Author Archives: UnRated Magazine

P!nk Announces ‘The Truth About Love’ 2013 North American Tour

P!nk, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and pop culture icon, announced that she will tour North America for the first time in four years, beginning on February 13, 2013. P!nk is known around the world as one of the most captivating live performers of her generation. The recently named COVERGIRL has confirmed 25 dates for The Truth About Love Tour presented by COVERGIRL in support of her new album, The Truth About Love, available today. The Live Nation produced arena tour is scheduled to begin on February 13, 2013 at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona with dates confirmed through March 28, 2013 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Tickets go on sale to the public beginning September 29 ^th at LiveNation.com.

P!nk is in the midst of a media blitz appearing on the Today Show today, as well as The View and John Stewart’s The Daily Show on September 19. Fans will have the opportunity to chat with P!nk about her upcoming tour live today at 12:00 noon Eastern. To register and participate in the web chat, fans should visit TheTruthAboutLoveTour.com.

Citi presale info Citi® cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, September 25 ^th at 10:00am local time through Citi’s Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Since her debut in 2000, P!nk (Alecia Moore) has released 7 albums (Can’t Take Me Home, M!ssundaztood, Try This, I’m Not Dead, Funhouse, Greatest Hits So Far!!!, The Truth About Love), sold over 40 million albums, 65 million singles (nearly 20 million digital tracks), over 1 million DVDs worldwide and has had 12 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. In addition, 15 of P!nk’s singles have reached #1 in at least 1 or more countries. She is the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards, 2 Billboard Music Awards, 5 MTV Video Music Awards, 2 MTV Europe Awards, 2 People’s Choice Awards, and many more. P!nk’s last studio album Funhouse debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #1 in the UK, Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand and Switzerland. The album produced the smash single “So What”, which marked P!nk’s 2^nd #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 (after “Lady Marmalade”). Her latest album, Greatest Hits So Far… debuted in the Top 10 in over 13 countries and spawned the hit singles, “F**ckin Perfect” which reach # 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and “Raise Your Glass” which marked P!nk’s 3^rd #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. P!nk just released her 6^th studio album, The Truth About Love, on September 18 ^th. The first single “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” has sky-rocketed to the top of music charts all over the world and marks P!nk’s 12^th Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

The deluxe edition of The Truth About Love, will be sold exclusively at Target, and will offer fans four additional studio tracks. P!nk has teamed up with producer Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foster The People & The Shins) for the very first time on this release along with long time collaborators Max Martin and Shellback, Billy Mann and Butch Walker. She has also worked with songwriter/producer Dan Wilson (Adele’s “Someone Like You”). The album is P!nk’s unique take on the different shades of love – the dark, the light, the happy and the sad.

*THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE TOUR* *PRESENTED BY COVERGIRL:*
SHOW DATE	CITY	VENUE	ON SALE DATE

February 13, 2013	Phoenix, AZ	U.S. Airways Center	Sat Sep 29
February 15, 2013	Las Vegas, NV	Mandalay Bay Events Center	Sat Oct 06
February 16, 2013	Los Angeles, CA	STAPLES Center	Sat Oct 06
February 18, 2013	San Jose, CA	HP Pavilion at San Jose	Sat Sep 29
February 21, 2013	Houston, TX	Toyota Center	Sat Oct 06
February 22, 2013	Dallas, TX	American Airlines Center	Fri Oct 05
February 24, 2013	Orlando , FL	Amway Center	Sat Oct 06
February 25, 2013	Fort Lauderdale, FL	BB&T Center	Sat Oct 06
February 27, 2013	Tampa, FL	Tampa Bay Times Forum	Sat Oct 06
March 1, 2013	Atlanta, GA	Philips Arena	Sat Oct 13
March 2, 2013	Nashville, TN	Bridgestone Arena	Sat Oct 13
March 5, 2013	Detroit, MI	The Palace of Auburn Hills	Sat Oct 13
March 6, 2013	Columbus, OH	Schottenstein Center	Sat Oct 13
March 8, 2013	Louisville, KY	KFC Yum! Center	Sat Oct 06
March 09, 2013	Chicago, IL	United Center	Sat Sep 29
March 11, 2013	Toronto, ON	Air Canada Centre	Sat Sep 29
March 12, 2013	Montreal, QC	Bell Centre	Sat Oct 13
March 14, 2013	Washington DC	Verizon Center	Sat Sep 29
March 16, 2013	Charlotte, NC	Time Warner Cable Arena	Sat Oct 13
March 17, 2013	Philadelphia, PA	Wells Fargo Center	Sat Oct 06
March 19, 2013	Saint Paul, MN	Xcel Energy Center	Sat Oct 13
March 23, 2013	East Rutherford, NJ	Izod Center	Sat Oct 06
March 25, 2013	Uniondale, NY	Nassau Coliseum	Sat Oct 06
March 27, 2013	Uncasville, CT	Mohegan Sun Arena	Sat Oct 06
March 28, 2013	Boston, MA	TD Garden	Sat Oct 06

All dates subject to change.

