"Lose 120 pounds and become an Ironman ... after beating a brain tumor." Damn impressive, right? Colin Kaepernick thought so ... and that's why Charlie Jabaley was picked to be featured in Kaep's new Nike commercial. Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/x5TnU7Z51i — Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 5, 2018 Charlie used to be 300 pounds. He also used to manage rap stars like 2 Chainz and Travis Porter -- but quit...
- 9/5/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_ggsbc2e6"]] Before Adrien Broner made his public plea for help, he was hitting the clubs in Vegas ... just 24 hours after going on a violent rampage on the Las Vegas strip. We broke the story ... the boxing star shoved a woman and knocked a man out cold late Friday night. Unclear what set him off but the guy was clearly unhinged. The very next night, Broner hit up 1Oak nightclub in the Mirage hotel where he got...
- 9/11/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Rap group Travis Porter knows a thing or two about making big songs -- but one woman says they know nothing about paying vocalists -- so she's suing. Tp's Billboard hit single, "Ayy Ladies," was released in 2012, and Jasmine Usher claims she was a featured voice on the track. Usher says in legal docs she was in the studio when the song was recorded and they asked her to step in the booth ... she did,...
- 10/7/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
It’s reassuring that even after spending a large chunk of 2015 making radio-ready pop music with the likes of Justin Bieber, Skrillex can still throw down a set of bone-rattling bass music when the situation calls for it.
Now that Edc Brasil has wrapped up, a direct recording of his performance at the festival has begun making its rounds on social media, and it’s definitely worth watching. Mixing grating bass wobbles with saccharine melodies and borderline chipmunk-esque vocals in the style that Skrillex is known for, the performance succeeded in energizing the thousands-deep crowd in attendance on the evening he played.
Replete with remixes and edits of tracks from the likes of of Avicii, Fetty Wap and A$AP Ferg as well as a whole host of originals, his set made for a spirited return to the style that made him famous back in 2010-2011.
Considering that artists like Dash Berlin,...
Now that Edc Brasil has wrapped up, a direct recording of his performance at the festival has begun making its rounds on social media, and it’s definitely worth watching. Mixing grating bass wobbles with saccharine melodies and borderline chipmunk-esque vocals in the style that Skrillex is known for, the performance succeeded in energizing the thousands-deep crowd in attendance on the evening he played.
Replete with remixes and edits of tracks from the likes of of Avicii, Fetty Wap and A$AP Ferg as well as a whole host of originals, his set made for a spirited return to the style that made him famous back in 2010-2011.
Considering that artists like Dash Berlin,...
- 12/7/2015
- by John Cameron
- We Got This Covered
For today's Indie Beat, we have a new trailer for the upcoming horror/monster movie Sleepwalkers, in honor of the film nearing it's ultimate completion. The new trailer shows off more footage, and a better look at the film's monster that will have everyone else on the run. Come inside to check it out!
Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we have Indie Beat where we highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.com.
First time feature film director Ryan Lightbourn is showing more of his vicious creature feature Sleepwalkers. The second trailer for the film has been shot in the Floridian bayous and swamps. These settings...
Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we have Indie Beat where we highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.com.
First time feature film director Ryan Lightbourn is showing more of his vicious creature feature Sleepwalkers. The second trailer for the film has been shot in the Floridian bayous and swamps. These settings...
- 9/11/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Music TV network Fuse is making its first foray into scripted programming with The Hustle, which will premiere June 19 at 11Pm. The six episode, half-hour dramedy is in the vein of Entourage set in the hip hop world and centers on aspiring artists trying to break into the business. It is produced by Alloy Digital-owned Generate. The Hustle will be joined by a companion after-show, The Hustle After Party, which will be taped in front of a studio audience in Fuse’s street-front studio on 7th Avenue in New York City. Hosted by Esteban Serrano (host of Fuse’s Top 20 Countdown), The Hustle After Party will feature interviews and performances with hip hop stars, along with discussions with industry experts and appearances by the cast. The Hustle follows underground rap duo Kutta and D (Y’Lan Noel and London Brown), also known as “Brooklyn’s Finest,” as they rise through...
- 5/7/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Chris got wet & wild at his A-list pool party this weekend! Chris Brown cooled off from the blazing summer heat by throwing a pool party with his nearest and dearest, including Young Jeezy, Travis Porter, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, Tyga and Sean Kingston. "Pool party @chrisbrown @youngjeezy my fam @TravisPorter @BigSean @RealWizKhalifa @tyga on the way #Chrisbrownpoolparty," a friend of Chris' tweeted on Aug. 26. Though we're sure the boys had a blast splashing around, we wonder if they invited any lovely ladies to the soiree? Rihanna has never been shy about flaunting her rockin' body, so we can't imagine she'd pass up the opportunity to tempt Chris in a teeny bikini. Do You think Rihanna was invited to Chris' pool party? [Twitter] More Chris and Rihanna: Rihanna, Drake & Chris Brown Headed For Awkward Run-In At VMAs? Rihanna Is Texting Chris Brown Private, Sexy Bikini Pictures Chris Brown Caught Kissing Rihanna — Report...
- 8/27/2012
- by Hollywood Life Staff
- HollywoodLife
You gotta hand it to Summit. It seems they don't fear Gotham's reckoning nor the comedy powers of Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller, as at the end of the month, they'll be dropping "Step Up Revolution," the fourth entry in the surprisingly still-running franchise in which teenagers solve their problems through the power of dance. And while the budgets might have gotten smaller, the music department still seems to have the same latitude to spend. While the movie itself doesn't boast any name-brand stars (sorry, Channing Tatum won't be coming back), the soundtrack features the kind of artists kids are blasting from their mobile phones these days. The mix of music is a bit all over the place, from the tedium of Jennifer Lopez, Travis Barker, Far East Movement, Fergie and Travis Porter, to some stand-out talent like veteran beatmaker, remixer and knobtwiddler Diplo, posh revolutionary M.I.A., and perhaps most intriguingly,...
- 7/17/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Gucci Mane, Future, Usher and more of Atlanta's finest celebrate at Saturday's Bash.
By Rob Markman, with additional reporting by Flx
T.I. onstage at Atlanta's Birthday Bash on Saturday night
Photo:
Atlanta — Atl is an infamous party town, and on Saturday night there was no bigger celebration than Hot 107.9's 17th annual Birthday Bash. Every year, the city's premier hip-hop station brings out rap's finest, and Saturday was no different: Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Usher, Lil Wayne and T.I. all performed for more than 20,000 fans at A-Town's Philips Arena.The five-hour bash started as new southern staples like Cash Out, Travis Porter and Future pumped up the crowd alongside beloved veterans Lil Jon, Pastor Troy, Crime Mob, Lil Scrappy, Rocko and Gucci Mane. Each set seemingly outdid the one that preceded it. After Future built the crowd into a frenzy with his catalog of hits ("Tony Montana," "Same Damn Time...
By Rob Markman, with additional reporting by Flx
T.I. onstage at Atlanta's Birthday Bash on Saturday night
Photo:
Atlanta — Atl is an infamous party town, and on Saturday night there was no bigger celebration than Hot 107.9's 17th annual Birthday Bash. Every year, the city's premier hip-hop station brings out rap's finest, and Saturday was no different: Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Usher, Lil Wayne and T.I. all performed for more than 20,000 fans at A-Town's Philips Arena.The five-hour bash started as new southern staples like Cash Out, Travis Porter and Future pumped up the crowd alongside beloved veterans Lil Jon, Pastor Troy, Crime Mob, Lil Scrappy, Rocko and Gucci Mane. Each set seemingly outdid the one that preceded it. After Future built the crowd into a frenzy with his catalog of hits ("Tony Montana," "Same Damn Time...
- 6/17/2012
- MTV Music News
Mayer's 'Born And Raised' keeps top spot as Regina Spektor lands at #3.
By Gil Kaufman
John Mayer
Photo: Getty Images
John Mayer is none too happy with ex Taylor Swift these days, but the guitar strummer has plenty to celebrate when it comes to his chart prowess. Mayer's Born And Raised , will hold on to the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 next week despite losing 70 percent of its first-week mojo. According to figures provided by Nielsen SoundScan, Mayer's fifth solo disc sold an additional 65,000 copies, giving him a two-week total of more than 285,000.
