Rihanna Almost Naked for 'All of the Lights' Video by Kanye West
The new Kanye West music video has arrived for his latest track, "All of the Lights." Many hip hop and music fans will be pleased to see a nearly naked Rihanna. That's right, this is Rihanna's almost nude video debut (leaked sex tapes aside).
This song, from West's album, was featured prominently almost like the official theme song of NBA All-Star Weekend 2011, and it seems to fit. Not only that, but Rihanna, who is featured on the song and in the video rocked the Halftime show in Los Angeles this weekend. After several songs, Drake showed up to help her on "What's My Name?" followed by Kanye West appearing on stage to do "All of the Lights."
The video, seen via YouTube below, was done by Hype Williams and features you guessed it, "All of the Lights," including West rocking up on a police car. Still the best lights seem to be the ones behind RiRi as she sings "want you to see everything." In a revealing black outfit, we almost do!
Check out the Kanye West video below with almost naked Rihanna, Kanye West and others featured in the chorus (Kid Cudi, Charlie Wilson, etc).
Kanye West's Unfinished 'Monster' Music Video Leaks Online
The new Kanye West 'Monster' video leak has the internet talking. This appears to be one unique, gory, controversial and intriguing new video on the way from West, Jay-Z, Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj. The unfinished new video of the collaborative joint from West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" is seen below. It's definitely dark and twisted, and as Kanye says in the song "I cross the line, but I let God decide."
Two more videos below. The behind the scenes YouTube video below shows the filming of Rick Ross' scenes from the video. Apparently Ross plays the part of some sort of Hannibal Lecter eating a bloody meal with a female layed out on the dinner table. There's also a 40 second sneak preview video which has been making the rounds on YouTube. West probably isn't happy to see these leaks and may be severing some heads for real soon.
Other scenes have been described to show Kanye West holding a severed head and making out with a dead chick. Jay-Z is shown in a full suit rapping in front of a dead girl's body on the couch. Nicki Minaj will apparently be rapping to another version of herself strapped to an executioner's chair. While this video probably would've been best for Halloween 2010, obviously the Kanye West album came out weeks after that.
Enjoy the sneak peak and video footage below, as this looks like it will be an epic music video from Kanye and crew!
Beamer Benz or Bentley lyrics & video - Lloyd Banks w/Juelz Santana
Hip hop honeys grindin, video vixens in tight black leather and expensive cars on display. It doesn't get much better than that these days in rap videos. This latest video for the single "Beamer, Benz or Bentley" by Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana features all of the above. The new song should appear on Banks' third album which is untitled right now with a release date of "TBA".
Enjoy the "Beamer, Benz or Bentley" lyrics and video by Lloyd Banks below via YouTube.
Beamer, benz or bentley Beamer, benz or bentley Beamer, benz or bentley My jeans are never empty b---
Beamer, benz or bentley Beamer, benz or bentley Beamer, benz or bentley Your schemin don't affect me
Im fresh Im fly, Im so damn high more than 500 horses when I roll by Im calm Im cool, everything brand new I dont hand cuff you can get your whole damn crew
Get in my Beamer, Benz, Or Bentley Beamer, Benz, Or Bentley beat it I bet she let me she been fiending since she met me Im the coolest sh-t especially when I throw on all my Gretzky got my sm-sm-smith and Wessie to protect me so respect me this is heavy new Bentley color vanilla and cherry Andretti-O Pirelli make a movie out the getty where my ring and my confetti Im Kobe Bryant ready pink Rose and chronic smelly while stumbling out the telly Im so fly Im so ferry and the way I flow is very ginsu or machete, way my pencil move his deadly platinum band platinum bezzie make a straight girl out of lezzie magazine mac benzie keep my windows like the prezzie press a button than Im stuntin my roof look like its duckin meter go 2 hundred something and my trunk do when its bumpin I am not the one for jumpin I will rachet out and stump him dump him, your better off dead, ya money red
Chorus - Juelz Santana Im fresh Im fly, Im always high got ya b-tch waving at me when I roll by Lloyd Banks Im calm Im cool everything brand new I dont handcuff you can get the whole damn crew
Chorus/Hook
Juelz Santana Verse: Whether Beamer, Benz, Or Bentley I be movin I be movin making movies Tom Cruisin If its action than Im shootin pockets fat, necks studded boy my nick name should be Ruben my Columbian connect told me the Mexicans have moved it and he know just how I get it so we bout to introduce him got a girl named cigar called her that because she Cuban got a black chick that be boosting got a white girl that be boothin gotta watch her cause she use it but she f-ck me like she stupid and she always ready to give me that becky last time it was so good I almost crashed my Bentley hit the club ordered bottles see the sparks in the sky will have this whole b-tch lookin like the 4th of July but if you get to frontin and the pushing lead to shoving we just bussin and we leaving like its nothin if it aint the Gucci or the Louie than its Polo or its Rugby and this b-tch I brought with me she be baggin bi-ches for me
Chorus/Hook
Lloyd Banks I got a girl named Kima and Kima like Christina baby three dont make a crowd it make a sex scene meaner I just wanna get between her turn it over scream her than its one, two, Im through, see ya I scoop her in my Beamer, Benz or Bentley.