For additional ticket and tour information, visit: TheTruthAboutLoveTour.com and LiveNation.com.

Mike Epps Slated As Host For This Year’s BET Hip Hop Awards

Actor and comedian Mike Epps (@THEREALMIKEEPPS) will once again host this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards festivities from the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta on Saturday, September 29, 2012 with the network premiere on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 8:00 pm*.

The BET Hip Hop Awards Voting Academy is comprised of a select assembly of music and entertainment executives, media and industry influencers. Celebrating the biggest names in the game, newcomers on the scene, and shining a light on the community, the BET Hip Hop Awards is ready to salute the very best in hip hop culture. Leading the pack of A-list talent this year is Kanye West with 17 Nominations for Best Hip Hop Video; Reese’s Perfect Combo Award; Best Live Performer; Lyricist of the Year; Video Director of the Year; Producer of the Year; MVP of the Year; Track of the Year; Made-You-Look Award; Hustler of the Year; Impact Track; and 2 nominations for People’s Champ Award Powered by Verizon for “Otis” and “Mercy” and 2 nominations Best Club Banger for “Ni**as in Paris” and “Mercy.”

“This year as there’s a vibrant, young energy in music that our BET Hip Hop Awards show is poised to capture both in dynamic cyphers and thrilling on-stage performances. The excitement will be coming to you at the speed of light!” stated Stephen G. Hill, President of Specials and Programming, BET Networks. “On another note, you can expect an all-star tribute to our friend Chris Lighty from those artists who loved him and worked with him…when it came to Chris, it was ‘love’ and ‘work’ in that order. This show, from front to back, is going to be special.”

Following is the Full List of BET Hip Hop Awards ’12 Nominees and Categories:

Best Hip Hop Video

2 Chainz f/ Drake – No Lie

A$AP Rocky – Goldie

Drake f/ Lil Wayne – HYFR

Wale f/ Miguel – Lotus Flower Bomb

Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz – Mercy

Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo)

2 Chainz f/ Drake – No Lie

Drake f/ Lil Wayne & Tyga – The Motto (Remix)

J. Cole f/ Missy Elliott – Nobody’s Perfect

Wale f/ Miguel – Lotus Flower Bomb

Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz – Mercy

Best Live Performer

A$AP Rocky

Drake

J. Cole

The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Kanye West

Lyricist of the Year

J. Cole

Jay-Z

Kendrick Lamar

Nas

Kanye West

Video Director of the Year

A$AP Rocky & Sam Lecca

Benny Boom

Chris Robinson

Hype Williams

Kanye West

Producer of the Year

Hit-Boy

J. Cole

J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League

No I.D.

Kanye West

MVP of the Year

2 Chainz

J. Cole

Jay-Z

Rick Ross

Kanye West

Track of the Year

Cashin’ Out – Produced by DJ Spinz (Ca$h Out)

Ima Boss – Produced by Jahlil Beats (Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross)

Ni**as in Paris – Produced by Kanye West, Hit-Boy and Mike Dean (The Throne – Jay-Z & Kanye West)

No Lie – Produced by Mike Will Made-It and Co-Produced by Marz (2 Chainz f/ Drake)

The Motto (Remix) – Produced by T-Minus (Drake f/ Lil Wayne & Tyga)

CD of the Year

Common – The Dreamer, The Believer

Drake – Take Care

J. Cole – Cole World: The Sideline Story

The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch The Throne

Young Jeezy – TM: 103 Hustlerz Ambition

DJ of the Year

DJ Drama

DJ Enuff

DJ Envy

DJ Funkmaster Flex

DJ Khaled

Rookie of the Year

2 Chainz

A$AP Rocky

Ca$h Out

Future

Meek Mill

Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style)

2 Chainz

A$AP Rocky

Big Sean

Nicki Minaj

Kanye West

Best Club Banger

Ca$h Out – Cashin’ Out (Produced by DJ Spinz)

Drake f/ Lil Wayne & Tyga – The Motto (Remix) (Produced by T-Minus)