Russian piano pounder Regina Spektor will land at #3 with her sixth effort, What We Saw From The Cheap Seats, which sold nearly 42,000 copies, while buzz band Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros came in a bit behind at #5 with Here (35,000). The other debut in the top 10 was from Icelandic mood rockers Sigur Rós, whose Valtari landed at #7 (26,000).
The rest...
By Gil Kaufman
John Mayer
Photo: Getty Images
John Mayer is none too happy with ex Taylor Swift these days, but the guitar strummer has plenty to celebrate when it comes to his chart prowess. Mayer's Born And Raised , will hold on to the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 next week despite losing 70 percent of its first-week mojo. According to figures provided by Nielsen SoundScan, Mayer's fifth solo disc sold an additional 65,000 copies, giving him a two-week total of more than 285,000.
Russian piano pounder Regina Spektor will land at #3 with her sixth effort, What We Saw From The Cheap Seats, which sold nearly 42,000 copies, while buzz band Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros came in a bit behind at #5 with Here (35,000). The other debut in the top 10 was from Icelandic mood rockers Sigur Rós, whose Valtari landed at #7 (26,000).
The rest...
- 6/6/2012
- MTV Music News
'It's just a structure that can't be moved and that would be me,' Face tells 'RapFix Live' about meaning behind album title.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Scarface on "RapFix Live"
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
Four years ago, when Scarface dropped Emeritus, he said it would be the last album in a long, illustrious career that included well-regarded works like 1994's The Diary, 1997's The Untouchable and 2002's The Fix. But just like Jay-z, Too $hort and other MCs who have pledged to walk away from rap, the Houston lyricist just couldn't stay away.
Face's follow-up Rooted is on the way, and when the former Geto Boy moseyed up to on Wednesday, he firmly replanted his hip-hop flag. Rap retirement is clearly a foregone feeling, as the man born Brad Jordan breaks down the significance of his new album title. "It's just a structure that's gonna be there.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Scarface on "RapFix Live"
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
Four years ago, when Scarface dropped Emeritus, he said it would be the last album in a long, illustrious career that included well-regarded works like 1994's The Diary, 1997's The Untouchable and 2002's The Fix. But just like Jay-z, Too $hort and other MCs who have pledged to walk away from rap, the Houston lyricist just couldn't stay away.
Face's follow-up Rooted is on the way, and when the former Geto Boy moseyed up to on Wednesday, he firmly replanted his hip-hop flag. Rap retirement is clearly a foregone feeling, as the man born Brad Jordan breaks down the significance of his new album title. "It's just a structure that's gonna be there.
- 5/11/2012
- MTV Music News
'I think it's good just to get the first debut album out the way and you can progress to your next album," Quez tells 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
Travis Porter has a busy summer ahead of them. With their debut album, From Day 1, set to drop on May 29, the Atlanta trio are also hitting the road on tour and getting ready to release a new film. Quez, Strap and Ali first started to make noise in 2008, and after waiting four years to drop their first LP, the group is pretty anxious to put their plans in motion.
"I think it's good just to get the first debut album out the way and you can progress to your next album," Quez said when the group appeared on "RapFix Live" on Wednesday.
"It's a nervous feelin'," Ali said of the...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
Travis Porter has a busy summer ahead of them. With their debut album, From Day 1, set to drop on May 29, the Atlanta trio are also hitting the road on tour and getting ready to release a new film. Quez, Strap and Ali first started to make noise in 2008, and after waiting four years to drop their first LP, the group is pretty anxious to put their plans in motion.
"I think it's good just to get the first debut album out the way and you can progress to your next album," Quez said when the group appeared on "RapFix Live" on Wednesday.
"It's a nervous feelin'," Ali said of the...
- 5/11/2012
- MTV Music News
'It's great to see him at the top of his game right now,' Drizzy tells MTV News from set of Deuce's 'No Lie' video.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Felicia Morris
Drake
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
and Drake have developed quite the camaraderie. Not only are the two currently touring together on Drizzy's Club Paradise run, the Toronto Mc also provides the hook on Deuce's new single, "No Lie," off his upcoming debut album, Based on a T.R.U. Story. But their relationship dates further back than fans may actually know.
"Like I say in the song, 'Me and Chainz go way back,' that's no lie," Drake recently told MTV News from 2 Chainz's video shoot in Los Angeles. "I spent a lot of my early days with Young Money on the road with 2 Chainz. We definitely built a rapport. It's great to see him at...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Felicia Morris
Drake
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
and Drake have developed quite the camaraderie. Not only are the two currently touring together on Drizzy's Club Paradise run, the Toronto Mc also provides the hook on Deuce's new single, "No Lie," off his upcoming debut album, Based on a T.R.U. Story. But their relationship dates further back than fans may actually know.
"Like I say in the song, 'Me and Chainz go way back,' that's no lie," Drake recently told MTV News from 2 Chainz's video shoot in Los Angeles. "I spent a lot of my early days with Young Money on the road with 2 Chainz. We definitely built a rapport. It's great to see him at...
- 5/10/2012
- MTV Music News
'It can be done,' Face tells 'RapFix Live' of getting old pal Jay-z to guest on collaboration album.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Scarface on "RapFix Live"
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
It all started in 1999 when Beanie Sigel enlisted Scarface to rap on "Mac & Brad," an album cut off of his fiery debut, The Truth. Thirteen years later, rap fans are still eagerly awaiting a Sigel/Face collaboration.
So the longtime friends have decided to give the people an entire album's worth. The Houston rap legend estimates that the album will be out sometime next year, but when he swung through "RapFix Live" this week, he gave an update on the LP and then fumbled around for his iPhone to let the Broad Street Bully tell it himself.
"We doin' songs, I got six, he got six," Scarface said. "It's a process that we go through to do this album.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Scarface on "RapFix Live"
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
It all started in 1999 when Beanie Sigel enlisted Scarface to rap on "Mac & Brad," an album cut off of his fiery debut, The Truth. Thirteen years later, rap fans are still eagerly awaiting a Sigel/Face collaboration.
So the longtime friends have decided to give the people an entire album's worth. The Houston rap legend estimates that the album will be out sometime next year, but when he swung through "RapFix Live" this week, he gave an update on the LP and then fumbled around for his iPhone to let the Broad Street Bully tell it himself.
"We doin' songs, I got six, he got six," Scarface said. "It's a process that we go through to do this album.
- 5/10/2012
- MTV Music News
Dmc and Biz Markie also weigh in on life and legacy of the late Adam 'McA' Yauch during 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
The Beastie Boys in the mid 1980s
Photo: Getty Images
None of the members of Travis Porter were even born when the Beastie Boysreleased hip-hop's first #1 album in 1986, but the seminal rap trio influenced the new-age party animals all the same.
In fact, Travis Porter have been planning to pay homage to the Beasties for some time now: They originally wanted to title their debut album No Sleep Till Atlanta in reference to the Bb classic "No Sleep Till Brooklyn."
"A lot of people compare us to the Beastie Boys in some type of way," Travis Porter's Ali told "RapFix Live" on Wednesday when he and his group appeared on the show.
"Just because the hip-hop and the music and the fun,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
The Beastie Boys in the mid 1980s
Photo: Getty Images
None of the members of Travis Porter were even born when the Beastie Boysreleased hip-hop's first #1 album in 1986, but the seminal rap trio influenced the new-age party animals all the same.
In fact, Travis Porter have been planning to pay homage to the Beasties for some time now: They originally wanted to title their debut album No Sleep Till Atlanta in reference to the Bb classic "No Sleep Till Brooklyn."
"A lot of people compare us to the Beastie Boys in some type of way," Travis Porter's Ali told "RapFix Live" on Wednesday when he and his group appeared on the show.
"Just because the hip-hop and the music and the fun,...
- 5/10/2012
- MTV Music News
'My advice to any father out there is that if you send anything, you send it through the courts,' Mc says on 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Scarface on "RapFix Live"
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
Scarface had to learn a hard lesson when he sat in jail from October 2010 to August 2011. The Houston rap legend, who was jailed for failure to pay child support after it was tallied that he owed more than $123,000, cleared the air on Wednesday's (May 9) episode of "RapFix Live." The Mc explained that his mistake wasn't that he didn't pay his just due — it was that he didn't keep proper record of his payments.