The newest music video "Stylo" from cartoonish band Gorillaz is definitely one to watch and savor. Complete with animation, real life action sequences, cool stunts, car chases, shootouts and more, it makes you wonder "what ever happened to the days when music videos were stylish and creative?"
In this new video, the Gorillaz trio is leading the way on a high speed chase down a stretch of desolate roadway. It look as if they were just part of a heist or some other sort of bloody mayhem. Along the way a donut-eating police officer tries to chase them down, but fails, and then the ultimate hero comes into the mix. That's right, a fully gun-toting Bruce Willis enters the chase with gun-a-blasting. The Gorillaz do their best to shake him, but let's not ruin the video's dramatic ending...
Check out the Gorrilaz Stylo video below via YouTube. The latest Gorillaz album is "Plastic Beaches" features Bobby Womack, De La Soul, Snoop Dogg and Mos Def, and is available for MP3 digital download here at Amazon.com.
Recently unveiled at the opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver was the 25th anniversary remake of "We are the World". The newly updated version of the original features over 80 artists including singers, rappers and even actors such as Jeff Daniels and Hayden Pannetierre. Not everyone has huge roles in the song, outside of singing the chorus, but there's some interesting ways they updated the 2010 We are the World, including a surprise appearance by Kanye West towards the end. There's also parts sung in Haitian by Wyclef, a rap interlude featuring several rappers and more.
Below are the We are the World Lyrics 25 for Haiti & video. In () next to each line or part of the song is the artist you'll see singing it in the video. Enjoy!
We are the World 25 Lyrics (2010)
mmm...There comes a time, when we heed a certain call (Justin Beiber) When the World must come together as one (Bieber/Scherzinger/Hudson) There are people dying (Jennifer Hudson) Ohh, and it's time to lend a hand To life, the greatest gift of all (Jennifer Nettles - Sugarland) We can't go on, pretending day by day (Josh Groban) That someone, somehow will soon make a change (Tony Bennett) We are all a part of, God's great big fam-i-ly and it's true, you know love is all we need (Mary J Blige)
Chorus: We are the World, We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me (Barbara Streisand) Well, send em your hearts, so they'll know that someone cares (Miley Cyrus) So the cries for help will not be in vain (Enrique Iglesias) We can't let them suffer, no we can not turn away Right now, they need a helping hand (Jamie Foxx) Ay, No se mola, We are the children (Wyclef) We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving (Adam Levine) Oh, there's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives (P!nk) It's true we make a better day, just you and me (?) When you're down and out, and there seems no hope at all (Michael Jackson) But if you just believe, there's no way we can fall (Usher) Well, well, well, and realize that a change can always come (Celine Dion) When we stand together as one (Celine/Fergie)
Chorus: We are the World We are the World (Nicole Scherzinger) We are the children We are the children (Scherzinger) We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving Gotta start giving There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives It's true we make a better day, just you and me
Chorus in unison: We are the World We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives It's true we make a better day, just you and me (Lil' Wayne)
We are the World We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving... Let's start giving!
