the stage. The Grammy nominee played drums for an excited crowd.
He played "Billionaire," and the entire room sang along as McCoy joined him for their ode to getting famous. The crowd ate it up. He then slowed it down with "Grenade." The set ended with "Just the Way You Are" to the delight of the crowd.
Jay Sean beat-boxed, then helped introduce Paramore to the stage. The band brought some loud, boombastic rock to the show thanks to a set that included "Brick by Boring Brick."
"Anybody else care to join the party tonight?" frontwoman Hayley Williams asked the crowd before blaring out "Misery" and inviting a fan onstage to sing with her. They finished it off with "The Only Exception."
B.o.B was next to the stage. The rapper got real with his track "Don't Let Me Fall." Then the crowd went insane for "Magic." As if that didn't get the girls hyped enough, Bruno Mars returned for "Beautiful Girls."
"Everybody put your hands up," B.o.B told the crowd before playing his massive "Airplanes" with Williams by his side.
The crowd went nuts when Flo Rida introduced Selena Gomez for her dance-tastic performance of "Round and Round." Gomez looked like a true disco queen in her little black dress and heels.
She thanked Katy Perry for her next track, "Rock God," then got trancey for her song "A Year Without Rain," and ended her set with "Naturally," crediting it as the reason she got a spot on the radio tour.
The show took an adult contemporary and old school turn when Michael Buble arrived to croon tunes such as "Hollywood" and "Haven't Met You Yet," and for "Let it Snow," he got in the crowd and paid homage to the season, dusting MSG with snow confetti.
Katy Perry brought the girl power in her performance, which featured ballerinas, Christmas trees, Santa Clauses and Perry popping out of a gift box in a latex toy soldier costume for "Hot n Cold."
"This is Madison Square Garden!" she shouted to the crowd. "This is something I've dreamt about for a long time."
"This next song is about falling in love with a foreigner, like far away ... Not even in England," she said to introduce "E.T."
After a jazzy version of "I Kissed a Girl," she proudly proclaimed, "Let's dedicate this West Coast anthem to the East Coast right now," ending her performance with "California Gurls" as red and green confetti fell from the ceiling.
Pauly D prompted the loudest screams of the night when he introduced Enrique Iglesias. The Latin pop star played the clean version of "Tonight," followed by older jams such as "Escape" and "Hero," serenading a girl from the audience.
With the swooning complete, Iglesias ended with fan favorite "I Like It."
Kardashian returned, telling the crowd, "I think I'm catching a fever," before the night's most-anticipated performance: Justin Bieber.
In a plaid top and khakis, the teen star got his party started with "Somebody to Love." Bieber was in full swagga mode, dancing like a seasoned pro and getting the crowd hyped.
"The last time I was here for Jingle Ball, I had a broken foot, and this year, I'm here and both my limbs are working," he joked. "We shot a movie here, and it's coming out in February, and I think we should show you a preview."
The trailer transitioned to "Never Say Never." Bieber even brought out a surprise guest, Jayden Smith, to join him.
"I had someone who's really special to me, and I decided to bring him out," he then announced, calling for Sean Kingston for "Eenie Meenie." The girls went crazy as the pals went back and forth on the cut.
"I think I want to slow it down a little bit. My acoustic album had an extra song on it that's really important to me. But first, I need everyone to close their eyes and 'Pray,' " he said before the inspirational ballad.
He then teased the excited crowd, saying, "I think we should do one more song," and listing some of his track names.
He settled on "Baby." "Who wants to be my baby?" he asked. He ended the night with showers of fireworks and confetti, saying, "You guys are amazing."
Did you go to Z100's Jingle Ball 2010? Give us your review in the comments below!
Related Photos Related ArtistsMonday, March 28, 2011
Akon - Day Dreaming
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Atlantic Records, Grand Hustle
- Director: RAGE
- Album: Gangsta Grillz: The Album, Vol. 2
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=344721
Akon - Sexy Chick
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Gum Pod
- Director: Stephen Schuster
- Album: One Love [Clean]
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=438650
Akon - Who Dat Girl
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Poe Boy Entertainment
- Director: Ray Kay
- Album: Only One Flo, Pt. 1
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=602322
Akon - Out Here Grindin
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Koch Records
- Album: We Global [Clean]
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=257168
Akon, Jason Derulo Make 2010 The Year Of The Self-Referential Song
Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, Eminem also among the artists who have shouted out their own names in their tunes this year.