"In the system, when your kids get grown and you pay all this money direct and it's time for the money to stop being issued out, they gonna want to appeal because there ain't...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Scarface on "RapFix Live"
Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News
Scarface had to learn a hard lesson when he sat in jail from October 2010 to August 2011. The Houston rap legend, who was jailed for failure to pay child support after it was tallied that he owed more than $123,000, cleared the air on Wednesday's (May 9) episode of "RapFix Live." The Mc explained that his mistake wasn't that he didn't pay his just due — it was that he didn't keep proper record of his payments.
"In the system, when your kids get grown and you pay all this money direct and it's time for the money to stop being issued out, they gonna want to appeal because there ain't...
- 5/9/2012
- MTV Music News
Wednesday's show will also pay tribute to fallen Beastie Boy Adam 'McA' Yauch.
By Rob Markman
Travis Porter
Photo: Getty Images
There's no telling what's going to happen on Wednesday's "RapFix Live" when host Sway Calloway brings Atlanta's wild boys Travis Porter and hip-hop legend Scarface to the red couch.
Ali, Quez and Strap of Travis Porter have been on their rap grind for quite a few years, but now that they're getting set to release their major-label debut, From Day 1, on May 29, things really look to be paying off. Tp's first official album features 2 Chainz, Jeremih, Tyga, Mac Miller and Mike Posner, but more importantly will be filled with the same type of rambunctious party starters that the trio has hung their hat on. So "Rfl" fans can expect the same type of energy when Travis Porter make their way onto the MTV News set on Wednesday at 4 p.
By Rob Markman
Travis Porter
Photo: Getty Images
There's no telling what's going to happen on Wednesday's "RapFix Live" when host Sway Calloway brings Atlanta's wild boys Travis Porter and hip-hop legend Scarface to the red couch.
Ali, Quez and Strap of Travis Porter have been on their rap grind for quite a few years, but now that they're getting set to release their major-label debut, From Day 1, on May 29, things really look to be paying off. Tp's first official album features 2 Chainz, Jeremih, Tyga, Mac Miller and Mike Posner, but more importantly will be filled with the same type of rambunctious party starters that the trio has hung their hat on. So "Rfl" fans can expect the same type of energy when Travis Porter make their way onto the MTV News set on Wednesday at 4 p.
- 5/7/2012
- MTV Music News
Grand Hustle artists were joined by Wale, Meek Mill, Curren$y at Warner Music showcase.
By Nadeska Alexis
T.I. and B.o.B perform at SXSW
Photo: Universal Pictures
Austin, Texas — There was no shortage of options in Austin, Texas, on Thursday night if you happened to be a hip-hop fan at SXSW on the hunt for a good show. While Lil Wayne and Ymcmb put their talents on display at Austin Music Hall, just five minutes down the road T.I., B.o.B, Wale, Meek Mill and Curren$y brought down the house at the Warner Sound showcase.
MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway hosted the event at La Zona Rosa, where Grand Hustle Records had a triumphant night and Maybach Music Group continued to rep their expanding roster. Curren$y, Kirko Bangz and Xv got the packed house adequately warmed up for a night that easily stretched...
By Nadeska Alexis
T.I. and B.o.B perform at SXSW
Photo: Universal Pictures
Austin, Texas — There was no shortage of options in Austin, Texas, on Thursday night if you happened to be a hip-hop fan at SXSW on the hunt for a good show. While Lil Wayne and Ymcmb put their talents on display at Austin Music Hall, just five minutes down the road T.I., B.o.B, Wale, Meek Mill and Curren$y brought down the house at the Warner Sound showcase.
MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway hosted the event at La Zona Rosa, where Grand Hustle Records had a triumphant night and Maybach Music Group continued to rep their expanding roster. Curren$y, Kirko Bangz and Xv got the packed house adequately warmed up for a night that easily stretched...
- 3/16/2012
- MTV Music News
'Chris Brown, that was like our second to third meeting with Chris Brown ... but he just came through,' Quez says of Breezy's cameo.
By Rob Markman
Travis Porter's Ali and Quez
Photo: MTV News
Ain't no party like a Travis Porter party. When Ali, Quez and Strap were on the set for their "Ayy Ladies" video, Tyga, who appears on the track, was the only expected guest star. But when Meek Mill and Chris Brown also showed up, the good times began to roll.
"They the homeys, they just fell through," Ali told MTV News of Meek's and Breezy's unexpected cameos.
Tp premiered their video on MTV Jams last Thursday and currently have the "Jam of the Week" in rotation. The Alex Nazari-directed clip is a ton of fun as the trio roam the halls of their hotel looking to score with the ladies. "It's the ultimate spring break.
By Rob Markman
Travis Porter's Ali and Quez
Photo: MTV News
Ain't no party like a Travis Porter party. When Ali, Quez and Strap were on the set for their "Ayy Ladies" video, Tyga, who appears on the track, was the only expected guest star. But when Meek Mill and Chris Brown also showed up, the good times began to roll.
"They the homeys, they just fell through," Ali told MTV News of Meek's and Breezy's unexpected cameos.
Tp premiered their video on MTV Jams last Thursday and currently have the "Jam of the Week" in rotation. The Alex Nazari-directed clip is a ton of fun as the trio roam the halls of their hotel looking to score with the ladies. "It's the ultimate spring break.
- 3/7/2012
- MTV Music News
T.I., Young Jeezy and Fabolous also enjoyed success in 2011 but fell short of MTV News' top 10.
By Rob Markman
J. Cole
Photo: C. Brandon/ Redferns
MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game debate isn't solely about the 10 MCs who make the hotly contested list.
Before MTV News' Hip-Hop Brain Trust convenes at the roundtable, each member submits his or her own individual list of 10 MCs they'd like to nominate for the discussion. After all of the nominees are tallied, approximately 20 rappers are taken into consideration; the artists with the most nominations are weighted at the top.
So outside the 10 chosen, MTV had a handful of other MCs to consider based on a combination of criteria like impact, buzz, sales, lyrics, style (commonly referred to as swag) and the intangibles. Though Maybach Music Group's Wale eventually had his #10 spot cemented, many were considered.
Now, MTV News presents our Hottest MCs honorable...
By Rob Markman
J. Cole
Photo: C. Brandon/ Redferns
MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game debate isn't solely about the 10 MCs who make the hotly contested list.
Before MTV News' Hip-Hop Brain Trust convenes at the roundtable, each member submits his or her own individual list of 10 MCs they'd like to nominate for the discussion. After all of the nominees are tallied, approximately 20 rappers are taken into consideration; the artists with the most nominations are weighted at the top.
So outside the 10 chosen, MTV had a handful of other MCs to consider based on a combination of criteria like impact, buzz, sales, lyrics, style (commonly referred to as swag) and the intangibles. Though Maybach Music Group's Wale eventually had his #10 spot cemented, many were considered.
Now, MTV News presents our Hottest MCs honorable...
- 2/24/2012
- MTV Music News
'I thought it was some cologne or something,' Strap says of his bag being flagged by Tsa at an Atlanta airport.
By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Strap
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/ Getty Images
Travis Porter member Strap was arrested at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Wednesday when the Transportation Security Administration found a gun in the rapper's backpack. During a visit to Shade 45's "Sway in the Morning" show on Friday (February 17), Strap reiterated that the mishap was an "honest mistake."
Strap was en route to New York City for a promotional show when his bag was flagged during a routine security checkpoint. The Atlanta rapper explained to MTV News correspondent and "Sway in the Morning" host Sway Calloway that it was a case of bad memory. "[I was] moving fast man, leaving the studio to catch an early flight," Strap said. "[It was] an honest-to-God mistake.
"Ain't no alarm go off,...
By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Strap
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/ Getty Images
Travis Porter member Strap was arrested at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Wednesday when the Transportation Security Administration found a gun in the rapper's backpack. During a visit to Shade 45's "Sway in the Morning" show on Friday (February 17), Strap reiterated that the mishap was an "honest mistake."
Strap was en route to New York City for a promotional show when his bag was flagged during a routine security checkpoint. The Atlanta rapper explained to MTV News correspondent and "Sway in the Morning" host Sway Calloway that it was a case of bad memory. "[I was] moving fast man, leaving the studio to catch an early flight," Strap said. "[It was] an honest-to-God mistake.
"Ain't no alarm go off,...