Future – Same Damn Time (Produced by Sonny Digital)

The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Ni**as in Paris (Produced by Kanye West, Hit-Boy & Mike Dean)

Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz – Mercy (Produced by Lifted with additional production by Kanye West)

Best Mixtape

A$AP Rocky – LiveLoveA$AP

Joey BadA$$ – 1999

Meek Mill – Dreamchasers 2

Rick Ross – Rich Forever

Wiz Khalifa – Taylor Allderdice

Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse

2 Chainz – Mercy (Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz)

Diddy – Same Damn Time Remix (Future f/ Diddy & Ludacris)

Drake – Stay Schemin’ (Rick Ross f/ Drake & French Montana)

Ludacris – Same Damn Time Remix (Future f/ Diddy & Ludacris)

T.I. – Magic Remix (Future f/ T.I.)

Hustler of the Year

2 Chainz

Jay-Z

Lil Wayne

Rick Ross

Kanye West

Impact Track

Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free) – Lupe Fiasco

Bitch Bad – Lupe Fiasco

Daughters – Nas

Murder to Excellence – The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

People’s Champ Award Presented by Verizon

2 Chainz f/ Drake – No Lie

Driicky Graham – Snapbacks & Tattoos

Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross – Ima Boss

The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) f/ Otis Redding – Otis

Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz – Mercy

Best Hip Hop Online Site

2DopeBoyz.com

AllHipHop.com

Complex.com

HipHopDX.com

NahRight.com

RapRadar.com

WorldStarHipHop.com

Join the conversation on social media by logging on to BET’s multiple social media platforms: On Twitter by using hashtag: #HipHopAwards; and following us @HipHopAwards and @BET. On Facebook by liking the fan page at facebook.com/HipHopAwards

Sway Calloway Hosts The 1st Annual Global Spin Awards

Bad Boy Records /Power Moves Inc. executive, Shawn Prez, orchestrates the 1^st annual “Global Spin Awards” which will recognize notable DJs across the Globe for their accomplishments and great achievements in the music and entertainment industries. The award show will take place at the New York Times Center in NYC. MTV’s executive producer for MTV News and Sirius XM Radio, Shade 45 morning show host, Sway Calloway, has been confirmed as the award show’s host and will be announcing the nominees for the awards at a press conference to be held in NYC in October 2012.

The “Global Spin Awards” voting committee also known as the “DJ Bureau” is comprised of the most influential music industry tastemakers, executives, pop culture enthusiasts, and legendary DJs. This select group of influential individuals will work together to compile the list of categories and nominees who have transcended in their careers. The bureau will select nominees as well as maintain the integrity of the voting process for each award. All nominees will be announced by Sway Calloway during the press conference for the GSA’s.

The Global Spin Awards will be the first award show of its kind to give recognition to DJs nationally and internationally, honoring those who bring great music into the lives and homes of many. The award show is supported by DJ coalitions, music industry executives, entertainment industry professionals and DJs around the world.

“Throughout my career I’ve formed long standing relationships with DJs and have always noticed the lack of recognition given to them for the roles they play within the culture of music and entertainment. The GSA’s were created to fill that void and finally honor the DJs exclusively for their achievements, especially amongst their peers. Simply put, DJs deserve their version of the Grammy’s,” says an excited Shawn Prez.

The GSA’s will take place at the NY Times Center on November 19, 2012 at 8pm in NYC. The evening will include celebrities from Television, Music, Sports and Fashion industries hitting the red carpet and presenting awards in selected categories.

For more information about the “Global Spin Awards” please visit http://www.globalspinawards.com.

Ryan Leslie to Release “Les Is More” on October 22

Producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, entrepreneur and recording artist Ryan Leslie will release his third studio album, Les Is More on October 22 via NextSelection Lifestyle Group/BDG (BDG is distributed by RED Distribution, a division of SONY Music Entertainment). The first single from the album “Beautiful Lie” featuring Fabolous is being serviced to mixshow radio.

Les Is More is the first rap album from Ryan Leslie, and is the follow up to the Grammy-nominated R&B album Transition released in late 2009. Les Is More is influenced by Leslie’s collaborations with top rap artists such as Fabolous and Kanye West, both of whom appear in the video for the autobiographical track “Glory.” Leslie was further inspired when he sat in for the recording sessions of the Grammy award-winning album Watch the Throne. “Watching Jay and Ye’s creative process further inspired me that rap was the right direction for this album. However, I also knew that a departure from my previous critically acclaimed R&B work would require an even more robust artistic contribution.”