There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives It's true we make a better day, just you and me (Akon)
Come on now, let me hear you! (Fergie)
We are the World We are the world (T-Pain) We are the children We are the children (T-Pain) We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving... Lets, start, giv-in (T-Pain) There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives It's true we make a better day, just you and me (Unison with Jamie Foxx)
Rap interlude: We all need somebody that we can lean on (Ay!) When you wake up, look around, and see that your dream's gone (Ay!) When the earth quakes, we'll help you make it through the storm (Ay!) When the floor breaks, a magic carpet to stand on (Ay!) We are the World, united by Love so strong (Ay!) When the radio isn't on, you can hear the song (Ay!) A guiding light on the dark road you're walkin on (Ay!) A signpost to find the dreams you thought was gone (Ay!) Someone to help you move the obstacles you stumbled on (Ay!) Someone to help you rebuild after the rubble's gone (Ay!) We are the world connected by a common bond Love! The whole planet signing along (LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Swizz Beats, Kid Cudi, Bustah Rhymes, Wyclef, Jamie Foxx, will.i.am)
Chorus: We are the World We are the world (Jennifer Hudson) We are the children We are the children (Jennifer Hudson) We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving... Let's start givin (Hudson) There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives It's true we make a better day, just you and me Everyday citizens, everybody pitchin in (Kanye West) Haitian line (Wyclef) You and I, You and I (will.i.am) 12 days no water, what's your will to live? (Kanye West) We'll amplify the love and wash your mental block Feelin like the world's end, we can make the world win Like Katrina, half lookin Indonesia, and now Haiti needs us, they need us, they need us
Chorus: We are the World (We are the World) We are the children (We are the children) We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving... There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives It's true we make a better day, just you and me
Wyclef outro Note: These lyrics are original written property of mcmusicnotes.blogspot.com. Please link back to this post if you are using them on your site. Thanks!
Have corrections/edits for the We are the World lyrics in the 25 for Haiti video? Leave em' below!
By now you've probably either witnessed this past week's American Idol auditions, or heard the buzz via the net or elsewhere. General Larry Platt has a smash hit on his hands with "Pants on the Ground" a clever little tune he performed for the AI judges in Atlanta. The song basically tells those people lookin' like fools to get their pants off the ground. It's catchy and you'll find yourself repeating the lines over and over again, thanks to the personality that General Larry Platt gave it.
You'll find the original Pants on the ground video below, but there's been plenty of remixes and alternate versions done already. There's a version with the "Run this Town" beat, "U Can't Deny it" beat, and it's been covered by singer/songwriter Neil Young, on his appearance on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Show. It'll be surprising if Larry Platt doesn't get a record deal and at least a top notch collaboration with a rap star out of this audition he did (T.I., Big Boi, 3000 take note)!
So remember "get em up! Stop lookin' like a fool with ya pants on the ground!" You've been warned by General Larry Platt. See more Celebrity News & Gossip here.
Nothing says Christmas time like Run DMC's Christmas classic Rap track, Christmas In Hollis. The video itself is an Old school throwback rap classic complete with the gold chains, black hats and vintage ADIDAS that DMC brought to the game. And with a rowdy and fun rap track they still manage to deliver the themes of Christmas, chillin' in Hollis with mom for the holidays, while chasing no good elves out of the house with a broom and making sure you return Santa's wallet to him with cash in tact. Even back then Reverend Run was preaching peace and goodwill. The song appears on DMC's Greatest Hits, Very Special Christmas and the Tougher than Leather albums.
Run: It was December 24th on Hollis Ave in the dark When I seen a man chillin' with his dog in the park I approached very slowly with my heart full of fear Looked at his dog, oh my God, a ill reindeer! But then I was illin' cause the man had a beard And a bag full of goodies, 12 o'clock had neared So I turned my head a second and the man was gone But he left his driver's wallet smack dead on the lawn I picked the wallet up then I took a pause Took out the license and it cold said "Santa Claus" A million dollars in it, cold hundreds of G's Enough to buy a boat and matching car with ease But I'd never steal from Santa, cause that ain't right So I was going home to mail it back to him that night But when I got home I bugged, cause under the tree Was a letter from Santa and the dough was for me!
D.M.C. : It's Christmas time in Hollis, Queens Mom's cookin' chicken and collard greens Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese, And Santa put gifts under Christmas trees Decorate the house with lights at night, Snow's on the ground, snow white so bright, In the fireplace is the yule log, Beneath the mistletoe as we drink egg nog The rhymes that you hear are the rhymes of Darryl's But each and every year we bust Christmas carols
(Christmas melodies)Interlude:
Isn't that the man from last night? Santa Macys? Yo man lets go eat man, I'm starved... haha Yo!
