Deadmau5 Collapses Onstage, Cancels Tour Dates
July 31, 2010
The dance music DJ is hospitalized after 'suffering exhaustion and vomiting.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Deadmau5 (file)
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images
Dance music DJ Deadmau5 has been forced to cancel several upcoming shows after the producer collapsed onstage during a performance on Friday (July 30).
A statement posted on Deadmau5's website explained that the beatsmith, who regularly rocks events sporting a giant, tricked-out mouse head, suffered "exhaustion and vomiting" after performing at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC. The DJ was rushed to the hospital and placed under medical supervision and the incident has caused the house music star to nix several live appearances.
"Deadmau5 is sad to advise his fans that on the strict advice of the doctors, he now has no choice but to cancel the next [nine] shows of his [summer] tour schedule to allow for his recovery," read the statement on his website.
Upcoming shows in Canada, Japan, Italy and Spain, among other dates, have been scrapped. However, according to his website, the DJ plans to reschedule the dates and "thanks all his fans for their understanding and support."
The Grammy-nominated producer has become a fixture in the international dance music scene, known for speaker-rattling tracks such as "Ghosts N Stuff" and "Strobe." Earlier this year, the DJ explained the origin of his singular name to MTV News as a headliner at this year's Winter Music Conference in Miami.
"Long story short, a mouse went into my computer and died, and I found him in there when I was changing my video card," he said. After news of the incident lit up chat rooms and blogs, "everyone just started calling me 'that dead mouse guy' because of he story, and it just stuck. And the 5 was because I couldn't spell out D-E-A-D-M-O-U-S-E because it was too long to have as a name in the chat room, so I had to trim a character, so I was just like, whatever, and I put a 5 in there and it stuck."
Leave your get well wishes for Deadmau5 below.
Related ArtistsKanye West Says New Album Born Of ‘Excitement’
July 31, 2010
'Everyone says all great art comes from pain but I think my greatest art comes from excitement and joy,' West says.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Kanye West
Photo: Getty Images
Kanye West is roaring back into the spotlight with a series of much-publicized, surprise visits to technology and media companies from Facebook and Twitter to XXL magazine. At Friday's (July 30) visit to Rolling Stone's headquarters, the lyricist broke down the inspiration behind his forthcoming effort.
"Everyone says all great art comes from pain but I think my greatest art comes from excitement and joy. It's a completely different perspective about being extremely excited about stuff that is only cool to me," West enthused in a The Louis Vuitton Don also discussed some of the things that get him amped. "Like, when I tweeted, 'What's your credenza game?' I was very excited about that credenza," West smiled.
Although the outspoken star entered the game as a rapper, West has toyed with the boundaries of hip-hop in his recent music, most notably with his vocally-driven, Auto-Tuned, 2008 effort, 808's and Heartbreak. The lyricist revealed during his Stone visit that he sought to widen the scope of his work beyond hip-hop.
"It was important to not be limited by the art form of rap but to have rap bring it to another level," West said. "Is it rap or is it poetry? Is it spoken word? Is it [a] speech?"
West also spit some of his favorite bars from his untitled fifth studio album which juxtaposes a range of contradictions.
"You're heaven, you're my angel/You're my heaven, you're my hell/You're my now, you're my forever/You're my freedom, you're my jail/You're my lies, you're my truth/You're my war, you're my truce/You're my questions, you're my proof/You're my stress and you're my masseuse," 'Ye rhymed.
West reflected on his role as an artist and said he feels an obligation to open the eyes of his fans.
"There's people throughout history that their responsibility is to be conveyors of truth onto [the] next generations," West said. "I feel like I'm that type of person that has to carry on the truth and tell the story not history."
In addition to looking out for the next generation, West lamented his perceived lack of swagger in the game and called for artists to reach for the "greatness of rock 'n roll."
"They're all scared. All the people that could be real rock stars just get scared," West said. "It takes so much for a me or an Eminem to come back and embrace and say, 'You know what? We have to deliver this on a major level to make a difference.'"
West's album is expected to be released in September.
What are you expecting from Kanye West's upcoming album? Let us know in the comments below!