Fueled by that challenge, Ryan Leslie created an unprecedented body of work. Along with the music which was written, arranged, produced and performed by Leslie, he also directed and edited a series of music videos to accompany each record. The result, Les Is More is a ground-breaking visual album shot in Paris, Milan, Switzerland, Miami, Las Vegas, and Manhattan that provides a unique and intimate window into Ryan Leslie’s life.

Leslie kicked off his world Les Is More Tour in San Francisco on September 18. Below is a current listing of tour dates and more shows will be announced on LesIsMoreTour.com.

Les Is More Tour Dates

Sep 18 Ruby Skye – San Francisco, CA

Sep 19 Roxy Theatre – West Hollywood, CA

Sep 20 The Cosmopolitan of LV – Las Vegas, NV

Sep 21 Club Red – Tempe, AZ

Sep 29 Showcase Live – Foxborough, MA

Oct 02 Howard Theatre – Washington, DC

Oct 04 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY

Oct 05 Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA

Oct 11 Virgin Mobile Mod Club – Toronto, Canada

Oct 14 Pavilion (UC Davis) – Davis, CA

Nicki Minaj Introduces Pink Friday, Her Debut Fragrance

International superstar and sought-after style and fashion muse Nicki Minaj announces the launch of her first fragrance, Pink Friday, in partnership with Elizabeth Arden, a global prestige beauty products company. The fragrance debuted in department stores nationwide this month (September 2012).

“We are very pleased to partner with Nikki Minaj as she introduces her debut fragrance, Pink Friday,” said Kathy Widmer, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Elizabeth Arden. “We believe this fragrance beautifully reflects her innovative and creative spirit, and we look forward to a long and rewarding partnership with her.”

From her signature sound as a talented artist to her striking look as a style icon, Minaj’s overwhelming influence transcends the traditional path of celebrities. Defiantly undefined, she reaches fans that span from youth to adult, across a select array of platforms. From her groundbreaking influence on music, to her captivating style for beauty and fashion, this starlet is revolutionizing pop culture with a fiery taste for originality. Bold and confident, Nicki fearlessly pushes beyond boundaries to achieve her extraordinary vision. Nicki now applies this outlook and passion through the debut of her fragrance, Pink Friday, an intoxicating new creative expression.

“Pink Friday is a celebration of my life at this moment; it is a reflection of me as a creator, and an expression of me as a woman. I know my Barbz will connect with and appreciate each aspect – from the name, to the outrageous bottle design, to the vibrant colors that create their own song. Pink Friday shows off my personality and style; it’s exciting to express my voice through another dimension,” says Minaj. “I was involved in every aspect of the decision-making process – it seems easy because I always get this feeling inside: I know if something is right or wrong. Each detail needs to ‘wow’ me or it is not an option; that’s my way of composing perfection.”

Before the Show with the OMG Girlz

By Sommer Thornton

Scream Tour 2012 hit Chicago over the weekend and tweens from near and far flocked to the Arie Crown Theater. Diggy Simmons headlined the tour this year with the OMG Girlz, Chicago Native Jawon Harris, and rap duo TKnCA$H. Before the concert I got to talk with the vibrant teen sensation, the OMG Girlz, a trio comprised of Beauty, Babydoll, and Star.

A creation of former Xscape member Tameka “Tiny” Harris, the OMG Girlz are rising to the top with their catchy songs, energetic dances, and of course their pretty girl swag. The world was first introduced to the OMG Girlz on the BET reality show, Tiny and Toya, but after a few personnel changes in the group and a bolder image, the girls are ready to “paint the world pink, purple, and blue,” as BabyDoll puts it. Check out what the OMG Girlz had to say about touring, the family hustle, and of course boys.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: What’s 1 word each of you would use to describe your music?

BEAUTY: Fun

BABYDOLL: Age Appropriate

STAR: Distinct

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: You guys have a unique style -it’s very brave. How does your style come through in your music?

BABYDOLL: Our new single “Where the Boys At” is a fun song for girls. The song is just about us having a good time- we just wanna find the party, figure out where the boys at. And “Gucci This” is about shopping- going to the mall and having a good time, even if it’s with your mom. All of our songs are really fun. Sometimes they can be about boys like “So Official” is about a guy we like and he’s really cute so he’s So Official.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: How has touring with Diggy this time around different from when you toured with Mindless Behavior?

BABYDOLL: It’s not too much of a difference because it’s like a family reunion. We like to watch each other grow. And we really appreciate each other and give each other credit where it’s due. So if there’s a difference it’s the growth and love as brothers and sisters, and doing what we love to do at the same time.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: Did you know any of the other artists before this tour?