Run-D.M.C. : Rhymes so loud and proud you hear it It's Christmas time and we got the spirit Jack Frost chillin, the orchas out, And that's what Christmas is all about, The time is now, the place is here And the whole wide world is filled with cheer
D.M.C.:
My name's D-M-C with the mic in my hand And I'm chillin' and coolin' just like a snowman So open your eyes, lend us a ear We want to say:
The 2009 CMT Music Awards kicked off with a most unlikely pairing as Country/Pop and Hip-hop/R&B worlds collided. The opening video was entitled "Thug Story" by country star Taylor Swift and the master of the autotune, T-Pain. That's right it was T-Swizzle and T-Pizzle with Taylor delivering some "swift" lyrics backed by the crooning of T-Pain. Here's the Thug Story video featuring Taylor Swift and T-Pain.
I'm like 8 foot 4 blond hair to the floor You shorties never thought I dreamed about rappin' hardcore! No I ain't gotta gun, no I never really been in a club Still live with my parents but I'm still a thug I'm so gangsta you can find me bakin cookies at night You out clubbin? well I just made caramel delight! T-Swift & T-Pain rappin' on the same track It's a thug story tell me can you handle that? I had a dream last night, I had hi-top Nikes I had diamonds in my mouth and diamonds on my mic By the time I woke I was singin - I'm on a boa---t (T-Pain)
Cuz I'm a signature rapper (Swift) Shorty I'ma make ya (T-Pain) Straight to the top yo (Swift) Shorty I'ma take ya (T-Pain) Call me T-Sweezy now I'm a rap star (Swift) It's a Thug Story now tell em who you are (T-Pain) Say ya turned gangsta (T-Pain) You don't wanna fight me (Swift) Straight to the top (T-Pain) In my xtra-small white tee (Swift) T-Swift & T-Pain on the same track, now it's a Thug Story now can you gimme that? (T-Pain)
What?! What?! I knit sweaters yo! What?! What?! Don't test me (bleep)
Swift talking: Hey hold on, hold on I didn't even say anything I said yo You guys bleeped me and I didn't even say anything, I didn't swear
Another interesting collaborative effort later in the show saw the duo Sugarland singing the B-52's classic "Love Shack" right before the group joined them on stage to finish the track out. Taylor Swift was one of the CMT Awards big winners of the night as winner of Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year for "Love Story". Possibly "Thug Story" will be up for a BET award? Think not, but still a creative little comedic skit to merge country with rap, similar to the radio hit Nelly did years back.
Cool Guys Don't Look at Explosions Video Lyrics - Andy Samberg & Will Ferrell
It's the truth. How many cool guys in action movies can you recall who look back at the explosion they've just left? They just walk straight forward for the slow mo camera shot. This music video/digital short by Andy Samberg (playing Bruce Springsteen) features Will Ferrell at Neil Diamond, and JJ Abrams as well playing along. Video clips from various movies are mixed in to show just what they're talking about. Great stuff from Samberg, et al.
Here's the lyrics for "Cool Guys Don't Look at Explosions" song (no mp3 available yet), by Andy Samberg and Will Ferrell featuring JJ Abrams...
Intro (Samberg): It seems like these days the whole world's on fire. Things keep blowin' the hell up,... And while all those rubberneckers and looky loos stand slackjawed starin, The real men have the nuts to walk away.
Song: Cool guys don't look at explosions They blow things up and then walk away Who's got time to watch an explosion? Because cool guys have errands that they have to walk to.. Keep walkin', keep shinin' Don't look back keep on walkin' Keep struttin' slow motion The more you ignore it, the cooler you look
Samberg: Ladies & gentlemen, please join me in welcoming.. Mr. Neil Diamond!
Will Ferrell: ha ha ha....Where are we?!
Cool guys don't look at explosions They stride for it in their diamond covered boots They wear jumpsuits with glitter and rhinestones And walk away in slow motion.. Keep walkin, you're cruisin.. Cherry Cherry...Sweet Caroline.. Denzel walks... Will Smith walks... Mark Wahlberg is wearin a hat!
Samberg: Going solo....JJ Abrams!
JJ Abrams solo Yeah! Okay.
Because, Cool guys don't look at explosions, Walk fast from the roaring explosion, And don't think about the people you killed
2...3...4! JJ Abrams outro
Check out more of Andy Samberg's comedic songs on his project The Lonely Island at Amazon.com which includes the smash hits "Jiz in My Pants" and "I'm on a Boat" featuring T-Pain.
