Friday, November 16, 2012

RIHANNA TALKS SEX, BEING NAKED ON THE COVER OF GQ, HER NEW TATTOO & MORE

Rihanna Talks Sex, Being Naked On The Cover Of GQ, Her New Tattoo & More
Rihanna made her way onto The Ellen DeGeneres Show earlier today to play a game of “Who Would You Rather” & talk about about dating, wanting kids, her role models, being naked on the cover of GQ, her new tattoo and more.
Watch the interview below.

Holly Williams Talks Going Independent, Fashion And Music at the Billboard Touring Conference

Holly Williams stuck around after her Q&A at the Billboard Touring Conference to discuss her new album coming out on her own label, and going out on her own outside of the majors. "I love the independent spirit," she says. "Being able to choose when your music gets out, how it gets out, how the fans find you."


She discusses some of the guests that appear on the new album -- Dierks Bentley, good friend Gwyneth Paltrow, "songwriting hero" Jackson Browne, and Jakob Dylan -- as well as starting her own fashion boutique in Nashville following a serious car accident with her sister which left her with some arm issues that limited her ability to play. "I will always love fashion," she says. "It's a great connection in music, doing things with designers on the road. But my heart, passion and soul is in music." She'll be hitting the road this January in the U.S. -- including shows with Sheryl Crowe this February -- before heading overseas to Europe. 

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO BELOW:

B.O.B. “F*CK EM WE BALL” ARTWORK & TRACKLIST REVEALED

B.o.B. “F*ck Em We Ball” Artwork & Tracklist Revealed
B.o.B. unleashes the artwork for his upcoming mixtape F*ck Em We Ball. The project is due out November 15th.
Update: Added the official tracklist below. Features include T.I.Juicy JIggy AzaleaMac MillerSnoop Dogg and more.

RAEKWON SAYS WU-TANG'S GOTTA GET IT TOGETHER: "EVERYONE'S SO NONCHALANT ABOUT SH*T" [VIDEO]


New York rap veteran Raekwon recently spoke on talks of a Wu-Tang Clan reunion possibly going down in the near future and what is ultimately holding things up.
While the "Chef" is ready to go, he said not enough seriousnessamongst his Wu brothers is being placed into doing a reunion.
"You know, it's a lot of discussion about it but it's not consolidated yet. We know, as a group, 20 years in the business is something serious. It was a couple conversations about it but it wasn't brought to the attention that it needs to be brought to. Everyone's so nonchalant about sh*t, like they don't know if it's going to happen. For me, it's like I don't respect that because it should happen. It should happen in a way where it can help us from all the sh*t we've been through. We've made a lot of money of course and we've lost a lot of money. It kinda put certain cats in certain situations where, you know, this can help your right now. At the end of the day, it could help all of us but it could help the ones that really need to be helped in a greater way and it could put us back where we need to be financially, back in the game as one of the iconic groups in the game but it takes a lot of loyalty, it takes a lot of love and it takes a lot of respect. I want to see it happen but more importantly, I want to see it done the right way." (Global Grind)
Earlier this month, the RZA discussed Wu-Tang not yet showing off their full potential.
"I think Wu-Tang is an extremely talented group of people, immensely, and knowing the power that we have, I feel like we never fully displayed it," he tells MTV News. "It's always been spurts. It's never been a concentrated laser-beam focus -- [except] maybe the first year or two, when it was just me driving that ship -- but I think that now it's become more of shotgun effect. It's just scattered, and it hits targets but I would love for us to go back into a laser-beam focus and to put out not only a recording, but [also] a live show that's as entertaining and enhancing as the mind power we give." (MTV)
Last month, RZA a.k.a. "Bobby Digital" spoke on the importance of Wu coming back together at least one more time.
"There's one last job Wu-Tang Clan must do. The 20th anniversary [of "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)"] is next year. And we need to, one time, completely, efficiently, properly, professionally represent our brand. One more time. But this time, showing up on time for press and for concerts and studio. Do it one time, perfect. We did good - people love it and I'm proud of what we've done. But all that was done - I would always say in my old interviews, "This is organized confusion." It was kept and contained, but it was a lot of chaos." (New York Times)
Prior to recent reunion talks, the GZA doubted Wu could fully come back as a solid crew earlier this year.
"I have no idea. There's been talk. But I don't know what going on, you know? I can't say. I mean, we haven't been on the same page in years," GZA revealed in an interview when asked about reunion talks. "Nah. It is what it is. Sometimes that match burns out. So, no, I don't feel bad about it. It's good. I'm grateful for everything we have done throughout our careers and if there's nothing else to put out, then there's nothing to put out. I'm constantly writing and working. It doesn't stop there." (Rolling Stone)
Check out Raekwon's interview:

HOLLYWOOD LEGEND SCOLDS JAY-Z? "BEYONCÉ CAME OVER, BUT THAT DIDN'T CALM HIM DOWN"


Hollywood icon Robert De Niro reportedly had some dicey words for rap mogul Jay-Z a few nights ago at actor Leonardo DiCaprio's birthday party in New York City.

According to reports, De Niro publicly scolded Young Hov over him not returning a handful of phone calls.
Sources add that Jay tried to joke his way out of the situation, and even his wife, Beyoncé, tried to intervene, but De Niro wouldn't back down. "Bob was sitting at a table, and when Jay-Z went over to say hello, De Niro told Jay that he never called him back," a source says. A spy then overheard De Niro complaining to the rapper, a fellow TriBeCa resident, about a song Jay-Z agreed to record for the Tribeca Film Festival. De Niro had reached out to discuss further details, but Jay never returned his calls. "Bob wasn't in any mood to make polite conversation," the spy says. "He told Jay that if somebody calls you six times, you call them back. It doesn't matter who you are, that is just rude." (New York Post)
The rap star's wife, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, also reportedly got involved to cool things down.
When Jay-Z tried to make a joke of it, saying he is terrible on the phone, a source says, "De Niro kept telling him that he thinks he's the man, but that he was disrespectful.' Beyoncé came over, but that didn't calm Bob down. It was the talk of the party. Everyone was saying there's only one star in New York bigger and badder than Jay-Z, and that's Robert De Niro. He can be quite scary when he's angry." But a source close to De Niro told us, "It was a low-key private conversation between two people that was apparently overheard. It was not a heated discussion." (New York Post)
On Jigga's "Empire State of Mind," he raps about living next to the famous movie star.
"Yeah, I'm out that Brooklyn /Now I'm down in Tribeca/Right next to DeNiro /But I'll be hood forever /I'm the new Sinatra/And since I made it here/I can make it anywhere /Yeah, they love me everywhere /I used to cop in Harlem" ("Empire State of Mind")
Last summer, G-Unit's 50 Cent spoke on developing a close-knit relationship with De Niro after working together on multiple films.
"It was exciting. It's a challenge, but you understand the spectrum, both sides of the coin. I went to the firing range with New York City police officers just to see what the exact procedure would be to fire the actual weapons and what their protocol is," 50 said in an interview. "I went with Robert De Niro. We had worked together on the Righteous Kill project, so it had come full circle when we worked together on Freelancers. Yeah, yeah...if you remember, on that project [Righteous Kill], I got him to do the cover of Vibe. You don't really see him doing press like that. We got a chance to talk about things away from the actual entertainment stuff. Now, I developed the kind of relationship with him where I can call him and see if he's interested in some of these projects." (XXL Mag)

RIHANNA’S NIPPLE EXPOSED IN NEW GQ SPREAD


Rihanna’s Nipple Exposed In New GQ Spread
Gentleman, hello. Now that you have all scrambled here from whatever social media site you saw this on, we have some talking to do. The pictures contained below are not safe for work. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t view them there, it just means that if you do and get caught you could get in trouble.
Yesterday we revealed the GQ Men Of The Year cover that featuredRihanna in nothing but a leather jacket. Never in our wildest dreams would we have thought that inside the pages of that magazine would contain something like what you are about to see.
Check out the sizzling hot pictures from Rihanna‘s GQ spread below.