BABYDOLL: Nobody on this tour. It’s good to meet some friends our age.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: Are there any artist that you have collaborated with that you’re especially excited about?

STAR: We do have one with Diggy on a remix. We have a couple of collaborations but we can’t really talk about them because we’re still choosing what should be on the album.

BABYDOLL: For the future we would like to work with big producers like Timbaland, Missy Elliot, The Dream, and also artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, and Katy Perry.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: Is there a female group or artist you all look up to?

STAR: As a group we really look up to TLC. They are really our inspiration. We love their style in music and their style in clothes. We look back at them then try to come up with something new- something more up-to-date from them. We also look up to Boys II Men, New Edition, Destiny’s Child and Xscape,

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: You guys are signed to Grand Hustle Records and Pretty Hustle. How is it being signed to your parents’ labels?

STAR: It’s a great feeling because when I was younger I always used to talk to my stepdad [T.I.] about Grand Hustle and I would tell him “One day I wanna get the chain and stuff.” I was like 5. So when we started our own thing and showed them that we were serious we ended up getting the chains and getting signed. It’s crazy but it’s overall a great experience.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: What’s the best advice your parents give you all about the industry that you guys have taken to heart?

BEAUTY: My mom tells me to always stay grounded and stay focused on what I’m doing. She always tells me to practice. She’s always on me about bettering my craft.

STAR: My parents tell all of us to make sure that when we’re in the business to take it seriously. Also that even though we’re in a grown people business not to act like kids, because we are mature for our age. They also tell us to be about what you’re doing and never feel like just cause I’m a kid I can’t ask questions and know what’s going on when we’re in meetings. They tell us to ask questions and know what were doing so that when we get older we’ll be even better.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: Star- Your brother Domani raps. Have you thought about putting him on any of your songs or putting any of your family members on an OMG song?

STAR: We‘re in the process of doing a song with Domani.

BEAUTY: We did a song with Domani and with my little sister Lolo.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: Star’s mom and stepdad’s reality show, TI and Tiny: A Family Hustle premiered on VH1 a few weeks ago. What can we expect to see from the OMG Girlz on the show this season?

BABYDOLL: More family hustle. It’s Star’s family so it’s showing how great they are, very family oriented. They chase us here and there.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: Do you have any funny stories that happened on tour either time?

STAR: On our first tour this girl snuck on our bus. This tour there were these fans outside our van sticking their hands in the window, and we were pulling off. So me and Babydoll kept telling them “you gotta move your hand before it gets cut off.”

BABYDOLL: We were just kidding with them. We just didn’t want anyone to get ran over.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: What’s your favorite thing to do when you all have some down time?

BABYDOLL: Collectively we like to spend time with our families because when we’re on the road we miss them. We go see our grandparents. I try to go back to my home town, Mobile, Alabama and they go back to A-Town. Star catches up on her sleep. Beauty loves to party and go out and hang out with friends. And me I like to work out. I don’t like to sit still. I like to do things that perfect my craft. We’re in school so on the road we had to stay caught up with our school work, so that when we go back home we have our work ready.

UNRATED URBAN MAGAZINE: When does your album drop? What’s it called?

BABYDOLL: The Album is coming really soon. It’s called Officially Miss Guided, which means girls guided by girl power and independence. It’s great because it can reach kids and parents. Parents are gonna be in the car too, so we wanna make something for them. But it’s fun and it’s colorful like our hair, also distinct and age appropriate like we said earlier. We’re ready to paint the world pink, purple, and blue.

I can see that these eloquent young ladies have a bright future ahead of them. They all sing well, they dance like I never seen a girl group move- very girly but also age appropriate. I also love the OMG Girlz’ unique style. And their songs “Loverboy” and “Where the Boys At” are catchy even for adults. By the end of the OMG Girlz’ lively set I wanted to buy their album, Officially Miss Guided when it drops. The crowd loved the OMG Girlz too. The ladies even paid an unexpected tribute to 90’s girl groups TLC and Total. My favorite performance was “Gucci This” which they killed. I can tell these girls were born to do what they are doing, and they’re serious about their craft.

Other Scream Tour acts included, TKnCA$H, a rap duo with major game. They had the crowd going wild for their hits, rapping every word. DTP Records’ fresh young rap duo is just what the industry needs. Also, Chicago’s own, Jawon Harris performed some of his R&B hits. Jawon reminds me of a Tevin Campbell/Bobby Brown hybrid. His songs are soulful and he has a wonderful voice. But Jawon has a bad boy streak. The girls in the crowd went cray when Jawon took off his shirt and showed his 6-pack while belting out a beautiful ballad. Then this boy poured water all over his nekkid chest (clutch my pearls.) I had to peek though.