- 2/17/2012
- MTV Music News
'He just messed up and left it in his bag,' Travis Porter's Ali tells MTV News of the gun found in Strap's bag at the airport.
By Rob Markman
Travis Porter's Ali and Quez
Photo: MTV News
On Wednesday, Travis Porter member Strap was arrested when police at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport found a firearm in one of his bags at a security checkpoint. But according to the trio's other members, Ali and Quez, things aren't as sinister as they may seem.
"The situation was, like, an honest mistake," Quez told MTV News on Thursday (February 16) in New York.
"He just messed up and left it in his bag," Ali reiterated.
According to the group, the gun was registered to Strap, whose real name is Harold Duncan. When traveling to the airport for a promo trip to New York, the rapper simply forgot to remove the pistol from his luggage.
By Rob Markman
Travis Porter's Ali and Quez
Photo: MTV News
On Wednesday, Travis Porter member Strap was arrested when police at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport found a firearm in one of his bags at a security checkpoint. But according to the trio's other members, Ali and Quez, things aren't as sinister as they may seem.
"The situation was, like, an honest mistake," Quez told MTV News on Thursday (February 16) in New York.
"He just messed up and left it in his bag," Ali reiterated.
According to the group, the gun was registered to Strap, whose real name is Harold Duncan. When traveling to the airport for a promo trip to New York, the rapper simply forgot to remove the pistol from his luggage.
- 2/16/2012
- MTV Music News
Strap, a member of the Atl rap trio, was caught with a firearm at Hartsfield-Jackson, an airport official confirms to MTV News.
By Rob Markman
Strap
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/ Getty Images
Travis Porter aren't known for making gangsta music, but that reputation just might change. MTV News has confirmed that group member Strap was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday morning (February 15) for trying to clear security with a firearm.
A Hartsfield-Jackson official indentified the arrested individual as Harold Duncan (Strap's birth name) and confirmed that he was arrested at the airport and has since been transferred to Clayton County jail in Jonesboro, Georgia.
The trio — Ali, Quez and Strap — have been a staple on the Atlanta rap scene for a number of years. They first gained notoriety after appearing on Roscoe Dash's 2008 hit "All the Way Turnt Up," and in 2010, the guys broke through off the strength...
By Rob Markman
Strap
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/ Getty Images
Travis Porter aren't known for making gangsta music, but that reputation just might change. MTV News has confirmed that group member Strap was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday morning (February 15) for trying to clear security with a firearm.
A Hartsfield-Jackson official indentified the arrested individual as Harold Duncan (Strap's birth name) and confirmed that he was arrested at the airport and has since been transferred to Clayton County jail in Jonesboro, Georgia.
The trio — Ali, Quez and Strap — have been a staple on the Atlanta rap scene for a number of years. They first gained notoriety after appearing on Roscoe Dash's 2008 hit "All the Way Turnt Up," and in 2010, the guys broke through off the strength...
- 2/15/2012
- MTV Music News
Rookie Mc steps out of Kanye's shadow with smash Finally Famous album, landing him on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game.
By MTV News staff
Big Sean
Photo: Getty Images
The biggest part of Big Sean's rise over the past year has been the unwavering support of his fans. While he's signed to a major label (Def Jam) and one of the brightest stars on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music imprint, it was those fans mobbing him at the Adidas store in New York and superstar supporters like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj hopping on his debut album, Finally Famous, that propelled Sean to #9 on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII — his first appearance on the list.
Big Sean hit the scene out of Detroit's west side as Kanye's newest protégé with 2007's Finally Famous: The Mixtape. For the next three years, he...
By MTV News staff
Big Sean
Photo: Getty Images
The biggest part of Big Sean's rise over the past year has been the unwavering support of his fans. While he's signed to a major label (Def Jam) and one of the brightest stars on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music imprint, it was those fans mobbing him at the Adidas store in New York and superstar supporters like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj hopping on his debut album, Finally Famous, that propelled Sean to #9 on MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII — his first appearance on the list.
Big Sean hit the scene out of Detroit's west side as Kanye's newest protégé with 2007's Finally Famous: The Mixtape. For the next three years, he...
- 2/14/2012
- MTV Music News
Fab rounds out his There Is No Competition mixtape series with third installment, in Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman
Fabolous
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: Fabolous and DJ Drama
Representing: Brooklyn, New York
Mixtape: There Is No Competition III: Death Comes in 3's
Real Spit: Funeral Fab takes no days off — not even Christmas. On Sunday while many were celebrating the holidays with family, Fabolous decided to gift-wrap his latest mixtape and release it online as a free download. There Is No Competition III: Death Comes in 3's is the third installment of the popular series that Fab and DJ Drama started in 2008.
"The theme of There Is No Competition III, it has the subtitle Death Comes in 3's, which plays along in the trilogy of this tape," Fab told Mixtape Daily.
The death-themed tape doesn't disappoint. On "Black City," Fabolous dons appropriate mourning attire and rides Tyga's "Rack...
By Rob Markman
Fabolous
Photo: MTV News
Main Pick
Headliners: Fabolous and DJ Drama
Representing: Brooklyn, New York
Mixtape: There Is No Competition III: Death Comes in 3's
Real Spit: Funeral Fab takes no days off — not even Christmas. On Sunday while many were celebrating the holidays with family, Fabolous decided to gift-wrap his latest mixtape and release it online as a free download. There Is No Competition III: Death Comes in 3's is the third installment of the popular series that Fab and DJ Drama started in 2008.
"The theme of There Is No Competition III, it has the subtitle Death Comes in 3's, which plays along in the trilogy of this tape," Fab told Mixtape Daily.
The death-themed tape doesn't disappoint. On "Black City," Fabolous dons appropriate mourning attire and rides Tyga's "Rack...
- 12/29/2011
- MTV Music News
Atlanta Mc builds on 'All the Way Turnt Up' momentum to land a spot on our list — vote now!
By Steven Roberts
Roscoe Dash
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
It's hard to believe Roscoe Dash has yet to put out an album.
"All the Way Turnt Up" was such a big record last year that hip-hop fans didn't even think it was his. With Dash being a relative unknown — even within Atlanta's unique hip-hop scene — people thought the record was by 2010 Hottest Breakthrough Mc nominees Travis Porter. But once that was cleared up, everyone from Lil Wayne to Lupe Fiasco was ready to spit over the beat.
Dash's next single, "Show Out," was a solid effort, but it wasn't nearly as successful as "Turnt Up." It looked like Dash might've succumbed to one-hit wonder status. But then Roscoe turned up (get it?) on one of 2010's most overlooked songs, Waka Flocka Flame's "No Hands.
By Steven Roberts
Roscoe Dash
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
It's hard to believe Roscoe Dash has yet to put out an album.
"All the Way Turnt Up" was such a big record last year that hip-hop fans didn't even think it was his. With Dash being a relative unknown — even within Atlanta's unique hip-hop scene — people thought the record was by 2010 Hottest Breakthrough Mc nominees Travis Porter. But once that was cleared up, everyone from Lil Wayne to Lupe Fiasco was ready to spit over the beat.
Dash's next single, "Show Out," was a solid effort, but it wasn't nearly as successful as "Turnt Up." It looked like Dash might've succumbed to one-hit wonder status. But then Roscoe turned up (get it?) on one of 2010's most overlooked songs, Waka Flocka Flame's "No Hands.
- 12/13/2011
- MTV Music News
Mc began dominating Atlanta airwaves this summer with the help of big names like T.I. — vote in our Hottest poll now!
By Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
A few months ago, if you didn't live in or near Atlanta, you would be hard-pressed to know who Future was. However, if you did live in or near Atlanta, you be hard-pressed not to hear one of his songs on the radio every five minutes with "Magic," "Ain't No Way Around It," "Go Harder" and "Never Been This High," to name a few.
Now, he's getting national recognition as a contender for MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough Mc.
Future was the hook man on Yc's "Racks," which was probably the most infectious track of the first part of this year. However, the rest of the country got the memo in early July when Drake hopped on a remix of the Atl-ien's "Tony Montana.
By Steven Roberts
Future
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
A few months ago, if you didn't live in or near Atlanta, you would be hard-pressed to know who Future was. However, if you did live in or near Atlanta, you be hard-pressed not to hear one of his songs on the radio every five minutes with "Magic," "Ain't No Way Around It," "Go Harder" and "Never Been This High," to name a few.