Related ArtistsT.I. And Tiny Marry In Three Cities
July 31, 2010
The superstar MC weds his longtime girlfriend in a wedding celebration that spans Miami, Atlanta and Las Vegas.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
T.I. and Tameka Cottle (file)
Photo: Getty Images
Hip-hop's king officially has his queen.
Superstar rapper T.I. wed longtime girlfriend Tameka "Tiny" Cottle on Saturday (July 31). A representative for Tiny confirms to MTV News that the duo married in front of friends and family in Miami.
The couple has planned to celebrate their love in a manner fit for hip-hop royalty by spreading the ceremony over three cities. Following their Miami nuptials, the pair is expected to continue their "I Do" tour with stops in Atlanta and Las Vegas. The rep also denied rumors that the pair made it legal in another far-flung locale: "A lot of people initially heard they were doing it in Hawaii. They are not," Tiny's rep, Prince Kennedy, said.
According to TMZ, T.I. and Tiny's wedding weekend kicked off in a Miami courthouse on Friday, though Kennedy was not able to confirm or deny the report. UsMagazine.com reports that the duo's Saturday ceremony took place on Star Island, and that the bride swapped vows in a Valentino gown and the groom donned a Prada suit.
T.I. and Tiny have reportedly been dating since 2001 and even weathered the ATL MC's recent jail bid. Tip made his first public appearance after his prison sentence earlier this year with Tiny by his side when he attended Cottle's Alzheimer's fundraiser in Atlanta.
The lyricist recently honored his lady love in the video for "Got Your Back," which portrays a couple working to stay together while separated by a prison stint. Tiny, who shot to fame as a member of the '90s girl group Xscape, even makes a cameo at the end of clip, standing proudly by her man's side.
Although it appears they've marked their nuptials with a major party, Tiny said earlier this year that she wanted a "private" wedding and was waiting for the right time to make it official.
"We living, we're happy, we're in love. I mean, it's no doubt in my mind that he doesn't love every piece of me and vice versa, so we're just doing what's comfortable and what works for us. Tiny and T.I.: Not for the world," Tiny told Vibe magazine. "When we get ready to make a move, we will make it. We just can't do it for everybody."
Leave well-wishes for the couple in the comments below!
Related Photos Related Artists‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Crystal Bowersox Calls Ellen DeGeneres ‘Amazing’
July 31, 2010
'I respect her and her decision to leave,' the season-nine runner-up says of the talk show host's 'Idol' exit.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Crystal Bowersox
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
"American Idol" contender Crystal Bowersox responds to the news that funnywoman Ellen DeGeneres has left her gig as an "Idol" judge after one season. Bowersox, who scored the runner-up slot on the show's ninth season, took feedback from the talk show host during her brief stint on the Fox hit and wished the comedienne well in the wake of DeGeneres' recent departure.
"Ellen is an amazing and kind human being, and I respect her and her decision to leave 'American Idol'," Bowersox said in a statement to MTV News. "She brought a smile to the show and so much more, and I am very happy to have been a part of her time there. I wish nothing but the best for her, and also to 'American Idol'."
With DeGeneres gone from the show, speculation regarding how the judging panel will shape up for the next season of "Idol" has spiked. Reports have suggested that singer, dancer and actress Jennifer Lopez has been locked in as a new judge. When contacted by MTV News regarding whether J.Lo would take a seat on the judges' panel, a Fox representative had no comment.
The fate of the remaining "Idol" judges, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, has come under scrutiny as well. Songwriter DioGuardi has been reportedly ousted from her post and, according to TMZ, the show's producers are overhauling the entire panel and Jackson may be the only judge to survive the revamp.
Before Ellen's departure, the talent showcase had already been mulling replacements for longtime "Idol" critic Simon Cowell who announced earlier this year that he would be moving on after the star-making competition's ninth season. Several celebrities have been tossed around as possible replacements, including Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, country-pop diva Jessica Simpson and crooners Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr.
What do you think of Ellen DeGeneres leaving "American Idol" and who do you think would be a good replacement for her and Simon Cowell? Sound off in the comments below!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsMichael Mauldin Featured Panelist On “Building A Music Empire” @ The IdOMusic Event (595 NORTH) AUG. 5TH
July 30, 2010
“Building A Music Empire” Panel @ The IdOMusic® Networking Event (595 NORTH) AUG. 5TH. ADMISSION: EVERYONE FREE before 8:30p with RSVP to idomusicpwr@gmail.com. Read more
Is Jennifer Lopez A New ‘American Idol’ Judge?