After the OMG Girlz, Diggy Simmons hit the stage. I thought the theater couldn’t get any more hyped. Boy was a wrong. Diggy tore the roof off with his first song. And his swag was on 100 as he rocked the stage in all white everything. Everybody knows that Diggy is a star in the making- literally. But the OMG Girlz, with the help of their famous mentors are on their way to super stardom.

Watch the OMG Girls perform “Gucci This” at the Scream Tour in Chicago!

Watch the OMG Girls perform their ballad” Loverboy” at the Scream Tour in Chicago!

A Huge Night of Musical Firsts at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards

The “2012 MTV Video Music Awards,” broadcast live this evening from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, was a night of musical firsts with the debut TV performances of new songs by Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, P!nk, Green Day and more. First-time host Kevin Hart set the lively tone for the evening the moment he emerged with his own unique security detail, while One Direction, Frank Ocean, 2 Chainz and Calvin Harris marked their first-ever VMA performances.

Rihanna, who took home the biggest prize of the night, “Video of the Year,” for “We Found Love,” opened the show with a sultry performance of “Cockiness (Love It)” featuring A$AP Rocky. She then turned the arena into a huge dance party, performing her VMA award-winning song, “We Found Love,” with mega-hit producer and “2012 VMA house D.J.” Calvin Harris, who won a VMA of his own for “Best Electronic Dance Music Video.”

Chris Brown won two VMA Moon men for “Best Male Video” and “Best Choreography” for “Turn up the Music.” Tying Brown with two wins for the night was M.I.A., who took home “Best Direction” and “Best Cinematography” for “Bad Girls.” The Young Money crew also had a night of successes, as Nicki Minaj won “Best Female Video,” and Drake featuring Lil Wayne scored “Best Hip Hop Video.” Coldplay garnered “Best Rock Video,” and VMA pre-show performer Demi Lovato took home “Best Video with a Message.”

A gravity-defying P!nk got the party started from a flying trapeze, performing her chart-topping hit “Blow Me (One Last Kiss).” Rising R&B singer-songwriter Frank Ocean took the stage for an intimate performance of his single “Thinking Of You,” off his debut album. Accompanied only by a guitarist, it was an enchanting performance by the VMA newcomer.

U.K. sensation One Direction, took home three Moon men for “Best New Artist,” voted on live throughout the show, “Best Pop Video,” and first-time VMA fan voted social media category, “Most Share-Worthy Video” presented by Bing, ascended from beneath the stage to a throng of screaming fans, and performed their hit single “One Thing” on a platform high above the audience.

Hip-hop rising star 2 Chainz took to the VMA stage for the first time ever, and together with Lil Wayne, ignited the audience with a performance of “Yuck,” followed by Lil Wayne’s new single “No Worries,” from his highly anticipated mix tape, “D4.” In a pulsating performance from the center of a writhing human mosh pit, Green Day rocked out to their new song “Let Yourself Go.”

Alicia Keys’ performance of new single “Girl on Fire” featured a surprise appearance by Nicki Minaj, and was accompanied by U.S. Olympian Gabby Douglas, who performed her gold medal-winning moves on stage.

Taylor Swift closed out the evening with a fun performance of her new smash single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” that brought the entire crowd to their feet. Starting the song in a recording booth, Swift was soon draped by a team of backup dancers as they paraded down the stage with a shower of flower petals raining on the wall of hi-def screens behind them. Swift then crowd dived into the crowd at STAPLES Center amid a sea of confetti.

Presenters at the”2012 MTV Video Music Awards” included Katy Perry, Emma Watson, Mac Miller, the “Fierce Five” 2012 Gold Medal-winning U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team, The Wanted, Wiz Khalifa, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Andy Samberg, Rashida Jones, 2 Chainz, Ke$ha, Tyler, the Creator, Rita Ora, Dwight Howard, Rebel Wilson, Zoe Saldana and worldwide Korean hip-hop viral sensation Psy.

#VMA2012 has persistently been trending as the #1 organic topic since the beginning of the show. @mtv’s most popular tweet was announcing One Direction’s win for Most Share-Worthy Video.