By Jocelyn Vena
Akon
Photo: Matt Jelonek/ Getty Images
This past weekend on "Saturday Night Live," Akon joined the Lonely Island guys in a hilarious video for a new song called "I Just Had Sex," in which the singer proudly sings his own name, as well as the group's.
Chelsea Handler, meanwhile also got self-referential at the VMAs, when she Auto-Tuned her way through a pre-taped bit with Best New Artist nominee Jason Derülo. And, to be fair, we here at MTV News have been obsessed with pop stars singing their own names in songs for the bulk of 2010, prompted by Derülo's epic use of the device in several of his hits.
Folks like Derülo, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj ("Right Thru Me"), Kanye West ("Dark Fantasy") and, obviously, Akon join a list of two decades' worth of pop artists who have taken it upon themselves to brand their tracks with their own names. In the '80s, stars like Janet Jackson, Beastie Boys and New Kids on the Block proudly proclaimed who they were in their songs.
Moving into the '90s, "TRL" staples such as the Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Lopez, Kid Rock and Eminem all blasted their monikers on their tracks, letting fans know just who was singing or rapping through hits like Rock's "Bawitdaba" and BSB's "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)."
As the new millennium approached and the musical landscape became more and more flooded with pop stars, it became a regular practice, with everyone from Ciara to M.I.A. to Fergie to Beyoncé to Shakira giving shout-outs to themselves in their songs.
With this practice more common than ever in 2010, MTV News has approved the following rules for self-referential shout-outs. One, you get famous. Two, you brand yourself in song. Three, you put your name in the chorus, or in many cases at the very beginning of the tune. And, four, you name-drop like it's hot. Repeat offenders observing the final rule include Lady Gaga ("Just Dance," "Bad Romance"), Derülo ("Whatcha Say," "In My Head") and Akon, who most recently called out his own name and Michael Jackson's on "Hold My Hand."
What do you think of pop stars singing their own names? Who pulls it off and who doesn't? Tell us in the comments!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654659/akon-jason-derulo-make-2010-year-selfreferential-song.jhtml
Akon - Who Dat Girl
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Poe Boy Entertainment
- Director: Ray Kay
- Album: Only One Flo, Pt. 1
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=602322
Dr. Dre's 'Kush' Premieres: The Party Can Finally Begin
Video featuring Snoop Dogg and Akon shows revelers frozen in time until the Doctor arrives.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Dr. Dre
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
Detox is on the way. And as the latest proof that Dr. Dre's long-awaited album will see the light of day soon, he premiered the video to the first single, "Kush," co-starring Snoop Dogg and Akon, on Friday (December 10).
The video, directed by Joseph Kahn (Eminem, Britney Spears), begins as Dre is seated in a sleek, black Lamborghini, attempting to flick a lighter. Once the Left Coast maestro ignites it, the beat drops, and he exits the car.
Dre approaches the club in a setting similar to "The Next Episode," one of his past hits. But the festivities around him are ice cold; the club patrons are statue-like, frozen in the parking lot and inside, in mid groove. The good doctor's last project was 1999's 2001, and perhaps things haven't been quite the same without him, the video suggests.
Snoop Dogg kicks things off on the second verse, and the lanky L.A. rhyme spitter is surrounded by a bevy of beautiful, frozen women. They're smiling, drinks are pouring, but they're also statues compared to the rapper.
As Dre makes his way into the club and to the bar, however, the party livens up.
Dre pulls out his lighter, engraved with the song's title, and holds it to the sprinklers overhead, setting them off. As water rains down on the partygoers, they come back to life, gyrating to the thumping track's production. Later, Dre and Snoop leave the club, and Dre drives off into the night on an empty highway, surrounded by the streaking lights of cars that are no longer there.
Recently, Eminem told his satellite radio station, Shade 45, that he and Dre have been in the studio wrapping up Detox. "Kush" and "I Need A Doctor," featuring Eminem, leaked back to back in November.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654012/dr-dres-kush-premieres-party-can-finally-begin.jhtml
Akon Weighs In On New Michael Jackson Tracks
Their collaboration, 'Hold My Hand,' was 'preapproved,' Akon tells MTV News about Michael track.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kelly Marino
Akon
Photo: MTV News
There has been much debate over the release of new music by Michael Jackson, set for release on his album Michael, due out December 14. Some fans and some of Jackson's collaborators, such as will.i.am, have spoken out about the release of the tracks, many of which were finished after Jackson's death. It's an argument that Akon, who worked with Jackson on the song "Hold My Hand," understands.