NICKI MINAJ FINALLY PUTS END TO MARIAH CAREY BEEF?


After months of "American Idol" panelists Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey feuding, the Young Money star now claims she is on good terms with her one-time rival.

Although she would not delve into their current status, Minaj did say there are no problems between her and Carey.
Hold up, hold up, hold up. Cue the Big Sean ad-lib, please, because Nicki just professed her "love" for the people on "Idol." Did that include her co-panelist Mariah Carey, who she dubbed "Shady McGrady" during an epic Twitter rant last month, which was fueled by a leaked set video that captured the two divas dueling? So we asked the MC whether she and MC had patched things up. "We've been fine," Minaj said, exasperation creeping into her voice. (MTV)
On Minaj's new "My Truth" reality show premiere, she playfully took a shot at Carey.
Speaking in her new reality show 'My Truth', Nicki revealed: 'I think Mariah met her match this time, and I don't think she was expecting to meet her match. 'I'm super nervous and anxious for the first day on 'American Idol'. I'm still second guessing my decision. I'm probably going to be a hundred times guessing this decision because I'm human. It's a big job.' The outspoken rapper was true to her word and proceeded to have a meltdown because her new stylist had misjudged her taste in clothes mere hours before the first day of auditions, and she branded all her options 'ugly'. (Monsters & Critics)
Last month, an "American Idol" producer addressed Nicki's war of words with the R&B veteran.
"American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe is adamant ... the bitter feud between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj is as real as it gets -- and his proof lies in simple logic. Nigel was out in L.A. yesterday when we asked for the final word -- did he or did he not stage the feud for ratings??? -- and Nigel replied, "I have no idea why I would be doing it [for ratings] five months before the show went out." He added, "I would only do ANYTHING for ratings a month before the show went out. They've got my timing wrong." Translation: keep your eyes out for a crazy "Idol" ratings ploy in three months. (TMZ)
West Coast rapper Game gave his take on the feud in October.
The outspoken MC also weighed in on the Nicki vs. Mariah Carey "American Idol" feud, taking a diplomatic stance. "I think one day when Nicki's career is said and done, she'll be legendary," said Game. "I think that Mariah Carey is bigger than life. I think she's like female Elvis at this point. Two amazing women should be able to get along and I'd love to see that happen sooner than later." (Rap-Up)

50 Cent Granted Promoter's License In Nevada


50  Cent received his boxing promoter license today in Nevada. Earlier this year Curtis was granted the right to promote fights in the state of New York. ESPN has the story below.

50 Cent — Curtis Jackson is the real name of the rap star — intended to promote under the company name of TMT Promotions — The Money Team — with good pal Floyd Mayweather Jr. However, they had a falling out after Mayweather did not come up with the share of the money that Jackson said he had promised to put into the company.
So last month Jackson applied for the license under the name of his new company, SMS Promotions, and his application was approved in a 5-0 vote of the commission, as long as he provides three more pieces of information to the commission, which had already received an extensive application packet.
Jackson and attorney Leon Margules, who were at the meeting, promised to provide the commission with what it still wanted within a week — two years’ worth of Jackson’s income tax returns, a financial statement listing the fighters SMS has under contract and a letter stating that the assets that had been in TMT’s name are now in SMS’s name.

KATT WILLIAMS RUNS INTO MORE TROUBLE, ARRESTED IN OAKLAND


Troubled comedian Katt Williams is making headlines today (November 15) after reportedly getting arrested in Oakland, California for his alleged involvement in a club fight.