The “2012 VMA” award winners are:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Rihanna f/ Calvin Harris
Title: “We Found Love”

BEST NEW ARTIST
One Direction
Title: “What Makes You Beautiful”

BEST MALE VIDEO
Chris Brown
Title: “Turn Up the Music”

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Nicki Minaj
Title: “Starships”

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Drake featuring Lil Wayne
Title: “HYFR”

BEST POP VIDEO
One Direction
Title: “What Makes You Beautiful”

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Coldplay
Title: “Paradise”

BEST ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC VIDEO
Calvin Harris
Title: “Feel So Close”

BEST VIDEO WITH A MESSAGE
Demi Lovato
Title: “Skyscraper”

MOST SHARE-WORTHY VIDEO (Presented by Bing)
One Direction
Title: “What Makes You Beautiful”

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES:

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Chris Brown
Title: “Turn Up the Music”
Choreography by Anwar “Flii” Burton

BEST EDITING
Beyonce
Title: “Countdown”
Editing by Alexander Hammer & Jeremiah Shuff

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Skrillex
Title: “First of the Year (Equinox)”
Visual Effects by Deka Bros & Tony T. Datis

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
M.I.A.
Title: “Bad Girls”
Cinematography by Andre Chemetoff

BEST ART DIRECTION
Katy Perry
Title: “Wide Awake”
Art-Direction by Benji Bamps

BEST DIRECTION
M.I.A.
Title: “Bad Girls”
Direction by Romain Gavras

Photos from MTV

Kendrick Lamar’s Debut Album Set For October 22nd Release

The official release date for the highly anticipated debut major label album from rising rapper Kendrick Lamar–crowned the “new King of the West Coast” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg at an L.A. concert last year–was announced today. good kid, m.A.A.d city (Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records) will be released October 22, 2012. Featured will be the single “Swimming Pool (Drank),” which was released July 31 ^stand is produced by T-Minus. Lamar will introduce the album by headlining a nationwide tour that also includes the BET Music Matters Tour beginning September 7.

Lamar’s indie-issued Section.80 ranked as one of the top digital hip-hop albums of 2011. Despite not having a physical release, Section.80 cracked Billboard’s R&B/Hip-hop Top 25, Rap Top 15 and Top 200 Albums charts. The Compton, California native has since been racking up the praise. After his Bonnaroo performance this year, esteemed critic Jon Pareles wrote in the New York Times (June 8): “Instead I prefer Kendrick Lamar… (who) instead of directing his anger at the police, women or outsiders, he criticizes himself and his environment, and he projects far more ambition than victimization (with) tales of striving, self-improvement and overcoming a rough past, delivered with a cutting rasp and fast, complicated meter shifts.”

Lamar first drew the attention of Dre with his 2010 mixtape O(verly) D(edicated). This year, he performed alongside Dre and Snoop as they co-headlined the Coachella Music & Arts Festival. good kid, m.A.A.d city also features “The Recipe” with Dr. Dre and was released in the spring and reached the Rap Top 25.

Tour Dates:

Date	City	Venue
9/7	Norfolk, VA	The Norva
9/8	Richmond, VA	The National
9/11	Charlotte, NC	The Fillmore
9/12	Baltimore, MD	Rams Head
9/13	Philadelphia, PA	TLA
9/14	Washington, DC	Howard Theater
9/15	New York, NY	Terminal 5
9/16	Boston, MA	The Wilbur Theater
9/19	Toronto, ON	Sound Academy
9/20	Detroit, MO	Royal Oak
9/21	Minneapolis, MN	Epic
9/22	Milwaukee, WI	The Rave
9/23	Chicago, IL	The Congress
9/25	Tallahassee, FL	The Moon
9/26	Tampa, FL	The Ritz Ybor
9/27	Miami, FL	The Fillmore
9/28	Orlando, FL	Plaza Live
9/29	Atlanta, GA	Tabernacle
9/30	New Orleans, LA	House of Blues
10/1	Baton Rouge, LA	Varsity Theater
10/6	Fresno, CA	Big Fresno Fair
10/7	Pozo, CA	Pozo Saloon
10/8	Denver, CO	The Ogden Theater
10/9	Blacksburg, VA	Burruss Auditorium – Virginia Polytech University
10/10	San Diego, CA	SOMA
10/11	Phoenix, AZ	Celebrity Theater
10/13	Portland, OR	Roseland Theatre
10/14	Seattle, WA	The Neptune
10/16	San Francisco, CA	Regency Ballroom
10/17	Los Angeles, CA	Club Nokia
10/18	Pomona, CA	Fox Theater
10/19	Las Vegas, NV	Hard Rock Cafe
10/20	Salt Lake City, UT	The Depot
10/26	Morgantown, WV	WVU Collisuem – West Virginia University

For the latest Kendrick Lamar news, please visit http://www.topdawgmusic.com and twitter @KendrickLamar

A3C Hip Hop Festival 2012

Now in its 8th year, Atlanta’s annual A3C Hip Hop Festival will be held October 11-13, 2012.