"Michael Jackson's new album and the new releases, of course, there's been comments about whether or not [it] should actually be released or whether it would reflect his true authenticity, but naturally because of the fact he's not here to see it through, it definitely wouldn't reflect what he had in mind for it because there's other minds working for him," Akon told MTV News about the tracks. "But I think at the end of the day, we have two choices: We can put out the little that we do have to hold onto, or we can just never ever put it out again. ... The material that he did have that was finished, he would have loved to put it out.
"[The songs] were created by him, now whether or not they were finished by him is a different story," he added. "And that's just a collective effort of all of us. It's a double-edged sword."
Akon points out that one of those finished tracks is "Hold My Hand," making the argument that his contribution to the album is Jackson-approved.
"If he was here today, I think he would definitely approve of 'Hold My Hand,' because it was already preapproved," he said. "But the rest of the songs, I'm not quite sure how far those songs went 'cause Michael's a perfectionist. He wouldn't let anything go unfinished. Me knowing him from my standpoint of viewing him, I'm not quite sure, because he won't stop; he will go and go until there's not one doubt left in his mind that this record is perfect.
"So, I hope he would [have approved of the album], then again, you never know. He's the only one that can answer that question."
Do you think the tracks should be released? Sound off in the comments below.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652499/akon-weighs-on-new-michael-jackson-tracks.jhtml
B.o.B - Nothin' On You [feat. Bruno Mars]
Nothin' On You [feat. Bruno Mars]
- Artist: B.o.B
- Label: Atlantic, Grand Hustle, Rebel Rock
- Director: Ethan Lader
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3238990&vid=490701
Akon - One
- Artist: Akon
- Label: Terror Squad
- Director: Chris Robinson
- Album: Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2)
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1240040&vid=354118
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Akon Recalls Meeting Michael Jackson For The First Time
Before recording 'Hold My Hand,' the two spent quality time together.
By James Montgomery
Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
In 2007, long before Michael Jackson's death and everything that proceeded it (including the just-released "Hold My Hand" video and the upcoming Michael album), Akon met with the King of Pop in Las Vegas to work on a batch of songs, then intended for MJ's comeback album.
To date, only two of those songs have ever been released: a remix of Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " that appeared on the 25th-anniversary edition of the Thriller album, and, of course, "Hold My Hand." And with the Thursday (December 9) premiere of that song's video — and the pending release of Michael — MTV News went back to our August 2009 interview with Akon, to get the inside story of what it was like to work with MJ. And though the two men recorded "days" of music, what Akon remembers most about those sessions was getting to know Michael Jackson, the man.
"My favorite moment was the day we actually met, because I didn't expect him to be that cool," Akon said. "I expected him to be this diva — just hard to deal with, rarely speaks, got to send his message through someone else, you know? Because these are the stories you hear."
But, as Akon quickly learned, Jackson wasn't a diva — quite the opposite, in fact.
"So I'm going upstairs [to meet him], I knock on the door, his bodyguard opens and says, 'OK, he's waiting to meet you.' I walk in, and [Michael's] in this spinning chair, but it's facing backwards," he said. "So I walk in the room, but his back is turned, and the guard says, 'Hey, Mike, Akon's here.' So he spins around, like it was all choreographed — so, off the top, I'm like, 'Oh boy.'
"But as soon as he turns around, gets up, 'Yo, what up, man?!' and I was like, 'What up, Mike?' and he gave me a pound, we hugged each other," he continued. "He's like, 'Yo, I've been waiting to meet you for so long, this is a great honor, thanks for showing up, thanks for making the time.' And in my mind I'm like, 'You know, I should be thanking you for making the time.' "
And though "Hold My Hand" was born out of the sessions that would soon follow, Akon's greatest memory from meeting MJ was that initial meeting, when all his preconceived notions melted away and he got to spend real time with the legend.
"It was the craziest thing, because we sat down, we talked about Africa, we talked about my foundation, we talked about the music, we talked about girls. We had a great, incredible time that day," he said. "He was extremely funny, he told jokes, and he liked to have fun."
What do you think of MJ and Akon's collabo, "Hold My Hand"? Share your reviews in the comments.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653929/akon-recalls-meeting-michael-jackson-first-time.jhtml
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