July 30, 2010
J. Lo may take over the panel spot vacated by Ellen DeGeneres, according to Deadline.com.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Jennifer Lopez
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic
With two open seats now on the "American Idol" judging panel, all types of celebrity names have been bandied about as possible replacements. Elton John and Justin Timberlake were reportedly thrown out as names on an "Idol" wish list. Pop starlet Jessica Simpson has also popped up as a potential name ready to sign on. And with Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres no longer doling out critiques to "Idol" hopefuls, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez has emerged as the latest potential new judge.
Deadline.com reports that Lopez has officially inked a deal to join "Idol" and that the announcement was being kept under wraps until DeGeneres' exit was made public. According to the site, Lopez's manager Benny Medina set up a meeting with "Idol" producers and the singer's camp has been negotiating the deal for about a month. Entertainment website Gossip Cop also reported that a source close to the show confirms that both Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler have been offered spots on the judging panel.
A rep for "American Idol" declined to confirm or deny the rumor to MTV News and only offered "no comment." A representative for Lopez did not respond to MTV News' request for comment at press time.
If Lopez joins the amateur talent behemoth, she would follow in the footsteps of fellow pop diva and dancer Paula Abdul, who brought her experience as a chart-topping recording artist to her critiques for eight seasons.
A gig on the weekly ratings magnet might be a beneficial move for Lopez, who has weathered a few professional setbacks recently. The singer parted ways with her longtime record label, Sony, in February and a tumble at the American Music Awards in 2009 has arguably eclipsed the attention paid to her music. Lopez may also face a $40 million lawsuit after pulling out of a concert in Cyprus.
Would J. Lo make a good "Idol" judge? Tell us what you think in the comments!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsMaroon 5′s Adam Levine Takes A Stand Against Nukes In ‘Take Part’ PSA
July 30, 2010
Levine's PSA promotes 'Countdown to Zero' anti-nuclear documentary from the producers of 'An Inconvenient Truth.'
By James Montgomery
Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Michael Madden
Photo: MTV News
Maroon 5's Adam Levine never thought he'd be talking about a topic like nuclear proliferation, because, well, he's the lead singer of a world-famous rock band. Discussing the finer points of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty wasn't exactly on the job description.
And yet, when he was approached by the folks behind "Countdown to Zero" — the harrowing new documentary from the producers of "An Inconvenient Truth" that investigates the perilous state of global politics and the spread of nuclear weapons — about helping promote the film, he said yes.
"It's one of those issues where it's really easy to establish a stance on," Levine said. "It's more of a human issue, and it makes no sense whatsoever to me. I mean, I'm pretty certain it was a terrible idea to invent nuclear weapons in the first place."
So along with M5 bassist Mickey Madden, Levine shot a PSA that urges people to read — and, hopefully, sign — an anti-nuclear weapons petition co-sponsored by Take Part, an online community aimed at engaging members with social issues (find it here). The petition asks the U.S. Senate to ratify the recently-signed START agreement, which will remove a significant number of nuclear weapons from the arsenals of both the U.S. and Russia. And, in doing so, it may be the first step towards accomplishing what the "Countdown to Zero" film dares to ask: Why does any country need nuclear weapons in this day and age?
"The best way to do things with a delicate issue like this is just to present the facts, and that's what this film does," Levine said. "There are 'X' amount of weapons, and 'Y' amount of people have died because of them, and, oh, by the way, 'Z' amount of those nuclear weapons have gone missing over the years. To me, that was the most staggering stat. I mean, these are not cherry bombs! So while I'm not going to get on the soapbox, I do think that most people will admit that missing nuclear weapons is a bad thing — so why bother having them at all?"
And though he sounds like a well-trained expert now, things didn't quite go as smoothly in the Take Part PSA — which, by the way, is making its world premiere right here — as you can probably tell from the end result. Because unlike some other musicians who lent a hand (a list that includes Pearl Jam, Trent Reznor, R.E.M., Tom Morello and OK Go), Levine is still getting the hang of this whole "spokesperson" thing.