Now, he's getting national recognition as a contender for MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough Mc.
Future was the hook man on Yc's "Racks," which was probably the most infectious track of the first part of this year. However, the rest of the country got the memo in early July when Drake hopped on a remix of the Atl-ien's "Tony Montana.
- 12/13/2011
- MTV Music News
Blue Slide Park Mc earns a spot on MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough Mc list — vote now!
By Rob Markman
Mac Miller
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
Mac Miller showed promise when he dropped his attention-grabbing K.I.D.S. (Kickin' Incredibly Dop Sh--) mixtape in 2010, and throughout 2011, the Pittsburgh Mc has fully capitalized on his rap buzz, proving that he is a musical force to be reckoned with. Now Miller, who, as an independent artist, earned the #1 album in the country when he dropped Blue Slide Park last month, stands as one of the nominees in MTV News' list of 2011's Hottest Breakthrough MCs.
After deciding he wanted to be an Mc at 15, Mac used hip-hop influences like Big L, OutKast and A Tribe Called Quest as well as rock greats like the Beatles, Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to craft his sound. "My whole thing is being super genuine and being myself,...
By Rob Markman
Mac Miller
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
Mac Miller showed promise when he dropped his attention-grabbing K.I.D.S. (Kickin' Incredibly Dop Sh--) mixtape in 2010, and throughout 2011, the Pittsburgh Mc has fully capitalized on his rap buzz, proving that he is a musical force to be reckoned with. Now Miller, who, as an independent artist, earned the #1 album in the country when he dropped Blue Slide Park last month, stands as one of the nominees in MTV News' list of 2011's Hottest Breakthrough MCs.
After deciding he wanted to be an Mc at 15, Mac used hip-hop influences like Big L, OutKast and A Tribe Called Quest as well as rock greats like the Beatles, Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to craft his sound. "My whole thing is being super genuine and being myself,...
- 12/12/2011
- MTV Music News
'Mac gotta win that for sure,' Wiz tells 'RapFix Live' of fellow Pittsburgh rapper.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Wiz Khalifa
Photo: Al Pereira/ WireImage
Wiz Khalifa knows a thing or two about breaking through to the mainstream. In 2010, the Taylor Gang general was voted by fans as MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough Mc of 2010. He beat out J. Cole and Nicki Minaj and went on to release his debut album, Rolling Papers, then had rap fans across the word singing his hits "Black and Yellow" and "On My Level."
When it comes to the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough Mc competition, Wiz is in support of all 10 of the nominees, but he does have his favorite. In a pool that includes A$AP Rocky, Future, Freddie Gibbs, French Montana, Kendrick Lamar, Machine Gun Kelly, Meek Mill, Lil Twist and Roscoe Dash, Khalifa is picking his Rostrum Records labelmate...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Wiz Khalifa
Photo: Al Pereira/ WireImage
Wiz Khalifa knows a thing or two about breaking through to the mainstream. In 2010, the Taylor Gang general was voted by fans as MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough Mc of 2010. He beat out J. Cole and Nicki Minaj and went on to release his debut album, Rolling Papers, then had rap fans across the word singing his hits "Black and Yellow" and "On My Level."
When it comes to the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough Mc competition, Wiz is in support of all 10 of the nominees, but he does have his favorite. In a pool that includes A$AP Rocky, Future, Freddie Gibbs, French Montana, Kendrick Lamar, Machine Gun Kelly, Meek Mill, Lil Twist and Roscoe Dash, Khalifa is picking his Rostrum Records labelmate...
- 12/12/2011
- MTV Music News
Courted by the likes of Kanye West, Rick Ross and Jay-z before joining Diddy, Montana earns a spot on MTV News' 2011 list — vote now!
By Steven Roberts
French Montana
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
From the very moment the horns from the Lords of the Underground's 1993 classic "Funky Child" sound until the moment that "Shorty got potential, I could be her sponsor" is heard, it was evident that French Montana had a hit on his hands with "Shot Caller." Montana's rise to prominence wasn't that instantaneous, however.
French Montana has been making noise on New York City's underground rap scene since the early 2000s with his "Cocaine City" DVD series. Montana hoped the street series — showcasing interviews with big-name artists like T.I. and then unknowns like Nicki Minaj and Waka Flocka — would help broaden his fanbase in the same way other up-and-comers hoped their mixtapes did.
He started gaining...
By Steven Roberts
French Montana
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
From the very moment the horns from the Lords of the Underground's 1993 classic "Funky Child" sound until the moment that "Shorty got potential, I could be her sponsor" is heard, it was evident that French Montana had a hit on his hands with "Shot Caller." Montana's rise to prominence wasn't that instantaneous, however.
French Montana has been making noise on New York City's underground rap scene since the early 2000s with his "Cocaine City" DVD series. Montana hoped the street series — showcasing interviews with big-name artists like T.I. and then unknowns like Nicki Minaj and Waka Flocka — would help broaden his fanbase in the same way other up-and-comers hoped their mixtapes did.
He started gaining...
- 12/9/2011
- MTV Music News
Can 18-year-old up-and-comer top MTV News' 2011 list? Vote now!
By Rob Markman
Lil Twist
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
You try standing out on a label headed by Lil Wayne and anchored by Drake and Nicki Minaj. That's exactly what Lil Twist did in 2011 as he carved out his own identity in the omnipresent Ymcmb machine.
Twist appeared on the 2011 Xxl Freshman cover at the top of the year and capitalized on that exposure by releasing a number of singles, including his cheater's ballad "Love Affair" with Young Money boss Lil Wayne. From there the Mohawked Dallas, Texas, rapper released "New Money" with R&B crooner Mishon and then "Turnt Up," a rapid-fire Busta Rhymes collaboration.
The 18-year-old up-and-comer also hit the road this year, joining labelmate Tyga and R&B group Mindless Behavior on the Closer to My Dreams Tour. When he wasn't out performing, Twist was busy putting...
By Rob Markman
Lil Twist
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
You try standing out on a label headed by Lil Wayne and anchored by Drake and Nicki Minaj. That's exactly what Lil Twist did in 2011 as he carved out his own identity in the omnipresent Ymcmb machine.
Twist appeared on the 2011 Xxl Freshman cover at the top of the year and capitalized on that exposure by releasing a number of singles, including his cheater's ballad "Love Affair" with Young Money boss Lil Wayne. From there the Mohawked Dallas, Texas, rapper released "New Money" with R&B crooner Mishon and then "Turnt Up," a rapid-fire Busta Rhymes collaboration.
The 18-year-old up-and-comer also hit the road this year, joining labelmate Tyga and R&B group Mindless Behavior on the Closer to My Dreams Tour. When he wasn't out performing, Twist was busy putting...
- 12/9/2011
- MTV Music News
Bad Boy signee Mgk says, 'I want to be the hottest,' on MTV News' 2011 list — vote now!
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Machine Gun Kelly
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
Machine Gun Kelly went from a troubled youth trying to find his way in the streets of Cleveland to one of rap's top prospects in a year's time. Now, not only has the rapid-fire lyricist gone on to sign with Diddy's Bad Boy Records, he's already cutting records with Waka Flocka Flame and his idol, Dmx. Mgk has created so much of a stir in the rap game that he is now a nominee for MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough Mc.
"To be considered for the hottest breakthrough Mc of 2011, it's obviously an honor, but I want to be the hottest. I've never been comfortable with sharing anything: I was a single child," Machine Gun Kelly...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Machine Gun Kelly
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
Machine Gun Kelly went from a troubled youth trying to find his way in the streets of Cleveland to one of rap's top prospects in a year's time. Now, not only has the rapid-fire lyricist gone on to sign with Diddy's Bad Boy Records, he's already cutting records with Waka Flocka Flame and his idol, Dmx. Mgk has created so much of a stir in the rap game that he is now a nominee for MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough Mc.
"To be considered for the hottest breakthrough Mc of 2011, it's obviously an honor, but I want to be the hottest. I've never been comfortable with sharing anything: I was a single child," Machine Gun Kelly...
- 12/8/2011
- MTV Music News
Gangsta Gibbs' mixtapes earned him a deal with Young Jeezy and a spot on MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough list — vote now!