Not only has the event become the largest Hip Hop festival in the southeastern United States, drawing over 15,000 people in 2011, but it is the premier gathering place for MCs, DJs and producers that create Hip Hop music as well as participants and fans of the culture.

In addition to headliner Twista, King Louie, GLC and Mikkey Halsted will represent the Midwest in the Taste of Chicago showcase presented by Xtreme Promo and Fake Shore Drive. Taste of Chicago also features YP, Mush Millions, Fresh, Squart and others.

Continuing to showcase regional Hip Hop sounds, A3C’s Texas showcase presented by Pushamania includes Paul Wall, Killa Kyleon, A.Dd+, The Niceguys, League of Extraordinary Gz, Doughbeezy, Kydd and Worldwide.

Long time A3C Partner, Fadia Kader returns to the festival with Perfect Attendance presented by LiveMixtapes all three nights at Little Five Point’s Five Spot. Saturday night, hosted by Dirty Glove Bastards, features Devin The Dude, Don Trip, Starlito, Young Scooter, SL Jones, Cory Mo, OG Ron C and DJ Burn One. Thursday Night will be hosted by Good Music All Day and Friday will be hosted by The Smoking Section with artists still to be announced for both evenings.

A3C alumnus 9th Wonder also returns with his independent label Jamla Records and performances from artists Big Remo, Actual Proof, Rapsody and others.

Creative Revolution Union (CRUx) and EarMilk join forces to present Right Brain headlined by Ab-Soul. Sponsored by Rocksmith Clothing, the Right Brain showcase also features Ducko McFli, FKi, Zip, Kenney and Mach Five.

A3C is still accepting artists’ submissions through ReverbNation and Sonicbids until August 31. A3C staff listen to every submission and are looking for talented artists from across the country who can bring something unique to the festival. All artists that submit, regardless of selection, receive a 3-day festival pass through Sonicbids or a code to purchase discounted tickets through ReverbNation.

Tech N9ne, Freeway, Gunplay, CunninLynguists and Hopsin are just a few of other artists confirmed to perform at the 2012 event in addition to a special appearance by Ghet-O-Vision/Shady recording artist Yelawolf.

For a complete list of 2012 performing artists visit www.a3cfestival.com/artists.

In addition to more than 200 live performances and showcases, the A3C Hip Hop Festival features turntable, emcee, producer and breakdance competitions as well as educational and community programming including panel discussions and workshops. Specific showcase, panel, artists and event updates will continue to be announced through the A3C website through the start of the festival on October 11, 2012.

BET Networks Celebrates The 25th Anniversary Of Michael Jackson’s “BAD”

On Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. ET*, BET Networks will premiere BET Presents: BAD25 – The Short Films of Michael Jackson, a two-hour tribute to the industry-redefining short films emanating from the landmark Michael Jackson album, BAD, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The TV special airs the same day as the release of BAD25, available in multiple formats, which will include CDs of the original album plus rare and previously unreleased audio as well as the first ever authorized DVD and CD release of a concert from the record breaking BAD World Tour.

Partnering with Sony Music and The Estate of Michael Jackson, BET has created a unique and spectacular televised tribute to the short films from Michael Jackson’s BAD. Through photos, visuals and interviews with celebrity fans, cultural critics and contemporary artists who have been influenced by Michael, the special will take viewers on a fascinating journey celebrating the everlasting influence on the music video artform by one of the most historically significant works of modern music, BAD. The special will include interviews with Ne-Yo, Ashanti, Michael Eric Dyson, A$AP Rocky, Beverly Johnson, Affion Crockett, Al Sharpton, MC Lyte and others.

BAD is not only a multi-platinum album; it is a cultural phenomenon. The album was #1 around the world, made history with five consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard chart, and produced nine chart-topping singles, and nine groundbreaking and iconic short films, including Smooth Criminal, The Way You Make Me Feel and Bad. To date, the BAD album has generated over 45 million units in sales. The BAD World Tour was Michael’s first concert tour as a solo artist, and his only North American tour, and included 123 concerts attended by more than 4.4 million fans over sixteen months. When it concluded, the tour had shattered all previous touring records for attendance and total gross revenue.