"Oh man, when we shot [the PSA], it was early and I wasn't really good at reading scripts, so I cursed a lot," he laughed.
"Countdown to Zero" opens in theaters nationwide on Friday (July 30).
Related ArtistsEminem Posts Behind-The-Scenes Footage Of Recovery Cover Shoot
July 30, 2010
'It symbolizes how I've had to remove myself from society,' Em says of 'glass-cube' cover.
By James Montgomery
Eminem (file)
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage
It was, to say the very least, unseasonably cold in Detroit back in April — like, 33 degrees cold — but that didn't stop Eminem from ditching his down coat to shoot the cover for his Recovery album.
Of course, he wasn't exactly happy about doing it, but at the request of photographer Nigel Parry, he shed his coat and sat in a makeshift living room in Detroit's Hart Plaza, joking, "Oh man, listen, take your time, listen, I am enjoying the weather so f---ing much!" while Parry snapped away.
All of this occurs within the first minute of a brand-new, behind-the-scenes video posted late Thursday on Em's official site. The video gives fans an exclusive look at the creation of Recovery's two iconic covers. In part one, we watch him shoot the so-called "glass-cube" cover, which, as Em explains, has a lot more symbolism than you'd think.
"It symbolizes, like, what my life is like right now because of the fame, but also kind of how I've had to remove myself from society a little bit, pull back to conquer my demons, my addiction and that whole thing," he says in the video. "It also symbolizes me never leaving Detroit, you know? I'm kinda just sitting in the middle of Detroit, watching TV. And it's kind of my living room, where people are just walking by."
The first clip ends with Eminem, Parry and a team of art directors piling into vans to go shoot the second album cover, which Em describes as "the road to Recovery." And then, in an extended gag — designed to make the rest of his crew as cold and miserable as he is — Em goes on a lengthy rant where he spouts self-help mantras ("You gotta take it one day at a time," etc.) while everyone huddles by a van, laughing.
At the end of the video, we see a quick scene of Eminem wandering down a deserted stretch of highway, and a title card promises that episode two of the Recovery behind-the-scenes footage will be coming soon.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSimon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest React To Ellen’s ‘American Idol’ Exit
July 30, 2010
'She's always been in control of her own destiny,' Cowell says.
By James Dinh
Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell
Photo: Kevin Parry/ WireImage
Fans and bloggers aren't the only ones sharing their reactions to the news that Ellen DeGeneres is leaving "American Idol" after just one season. Fellow departed judge Simon Cowell and current host Ryan Seacrest have also revealed their feelings about the news.
Cowell, who left the show after last season, seemed to imply that he thinks DeGeneres is making the right move. "As I got to know Ellen, I grew to really, really like her," Cowell said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. "I have huge respect for her because she's always been in control of her own destiny."
Ryan Seacrest also dished his two cents on the comedian's unexpected exit. The host took to Twitter on Thursday night with nothing but kind words for his colleague. "Spoke with ellen d tonight aka @theellenshow. I will miss her on Idol. She's one of the kindest and most talented people in Hollywood," he tweeted.
On Thursday, Ellen announced her departure from the show in a statement she posted on her website. "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for," she wrote. "I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on 'Idol' and I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be."
What do you think about Ellen's departure from "Idol"? Will you miss her? Let us know in the comments!
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related PhotosWiz Khalifa Announces He’s Signing To Atlantic Records On ‘RapFix Live’
July 30, 2010
Pittsburgh MC admits Rick Ross' own label offer was 'a huge honor' and opens up about Twitter, tattoos and more on our live stream sit-down.
By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Wiz Khalifa
Photo: MTV News
Wiz Khalifa was voted by fans as MTV's "Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010" and he opened up to his Taylor Gang following during the "RapFive Live" broadcast on Friday (July 30). The Pittsburgh MC addressed everything from his relationship with Rick Ross to his new major-label deal to living at home with moms.
Sporting a gray-and-white tank and showing hometown love in a Pittsburgh Kings cap, the MC kicked off the live stream by accepting the actual trophy for his "Hottest Breakthrough" win and shouted out his fans saying, "Y'all did this." Khalifa then broke down the Taylor Gang movement and urged other rising rappers to utilize social media to build a hard-core fanbase. Wiz even gave some social media tips to Twitter newbie Kanye West.