By Nadeska Alexis
Freddie Gibbs
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
When Freddie Gibbs joined Sway on "RapFix Live" in September, the Gary, Indiana, native was firm in insisting that he would never stray from the deeply lyrical gangster rap that fans now expect from him. His recent deal with Young Jeezy's Cte label bolstered his efforts and kept the spotlight on his releases this year, earning him a nomination for MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough Mc of 2011.
Despite a fizzled deal with Interscope Records in 2007, Gibbs (born Frederick Tipton) continued his rise to lyrical prominence by dropping popular mixtapes, including 2009's The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs and Midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik. The success of those two mixtapes landed him a spot on Xxl's 2010 Freshman cover, but that was only the beginning for Gangsta Gibbs.
By Nadeska Alexis
Freddie Gibbs
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
When Freddie Gibbs joined Sway on "RapFix Live" in September, the Gary, Indiana, native was firm in insisting that he would never stray from the deeply lyrical gangster rap that fans now expect from him. His recent deal with Young Jeezy's Cte label bolstered his efforts and kept the spotlight on his releases this year, earning him a nomination for MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough Mc of 2011.
Despite a fizzled deal with Interscope Records in 2007, Gibbs (born Frederick Tipton) continued his rise to lyrical prominence by dropping popular mixtapes, including 2009's The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs and Midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik. The success of those two mixtapes landed him a spot on Xxl's 2010 Freshman cover, but that was only the beginning for Gangsta Gibbs.
- 12/8/2011
- MTV Music News
Rick Ross protégé's inescapable 'Ima Boss' and a grinding flow helped land him on MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough list — vote now!
By Nadeska Alexis
Meek Mill
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
This past summer, it would've been difficult to miss Meek Mill's hit single "Ima Boss" unless you were actively boycotting the radio, the Internet and clubs. In just 12 months, the Philadelphia rapper has catapulted himself from local fixture to artist set to drop his 2012 major-label debut via Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group. His power moves have also established him as a candidate for MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough Mc.
After his 2010 performance at the annual Powerhouse concert in Philly, the 24-year-old had a brief encounter with Rick Ross that would eventually lead to a deal on Rozay's Mmg label. Meek Mill's street bangers "Ima Boss" and "Tupac Back" were two of the standout cuts from the Mmg compilation album Self Made Vol.
By Nadeska Alexis
Meek Mill
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
This past summer, it would've been difficult to miss Meek Mill's hit single "Ima Boss" unless you were actively boycotting the radio, the Internet and clubs. In just 12 months, the Philadelphia rapper has catapulted himself from local fixture to artist set to drop his 2012 major-label debut via Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group. His power moves have also established him as a candidate for MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough Mc.
After his 2010 performance at the annual Powerhouse concert in Philly, the 24-year-old had a brief encounter with Rick Ross that would eventually lead to a deal on Rozay's Mmg label. Meek Mill's street bangers "Ima Boss" and "Tupac Back" were two of the standout cuts from the Mmg compilation album Self Made Vol.
- 12/7/2011
- MTV Music News
Cali Mc got a boost from Drake and Dr. Dre, but he didn't rely on co-signs to make MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough list — vote now!
By Rob Markman
Kendrick Lamar
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
The year started off with a bang for Kendrick Lamar. After appearing on the cover of Xxl's Freshmen issue and in MTV News' New West coverage, the Compton, California, Mc proceeded to show and prove.
Now, K. Dot is a 2011 MTV News Hottest Breakthrough Mc candidate.
He may have received a co-sign from Dr. Dre, but Kendrick didn't use the Doc's glowing endorsement as a crutch. Instead, he hit the studio and in July released Section.80, a tightly woven independent album on which he examined his place in the world. Songs like the J. Cole-produced "HiiiPower," the soulful "Kush & Corinthians" and the socially enlightening "Ronald Reagan Era" proved that not only is Kendrick one of the most exciting newcomers,...
By Rob Markman
Kendrick Lamar
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
The year started off with a bang for Kendrick Lamar. After appearing on the cover of Xxl's Freshmen issue and in MTV News' New West coverage, the Compton, California, Mc proceeded to show and prove.
Now, K. Dot is a 2011 MTV News Hottest Breakthrough Mc candidate.
He may have received a co-sign from Dr. Dre, but Kendrick didn't use the Doc's glowing endorsement as a crutch. Instead, he hit the studio and in July released Section.80, a tightly woven independent album on which he examined his place in the world. Songs like the J. Cole-produced "HiiiPower," the soulful "Kush & Corinthians" and the socially enlightening "Ronald Reagan Era" proved that not only is Kendrick one of the most exciting newcomers,...
- 12/7/2011
- MTV Music News
Roscoe Dash will also check in Wednesday at 4 p.m. on MTV.com, when 2011's Hottest Breakthrough MCs list will be revealed.
By Rob Markman
Machine Gun Kelly
Photo: MTV News
There is no denying that hip-hop veterans like Jay-z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross have all had a remarkable 2011, but the past 12 months also saw the meteoric rise of some of the game's most exciting young MCs as well.
Since the top of the year, artists like Mac Miller and Meek Mill have established themselves as bona fide stars. On Wednesday at 4 p.m. on MTV.com, "RapFix Live" will explore the budding careers of some very notable rap rooks, as Machine Gun Kelly, Roscoe Dash and Kendrick Lamar check in to discuss their big year. During the show, MTV News will also reveal the list of 2011's Hottest Breakthrough MCs.
Hottest Breakthrough MCs was established in...
By Rob Markman
Machine Gun Kelly
Photo: MTV News
There is no denying that hip-hop veterans like Jay-z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross have all had a remarkable 2011, but the past 12 months also saw the meteoric rise of some of the game's most exciting young MCs as well.
Since the top of the year, artists like Mac Miller and Meek Mill have established themselves as bona fide stars. On Wednesday at 4 p.m. on MTV.com, "RapFix Live" will explore the budding careers of some very notable rap rooks, as Machine Gun Kelly, Roscoe Dash and Kendrick Lamar check in to discuss their big year. During the show, MTV News will also reveal the list of 2011's Hottest Breakthrough MCs.
Hottest Breakthrough MCs was established in...
- 12/6/2011
- MTV Music News
Bet has just kicked off its 2011 music awards at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles with live performance by Mary J. Blige. The June 26 event is hosted by Kevin Hart and has just seen Chris Brown grabbing the first award of the evening, Best Male R&B Artist.
The "Yeah 3x" singer, who leads nomination list with six nods, has bested the likes of Cee-Lo Green, Usher, Bruno Mars and Trey Songz. "All of my fans are everything to me. I do this only for them," he said upon receiving the trophy on stage. "I appreciate all the support. I know it's been a long road, so I appreciate every blessing in front of me."
After a performance by Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, YoungStars Award is announced and it goes to both children of celebrity couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. In taking home the honor, Willow Smith and Jaden Smith beat Shenell Edmonds,...
The "Yeah 3x" singer, who leads nomination list with six nods, has bested the likes of Cee-Lo Green, Usher, Bruno Mars and Trey Songz. "All of my fans are everything to me. I do this only for them," he said upon receiving the trophy on stage. "I appreciate all the support. I know it's been a long road, so I appreciate every blessing in front of me."
After a performance by Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, YoungStars Award is announced and it goes to both children of celebrity couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. In taking home the honor, Willow Smith and Jaden Smith beat Shenell Edmonds,...
- 6/27/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Memorial Day Weekend in Miami was kicked off with star-studded concert. Taking place at the Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida on Saturday, May 28, the gig featured live performances from the likes of Keri Hilson, Marsha Ambrosius and Chris Brown.
Keri Hilson rocked a denim ensemble, wearing a denim vest and a pair of denim pants. She finished off her sexy look with white Doc Martin boots and a sailor hat. Marsha, meanwhile, opted a one-shoulder green dress when taking the stage for the Best of the Best concert.
As for Breezy, the R&B artist chose to take off his shirt at some point during his performance. In one of his sets, he even steamed up the stage by treating a female fan to a lap dance. He performed the raunchy stage act when delivering his song "Take You Down". He thrust his shirtless, and sweaty body to her and ground it on her.
Keri Hilson rocked a denim ensemble, wearing a denim vest and a pair of denim pants. She finished off her sexy look with white Doc Martin boots and a sailor hat. Marsha, meanwhile, opted a one-shoulder green dress when taking the stage for the Best of the Best concert.