Leona Lewis move over? The hottest singing sensation around these days has got to be Susan Boyle, who appeared on the reality talent show "Britain's Got Talent" and shocked the judges, including Simon Cowell with her performance. Cowell is of course also the infamous judge on American Idol who rips contestants to shreds in front of studio and national audiences week in and week out. Susan Boyle managed to make Cowell pull a "Home Alone" hands-on-face jaw-drop-in-shock type moment when she wooed him and his two fellow judges with her singing skills on "I Dreamed a Dream" (Youtube). It not only shocked Simon, and his fellow judges but an audience of doubtful haters who chose to judge on appearance before hearing the talent. Now Boyle is making the rounds on various talk shows and may appear on the Oprah show soon. She claims one of her major goals is to one day sing for the Queen of England....
It appears that the first recorded song by Susan Boyle was done 10 years ago and is her rendition of "Cry Me a River"- not the cover of the Justin Timberlake song, but a cover of a classic by Ella Fitzgerald. It's been uncovered since the mass hysteria surrounding Miss Boyle came about this past week. The "Britain's Got Talent" show still has several weeks left but the ultimate voting goes to the fans and right now Susan seems to have the fans in her corner. Boyle's performance wowed and shocked the world, proving many doubters wrong. Good luck to this new sensation, but don't expect her to be outsellin the sex appeal of JT just yet, or recording collaborations with Timberland and Nelly Furtado. Then again, that just might be the next big thing...
The official first single off Eminem's upcoming album Relapse is entitled "We Made You", a solo track by Em which is an all out verbal dis of numerous celebrities who've made headlines. The music video debuted Tuesday April 7 on MTV's show "AMTV", and features Eminem and Dr. Dre paying tribute to the movie "Rainman" in one scene, with Eminem, 50 Cent and Dre filming for the video in Las Vegas. Also in the video Eminem does is back to bashing the best of the best in the celeb world with everyone from Jessica Simpson to Amy Winehouse being impersonated and made fun of. Em even does a few impersonations as well including Brett Michaels and Tony Romo. Eminem's new album Relapse has a tentative release date of May 19, 2009. Below are the CLEAN lyrics for the recently released Eminem single "We Made You" and video.
Intro: Guess who? Did ya miss me? Jessica Simpson, sing the chorus!
CHORUS: When you walked through the door, it was clear to me, (clear to me) You're the one they adore, who they came to see, (who they came to see) You're a rock star, everybody wants you... Player, who can really blame you We're the ones who made you!
Verse 1: Back by popular demand, Now pop a little Zantac or antacid if ya can Ready to tackle any task that is at hand How does it feel? Is it fantastic, is it grand? Well look at all the massive masses in the stand Shadyman no don't massacre the fans Damn, I think Kim Kardashian's a man She stomped him jus cause he asked to put his hands on the massive gluteus maximus again Squeeze it, then squish it then pass it to her friend Can he come back as nasty as he can? Yes he can can, don't ask me this again He does not mean the lyrics to offend Lindsay please come back to seein' men Samantha's a 2 you're practically a 10 I know ya want me girl in fact I see your grin
CHORUS: When you walked through the door, it was clear to me, (clear to me) You're the one they adore, who they came to see, (who they came to see) You're a rock star (baby), everybody wants you... Player, who can really blame you We're the ones who made you!
Verse 2: The enforcer, look at the more women to torture Walk up to the cutest girl and charlie horse her Sorry Portia but what's Ellen Degeneres have that I don't? Are you tellin me tenderness? Well I can be gentle and as smooth as a gentlemen Give me my Ventolin inhaler and two Xenadrine And I'll invite Sarah Palin out to dinner then Nail her, maybe say hello to my little friend Brit quit gettin wit K Fed, let's cut off the middlemen Forget him or ya gonna end up in the hospital again And this time it won't be for the Riddalin binge Forget them other men girl pay them little attention and little did I mention that Jennifer's in Love with me John Mayer so sit on the bench Man I swear them other guys ya give em an inch They take a mile they got style not bigger than Slim
CHORUS: When you walked through the door, it was clear to me, (clear to me) You're the one they adore, who they came to see, (who they came to see) You're a rock star (baby), everybody wants you... Player, who can really blame you We're the ones who made you!