"Just totally be yourself, 'Ye. Don't hold nothin' back," Khalifa said. "Be careful but just be a character. Have fun — people love that."
Khalifa fielded questions via Twitter and video uploads throughout the show and broke down his favorite ink to one fan: a wrist tattoo in the shape of a stamp imprinted with the words "self made" which he said represents how he built his career from humble beginnings.
"There's neighborhoods that look like third-world countries," Khalifa said of growing up in Pittsburgh. "We didn't have a lot but my mom made sure that we didn't worry about all that stuff. We was rich in love and I had my music and everything that I wanted. Of course, we didn't have food in the house, we had to make stuff out of other things. I had two pairs of pants to wear to school. To me, it was bigger than that and I think that's where I'm at now, because I took those times and I made the best out of it."
Even though he's selling out tours, turning heads in the industry and cultivating a rabid fanbase, the MC revealed that he lives with his mother in his hometown in a spot the rapper dubs "The Bakery."
"That's where the goods are stashed," Khalifa smiled. "You come through and smell the aroma from down the street."
The MC also revealed that he doesn't hide his weed use from his mother, who has apparently influenced the Kush-toking star in several ways.
"She knows about the bakery and she's a master chef herself," Khalifa grinned. "I had to get my recipes from somewhere." However, Wiz insisted he picked up his habit on his own. "She never forced baking on me," Khalifa said.
His penchant for marijuana is a major theme in his music but the artist quickly squashed any notions that he would pick up and move just to have legal access to his favored herb. "I love the fact that kush is legal in Cali but if I move out there it won't just be to [smoke] weed," Khalifa said. "It'll be for work and business and that'll be a perk."
Work has been on the uptick since the MC struck out on his own in 2009 after a deal with Warner Bros. failed to result in a major-label release. The rapper described a nonstop hustle that includes everything from grinding in the studio to editing his YouTube videos. To his dedicated Taylor Gang, Khalifa has been owning the indie hip-hop scene and the lyricist said he has witnessed amped-up fans jump out of cars, tail him across town and even kiss his hand. But Wiz admitted that he's surprised by all of the attention.
"If I go to a show ...I'm just expecting it to be a couple hundred. Then they're like, 'It's sold out. There's people passed out in the street crying with their knees bleeding because they can't get in. I'm like, 'What?' " Khalifa said. "There's ambulances at every one of my shows before I get there. For what, I don't know."
In a move that probably frustrated many of his female followers, Khalifa sidestepped a fan question about his romantic life.
"As far as ladies, go, I keep my options open. I keep my business to myself, though, so if ... I was with someone nobody would know," Khalifa said. "For me, as young as I am, I gotta stay single. I gotta stay focused, I gotta stay working. I gotta look available because chicks like you to look available."
Wiz was much more forthcoming about his favorite rappers and called out Rick Ross and frequent collaborator Curren$y as artists he's really into. Khalifa also talked about how he first hooked up with Curren$y.
"I hit him on MySpace ... I'm like, 'Yo, I see what you doing, let's link up.' It was when I was working on Flight School I think ... and he was working on This Ain't No Mixtape," Khalifa said. "With me and Spitta, it was like, he had his brain and I had my brain. With the Jets, he had his thing, and I got my thing with the Taylors so it was like, 'Let's combine or at least just do a song and see how people like it.' I flew down to New Orleans and we ended up being the same dude, smoking and rapping about the same stuff."
On the subject of possibly inking a deal with his other favorite rapper and fellow "RapFix Live" alum, Rick Ross, the P-Town MC was flattered that the Miami Bawse had considered bringing him into the Maybach Music fold.
"It's a huge honor for him to even extend a hand like that," Wiz said after seeing a video of Ross asking what it would take for Khalifa to sign to his label. "Even if it ain't no paperwork between me and Ross, it's gonna be work done between me and Ross."
Khalifa did have news about his record label home and confirmed that he is signing a deal with Atlantic Records. "I wanted to make sure that I had records that I was comfortable with before I went to any label or any situation."
What was your favorite part of Wiz's "RapFix Live" appearance? Let us know in the comments!
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