As for Breezy, the R&B artist chose to take off his shirt at some point during his performance. In one of his sets, he even steamed up the stage by treating a female fan to a lap dance. He performed the raunchy stage act when delivering his song "Take You Down". He thrust his shirtless, and sweaty body to her and ground it on her.
- 5/30/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Chris Brown did a very racy stage act when performing at Spring Fest: Best of the Best concert in Miami's Bicentennial Park last Saturday night, May 28. During his performance for "Take You Down", Breezy called a lucky female fan on stage, ripped off his shirt and and gave her a steamy lap dance.
Baring his tattooed chest when he delivered the sensual number, the "Kiss Kiss" hitmaker thrust his sweaty body in the fan's face. As if the sexy dance wasn't enough, the ex-boyfriend of Rihanna stole a kiss before moving away to show off more hip shaking to her.
The 22-year-old R&B singer was one of the Hip-Hop stars performing in Miami during the Memorial Day Weekend. Also taking the stage at the Spring Fest were "Knock You Down" hitmaker Keri Hilson, Kanye West's protege Big Sean, Hip-Hop trio Travis Porter and R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius.
Baring his tattooed chest when he delivered the sensual number, the "Kiss Kiss" hitmaker thrust his sweaty body in the fan's face. As if the sexy dance wasn't enough, the ex-boyfriend of Rihanna stole a kiss before moving away to show off more hip shaking to her.
The 22-year-old R&B singer was one of the Hip-Hop stars performing in Miami during the Memorial Day Weekend. Also taking the stage at the Spring Fest were "Knock You Down" hitmaker Keri Hilson, Kanye West's protege Big Sean, Hip-Hop trio Travis Porter and R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius.
- 5/30/2011
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
Chris Brown‘s career comeback reached a new high on Tuesday when the singer was nominated for six Bet awards!
Chris Brown has worked endlessly to rebuild his reputation after pleading guilty to felony assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 and HollywoodLife.com thinks it’s about time the public shifts the focus back to his music! The singer is already getting accolades for his hard work at making a comeback — he even scored six Bet award nominations for his new album! Chris’s “Look at Me Now” will be pitted up against Rihanna’s work with Drake on “What’s My Name” for Best Collaboration!
Chris’ F.A.M.E. album earned #1 earlier this year, but the singer hit a set-back after losing his cool on Good Morning America in March when the interviewer tried to steer the conversation back to his assault charges. We hope the six Bet award...
Chris Brown has worked endlessly to rebuild his reputation after pleading guilty to felony assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 and HollywoodLife.com thinks it’s about time the public shifts the focus back to his music! The singer is already getting accolades for his hard work at making a comeback — he even scored six Bet award nominations for his new album! Chris’s “Look at Me Now” will be pitted up against Rihanna’s work with Drake on “What’s My Name” for Best Collaboration!
Chris’ F.A.M.E. album earned #1 earlier this year, but the singer hit a set-back after losing his cool on Good Morning America in March when the interviewer tried to steer the conversation back to his assault charges. We hope the six Bet award...
- 5/18/2011
- by Alli Holt
- HollywoodLife
Singer receives six nods, followed by Lil Wayne with five.
By Gil Kaufman
Chris Brown
Photo: Jason Kempin/ Getty Images
Chris Brown's career reboot hit a new high on Tuesday when he was nominated for a field-leading six 2011 Bet Awards for his F.A.M.E. album. Brown, who scored his first #1 album earlier this year, was followed by Lil Wayne with five nods and Kanye West, Drake and the singer's ex, Rihanna, with four.
Brown, who pleaded guilty to felony assault on Rihanna in June 2009, will face off with his former flame in two categories, Viewers' Choice and Best Collaboration, which will pit his "Look at Me Now" against her collabo with Drake on "What's My Name."
The Best Female R&B Artist race will feature Rihanna against Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson and Marsha Ambrosius, while the male category will have Brown facing Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars,...
By Gil Kaufman
Chris Brown
Photo: Jason Kempin/ Getty Images
Chris Brown's career reboot hit a new high on Tuesday when he was nominated for a field-leading six 2011 Bet Awards for his F.A.M.E. album. Brown, who scored his first #1 album earlier this year, was followed by Lil Wayne with five nods and Kanye West, Drake and the singer's ex, Rihanna, with four.
Brown, who pleaded guilty to felony assault on Rihanna in June 2009, will face off with his former flame in two categories, Viewers' Choice and Best Collaboration, which will pit his "Look at Me Now" against her collabo with Drake on "What's My Name."
The Best Female R&B Artist race will feature Rihanna against Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson and Marsha Ambrosius, while the male category will have Brown facing Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars,...
- 5/18/2011
- MTV Music News
Nomination list of this year's Bet Awards has just been announced on "106 & Park" with Chris Brown leading the pack. The R&B artist, who sparked controversy with his emotional tribute to Michael Jackson when performing at the Bet stage last year, scores a total of six nods.
Breezy is vying for Best Male R&B Artist against the likes of Cee-Lo Green, Bruno Mars, Trey Songz and Usher. He is also up for Best Actor, going head-to-head against Laz Alonso, Don Cheadle, Idris Elba and Jamie Foxx.
His song "Look at Me Now", which features Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes, is additionally nominated for Best Collaboration and Viewer's Choice Award. In the former category, the "Yeah 3x" singer gets a double nomination as his other track "Deuces" is also up for the battle.
"Look at Me Now" music video, meanwhile, is one of the Video of the Year contenders along...
Breezy is vying for Best Male R&B Artist against the likes of Cee-Lo Green, Bruno Mars, Trey Songz and Usher. He is also up for Best Actor, going head-to-head against Laz Alonso, Don Cheadle, Idris Elba and Jamie Foxx.
His song "Look at Me Now", which features Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes, is additionally nominated for Best Collaboration and Viewer's Choice Award. In the former category, the "Yeah 3x" singer gets a double nomination as his other track "Deuces" is also up for the battle.
"Look at Me Now" music video, meanwhile, is one of the Video of the Year contenders along...
- 5/18/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Travis Porter have fun with their pals in "College Girl" music video. The Hip-Hop trio are seen chilling out with a lot of girls, cooing "I got me a college girl/ She is the best girl in the world/ She loves to take shops with the homie/ She never leave me lonely."
"College Girl" is lifted from Travis' latest street album "Music Money Magnums". The song has been made available for download along with eighteen other tracks from the mixtape which features Big Sean, Tyga and Too Short.
Already releasing a number of mixtapes, Travis Porter are now focusing on their debut album. Earlier this month, they talked to AllHipHop, "We got music ready for the album, and we're not releasing the dates yet, but the music that we're dropping on the mixtape is definitely going to keep people ready for more music. Yeah, man, every time we drop, it just adds to the anticipation.
"College Girl" is lifted from Travis' latest street album "Music Money Magnums". The song has been made available for download along with eighteen other tracks from the mixtape which features Big Sean, Tyga and Too Short.
Already releasing a number of mixtapes, Travis Porter are now focusing on their debut album. Earlier this month, they talked to AllHipHop, "We got music ready for the album, and we're not releasing the dates yet, but the music that we're dropping on the mixtape is definitely going to keep people ready for more music. Yeah, man, every time we drop, it just adds to the anticipation.
- 3/31/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Ryan Lightbourn's film making debut is with the Grindhouse-style indie short film Roid Rage, which he shot, edited and produced without a crew. Roid Rage-A film by Ryan Lightbourn Filmmaker Ryan Lightbourn is set to debut his short film, Roid Rage at upcoming film festivals around the country. Roid Rage tells the story of two FBI agents, who discover an unspeakable terror unlike anything they've ever encountered after mutilated hookers begin to surface in a small rural town. In his time as a filmmaker, Lightbourn has enjoyed a myriad of successes; from directing music videos for top hip-hop artists such as Plies, Travis Porter, and Big Sean, to having the “Best Overall,” picture at the 2nd Annual Zombie Film Festival for the short film Sleepwalkers in Orlando, Fl. In addition,...
- 3/11/2011
- by Kimberly Houston
- The Daily BLAM!