Eminem: and that's why Lyla you never left with out I know ya want me girl cuz I can see you checkin me out and baby you know, You know you want me too, Don't try to deny it baby I'm the only one for you
Verse 3: Damn girl I'm beginning to sprout an alf alfa Why should I wash my filthy mouth out Ya think that's bad you should hear the rest of my album Never has there been such finesse and nostalgia Man Cass I dont mean to mess wit ya gal but Jessica Alba put her breasts on my mouth bro Wowsers, I just made a mess in my trousers And they wonder why I keep dressin' like Elvis Lord help us he's back in his pink house shirt Lookin like someone shrinked his outfit I think he's bout to flip just a car Rest assure Superman's here to rescue ya Can ya blame me? you're my Amy I'm your Blake Matter of fact make me a birthday cake With a sawblade in it to make my jail break Baby I think you just met your soulmate Now break it down girl!
CHORUS: When you walked through the door, it was clear to me, (clear to me) You're the one they adore, who they came to see, (who they came to see) You're a rock star (baby), everybody wants you... Player, who can really blame you We're the ones who made you!
Eminem: So baby baby get down, down down So baby baby get down, down down Baby baby get down down down Baby get down get down (repeated)
Oh Amy! Rehab never looked so good! I can't wait, I'm going back haha.....wooooh! Dr. Dre! 2020! Yeah!
Here's the smash sensation music video by The Lonely Island, which features SNL's Andy Samberg and his partners in rhyme as they rap about how great it is being on a boat. T-Pain chimes in with his guest vocals to take the track to a whole nother level.
Warning: Parental advisory, the following video is vulgar and also takes place on a large boat.
The Lonely Island is comprised of a group of filmmakers and comedians founded in 2001 by Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, and Saturday Night Live star, Andy Samberg. The hit comedy rap "I'm on a Boat" can be found on The Lonely Island's 19 track long "Incredibad" album which also includes hits: Jizz in My Pants, We Like Sportz, Bing Bong Brothers and the classic "D--k in a Box" featuring Justin Timberlake. The album is available here at Amazon.com.
A brand new Justin Timberlake single has been debuted on Myspace Music called "Follow my Lead". The uptempo new single is released in an effort to raise funds for the Shriners Hospital for Children.
The official announcement on JT's Myspace blog:
MySpace has joined forces with Justin to raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children by offering the exclusive song "Follow My Lead" as a download. MySpace Music allows users to buy the exclusive live song recorded at his recent concert, "Justin Timberlake and Friends, a Special Evening Benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children." Beginning November 18th, users can purchase the song featuring Tennman Records' recording artist, Esmée Denters, as well as watch video footage and interviews from the concert. To listen to and purchase "Follow My Lead," visit Justin's official MySpace Music profile!
MTV isn't your mom and dad's music television anymore, or even your grandparents. What originated as cutting edge television with catchy special effects, sexy dance parties and tricked-out music videos is moving away from its tried-and-true, ADHD-style original format. Music video killed the radio star, and now the internet may kill the music video star. As many music fans know, the channel progressed from music videos to dance parties to reality TV & dating game shows. Don't panic just yet, the channel itself isn't leaving the air, but they are definitely finding ways to reach people besides TV. According to the latest issue of Fast Company magazine, MTV is placing bets on several alternate forms of entertainment from video games to mobile apps to virtual reality and downloadable content.
Here's a look at some of MTV's newest ventures:
The Virtual Lower East Side - a Virtual world similar to Second Life which will be set in New York City's gritty music scene. Will allow new young bands to showcase their stuff, and also has tons of advertising possibilities.
Jerry Bruckenheimer - the super producer behind many huge movies signed a deal to produce video games for MTV in December 2007. Rhapsody America - partnered with Verizon Wireless and Real Networks, this music store is set to challenge iTunes.
Flixwagon - a mobile-to-web video platform. On one August weekend it delivered 6 million streams of the Jonas Brothers live. Nextornot.com - Just like the MTV show NEXT, this online site mimics the dating concept for the web.
Harmonix - MTV bought the video game maker in 2006. They're mainly responsible for Rock Band and its sequels, grossing more than $700 mill in revenue. MTV also has been selling $2 song downloads for Rock Band by the millions.
Gracenote - partnership which makes a ton of song lyrics available to internet and mobile phone users.
dance.mtv.com - Amateur dance groups from around the world can post their videos and be rated by users of the site.
mysupersweetparty.com - A site for 15 year old girls to plan their huge birthday bashes with the help of peers.
Campus Daily Guides - Website developed for major college towns which is backed by a local search and advertising network.
As you can see MTV is definitely getting futuristic. Once known for cool animated videos by Dire Straits and Peter Gabriel, they're now making major moves into the world wide web and beyond to keep up with the hipness of social media, video viewing, interactivity and music downloads.
Back in 2005, MTV had the opportunity to buy Myspace but didn't seal the deal, drawing heavy criticism and even resulting in a major CEO being axed. MTV also failed in its attempted music download service, URGE, and its video content site Overdrive. So now MTV is definitely paying attention to what its current viewership wants for entertainment's sake. With declining numbers for its shows, MTV is willing to take the risks that music fans will want content in other ways besides the "old fashioned TV set".
Times are definitely changing and before you know it, Music TV just might be as out of date as the 8-Track or VCR!
Read more about MTV's ventures for the future in the November 2008 issue of Fast Company magazine!
Kanye West unveiled another new and experimental song at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. The song is entitled "Love Lockdown" and the new jam closed out this year's MTV show. Kanye took the mic but not as a rapper, this time around he decided to croon a bit, similar to Cee Lo and Andre 3000. Check it out below!
Looks like Kanye is bringing even more experimentation for his next record release. He's already graduated, so he's sure to take us to some higher learning on the next album!
What do you think of the new Kanye style? Hit or miss? Should Kanye stick to rapping?
There's a few rap videos floating around YouTube and the internet which are odes to the legendary fast food restaraunt McDonald's. The one video features a man at the McD's drive thru rapping his order, first normal speed, then slowed down, then sped up. Nothing groundbreaking here, but they've caught fire on the internet, prompting large scale searches..You may get a kick out of it. Here's the lyrics for one of the songs, and the link to videos below it.
McDonald's Rap Lyrics
I need a double cheese burger and hold the lettuce Don't be frontin son -- no seeds on the bun We be up in this drive through order for two I gots a cravin' fo' a numba nine like my shoe We need some chicken up in here, in this hizzle For rizzle my mizzle, extra salt on da frizzle Doctor pepper my brothah, another for ya motha Double-double supah size and don't forget the fries
Kanye West unveiled his new song and video a week or so ago entitled "Flashing Lights" from the Graduation album. You may already have heard the song if you own the album or have seen the Ciroc Vodka commercial with Diddy in it. Read more about Diddy's $100 million dollar Ciroc Vodka here. Kanye doesn't appear in the new music video, but a hip hop honey who's got quite an attitude does.
We all know that Kanye likes to get artistic and push the limits, so be advised that the video starts with a Warning of graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised...
If you've seen the Star Wars movies (some people haven't) and are a huge fan, you'll want to check out these Star Wars gangsta rap videos. They incorporate explicit Star Wars rap lyrics over hot beats and use dubbed footage from the various movies. Everyone from Darth to Luke to Lando to Han Solo, Jar Jar and Yoda have cameo raps in this. Yoda and Luke actually do a bit of breakdancing as well. Not sure when the full length album will be coming out for these, but definitely hilarious stuff!
Looking around YouTube you'll probably see many more of these videos as it seems many others have tried to immitate...Knock em out da box Luke, knock em out!
A Classic Holiday Video: Christmas in Hollis by RUN DMC
One of the all-time best rap/Christmas collaborations is easily the RUN-DMC tune, Christmas in Hollis. The Christmas rap track has stood the test of time and continues to be a traditional song played at parties and in many households each season. Parents may not have fully embraced it, but the track definitely has it's place in the history of rap and the Holidays.
The video is also something special, complete with a mischievous elf who's determined that there's quite a few naughty ones out there. We also see the Adidas-wearing Run DMC (including the late Jam Master Jay) take a trip to a snow-filled park and see a bag of money dropped by Santa. They learn the true meaning of Christmas is to give the money back, and when you do Santa rewards your efforts. The elf learns the lesson of "never try to steal a rapper's gold rope chain necklace when his mom's watching". They just don't make rap videos like this any more. Check it out below, and consider making this one of your Xmas ringtones on your Sprint, T-Mobile or whichever phone you're rockin for the holidays...
Elke "The Stallion" earned her nickname thanks to her thick and curvy frame. Born in Germany, she's a cultural blend of German, African American and Latin. She started modeling at age 14 and graduated from school in Germany as a bilingual secretary with majors in English, business and economy. She modeled in several different countries before making her way to the US and residing in Los Angeles. The video vixen made a name for herself appearing in music videos like 50 Cent's "Disco Inferno", Mobb Deep & 50's "Outta Control", Outkast's "I Like the Way You Move", and D-12's "My Band". She's also appeared on the covers of magazines like Thick, Wheels, VBlazin' and Bounce.