Wiz Khalifa, Travis Porter and Cam'ron and Vado round out our year-end favorites, in Mixtape Daily.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Vado, Rick Ross and Fabolous
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
There's the hip-hop that hits the charts and plays in the clubs and then there's that raw stuff that bangs beyond the radio — on blogs, on the block and at backyard barbecues. These MCs, the short list picked by the Mixtape Daily extended family, occupy that arena just outside the mainstream with their mixtapes, intended for the underground circuit.
Sure, Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" earned a slot on MTV News' Top 10 Songs of 2010 and landed on the Miami rapper's proper album, but the industrial-strength drums and cast-iron rhymes were served up for the streets first. That the track ultimately broke through and resonated on a larger level demonstrated the power of appealing to your base.
The...
By Jayson Rodriguez
Vado, Rick Ross and Fabolous
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
There's the hip-hop that hits the charts and plays in the clubs and then there's that raw stuff that bangs beyond the radio — on blogs, on the block and at backyard barbecues. These MCs, the short list picked by the Mixtape Daily extended family, occupy that arena just outside the mainstream with their mixtapes, intended for the underground circuit.
Sure, Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" earned a slot on MTV News' Top 10 Songs of 2010 and landed on the Miami rapper's proper album, but the industrial-strength drums and cast-iron rhymes were served up for the streets first. That the track ultimately broke through and resonated on a larger level demonstrated the power of appealing to your base.
The...
- 12/16/2010
- MTV Music News
Wiz Khalifa, Travis Porter and Cam'ron and Vado round out our year-end favorites, in Mixtape Daily.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Vado, Rick Ross and Fabolous
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
There's the hip-hop that hits the charts and plays in the clubs and then there's that raw stuff that bangs beyond the radio — on blogs, on the block and at backyard barbecues. These MCs, the short list picked by the Mixtape Daily extended family, occupy that arena just outside the mainstream with their mixtapes, intended for the underground circuit.
Sure, Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" earned a slot on MTV News' Top 10 Songs of 2010 and landed on the Miami rapper's proper album, but the industrial-strength drums and cast-iron rhymes were served up for the streets first. That the track ultimately broke through and resonated on a larger level demonstrated the power of appealing to your base.
The...
By Jayson Rodriguez
Vado, Rick Ross and Fabolous
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
There's the hip-hop that hits the charts and plays in the clubs and then there's that raw stuff that bangs beyond the radio — on blogs, on the block and at backyard barbecues. These MCs, the short list picked by the Mixtape Daily extended family, occupy that arena just outside the mainstream with their mixtapes, intended for the underground circuit.
Sure, Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" earned a slot on MTV News' Top 10 Songs of 2010 and landed on the Miami rapper's proper album, but the industrial-strength drums and cast-iron rhymes were served up for the streets first. That the track ultimately broke through and resonated on a larger level demonstrated the power of appealing to your base.
The...
- 12/16/2010
- MTV Music News
It was a great year for street albums, and Mixtape Daily salutes the street kings.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Hillary Crosley, Rahman Dukes, Steven Roberts and Richard Sancho
DJ Drama, DJ Holiday and DJ Scream
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
The mixtape game took a shot to the heart a few years ago when DJ Drama's office was raided by the feds. Artists increasingly opted to make mixtapes that were essentially albums, projects produced without help from DJs and comprised mostly of original material.
But slowly Gangsta Grillz began populating blogs, the same way they used to populate the streets, and those sites served as the new Burkinas. In the last 12 months, the mixtape circuit has never been healthier — just look at Dram still putting out his trademark rap heat and getting his slow jam on, pushing collections by the likes of Chris Brown, among other R&B stars.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Hillary Crosley, Rahman Dukes, Steven Roberts and Richard Sancho
DJ Drama, DJ Holiday and DJ Scream
Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News
The mixtape game took a shot to the heart a few years ago when DJ Drama's office was raided by the feds. Artists increasingly opted to make mixtapes that were essentially albums, projects produced without help from DJs and comprised mostly of original material.
But slowly Gangsta Grillz began populating blogs, the same way they used to populate the streets, and those sites served as the new Burkinas. In the last 12 months, the mixtape circuit has never been healthier — just look at Dram still putting out his trademark rap heat and getting his slow jam on, pushing collections by the likes of Chris Brown, among other R&B stars.
- 12/14/2010
- MTV Music News
R&B singer R. Kelly makes public a music video in support of his new single "When a Woman Loves a Man" on Monday, August 30. On the same day, rap group Travis Porter also debut visual accompaniment to their own track titled "Hotel".
The R. Kelly video mostly depicts him wearing a suit and crooning to the love song on various stages. Meanwhile, the one which features Travis Porter follows a hotel staff as he walks into a suite and finds the group already trashing the room with some friends.
A ballad tune, "When a Woman Loves a Man" reportedly comes from one of "Zodiac", "Love Letter" and "Epic", three forthcoming efforts R. Kelly is currently working on. As for "Hotel", the rap track appears in the tracklisting of "Travis Porter The Ep" which is due later this year.
R. Kelly's "When a Woman Loves a Man" music video...
The R. Kelly video mostly depicts him wearing a suit and crooning to the love song on various stages. Meanwhile, the one which features Travis Porter follows a hotel staff as he walks into a suite and finds the group already trashing the room with some friends.
A ballad tune, "When a Woman Loves a Man" reportedly comes from one of "Zodiac", "Love Letter" and "Epic", three forthcoming efforts R. Kelly is currently working on. As for "Hotel", the rap track appears in the tracklisting of "Travis Porter The Ep" which is due later this year.
R. Kelly's "When a Woman Loves a Man" music video...
- 8/31/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Rap newcomer Wiz Khalifa has beaten Nicki Minaj and J Cole to top a new MTV survey as the Hottest Breakthrough Mc of 2010. The rising star was one of five finalists, alongside Lil Wayne's protegee Minaj, Jay-z's artist Cole, Rev Run's son Diggy Simmons and Travis Porter to land the honor as the most promising new artist on the hip-hop scene.
More than 200,000 fans voted in the online poll, which was limited to up-and-coming artists who had not released a major label album by June 21 or who had not previously been mentioned in MTV's Hottest MCs in the Game survey, which was unveiled earlier this year.
Other rappers making to the Top list are Big Sean, Curren$y, Tyga, Roscoe Dash and Donnis.
More than 200,000 fans voted in the online poll, which was limited to up-and-coming artists who had not released a major label album by June 21 or who had not previously been mentioned in MTV's Hottest MCs in the Game survey, which was unveiled earlier this year.
Other rappers making to the Top list are Big Sean, Curren$y, Tyga, Roscoe Dash and Donnis.
- 7/27/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
'Dude's been on his grind heavy since '05, droppin' mixtape after mixtape,' says one happy supporter.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Wiz Khalifa
Photo: MTV News
When Wiz Khalifa won MTV News' "Hottest Breakthrough Mc of 2010" contest, the victory was fueled by tons of love from his fans.
The Pittsburgh rapper's army of fans — the Taylor Gang — not only voted in such numbers that Wiz's tally nearly doubled that of runner-up Nicki Minaj, they also took to the message boards to argue for the inevitability of the nod. "Listen to Wiz, he's lyrical ... smooth ... fluent," wrote MTV.com commenter Mike. "Def the most talented rappin' against the competition."
Another fan said Wiz was finally getting the props he deserves. "All you people sayin' Wiz ain't [deserving] never heard Prince of the City 2," Vinnie wrote. "It ain't like Wiz just came outta nowhere. Dude's been on his grind heavy since '05 droppin' mixtape after mixtape.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Wiz Khalifa
Photo: MTV News
When Wiz Khalifa won MTV News' "Hottest Breakthrough Mc of 2010" contest, the victory was fueled by tons of love from his fans.
The Pittsburgh rapper's army of fans — the Taylor Gang — not only voted in such numbers that Wiz's tally nearly doubled that of runner-up Nicki Minaj, they also took to the message boards to argue for the inevitability of the nod. "Listen to Wiz, he's lyrical ... smooth ... fluent," wrote MTV.com commenter Mike. "Def the most talented rappin' against the competition."
Another fan said Wiz was finally getting the props he deserves. "All you people sayin' Wiz ain't [deserving] never heard Prince of the City 2," Vinnie wrote. "It ain't like Wiz just came outta nowhere. Dude's been on his grind heavy since '05 droppin' mixtape after mixtape.
- 7/27/2010
- MTV Music News
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