Details of his arrest surfaced online early Thursday morning.
Comedian Katt Williams, in town for a Friday appearance at the Oracle Arena, was being questioned by police in connection with an assault in downtown Oakland, according to police. Another man was hit in the head with a bottle during the scuffle and taken to a hospital after the incident, which happened about 8 p.m. near the Courtyard Marriott in the 900 block of Broadway. Williams, a comedian, actor and rapper, is known for his role as Money Mike in "Friday After Next." (Marin Independent Journal)
Just last week, reports of a $5 million lawsuit filed against him from his assistant flooded the Internet.
More legal trouble for Katt Williams -- the comic has just been sued for $5 million after allegedly socking his female assistant .... and causing her permanent injuries. Melissa Ishage filed the lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court, claiming she'd been working as Katt's personal assistant -- but on October 6th, things suddenly went sour at Katt's house ... when Katt attacked her, punching her and causing her "serious and permanent injuries." (TMZ)
The victim's injuries forced her to seek medical treatment.
Melissa doesn't explain why Katt flew into a rage -- but claims she had to go to the hospital as a result of the beatdown ... and now she wants at least $5 million from Katt to call it even. Melissa's attorney tells us, his client claims Katt struck her in the head and knocked her to the ground. The lawyer says police were called to the scene but no one was arrested. The incident is currently under investigation. (TMZ)
Last month, Katt got detained by Los Angeles police for a gun-related incident.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department confirms to E! News that Katt Williams was taken into custody and detained on a gun violation this morning. The comedian was outside of hot spot the Supperclub when the incident took place. He was subsequently released without any charges being filed. (E! Online)

Nicki's New Fragrance


The grind never stops for Nicki Minaj. After getting our hands on her new record with Lil Wayne “High School“, we get a look at the commercial for Nicki’s Pink Friday fragrance which is available at Macy’s.

CASSIDY BLOWS UP MEEK MILL W/ DISS, RIHANNA'S NUDE GQ PIC UNVEILED, CIARA'S GRANDMA SHAKES THAT AZZ


Throwdown Thursday! It's some quick punches for today as Cassidy and Meek Mill officially rumble in the jungle. Could it all be over Rihanna? Not likely, but considering a behind-the-scenes naked shot of the R&B diva, it's doesn't sound like a far cry. Speaking of R&B hotties, is Ciara'sgrandma shaking it fast? All this coming up in SOHH Whatcha Think.
[Editor's Note: The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of SOHH]
1. Let The Games Begin
How long has it been since some quality diss records have dropped? No disrespect to Lil Wayne, but his disses at Pusha Tfell on deaf ears and even Chris Brown's Drake disses were forgotten almost overnight. All that has changed courtesy ofCassidy and Meek Mill. It appears they're mad at each other and Cass has officially struck first. DaJaz1 has the diss record on lock:
"Don't believe this n*gga hustlin', this n*gga bluffin' / Look him in his eyes, the only time he cookin' pies is in the kitchen oven," he raps. "His fake a** better break fast before he get his food ate like an Egg McMuffin / He ain't the only n*gga f*ckin' that chick he cuffin." Well this is gonna get fun & interesting. After going at each other on Twitter yesterday, Cassidy drops a new joint dissing Meek Mill called "The Diary Of A Hustla". Shouts to DJ Thoro for sending it through. Sidebar: The battle between these two will NEVER HAPPEN. There's not enough security in the world for this to go down. (DaJaz1)
Shots fired? More like bombs dropped! It's rare that you'll see a lot of emotion from me in here, but to see the potential that can come out of a quality battle? Cassidy dropped some pretty intense bars, but will Meek answer back? #SOHHWhatchaThink?
2. Peek-A-Boob
Rihanna has made it known she is comfortable showing off skin. We've already had countless times where she's been topless, done girl-on-girl and other memorable acts in SOHH Whatcha Think, but a new behind-the-scenes shot of Rihanna may top everything. Media Take Out has more:
rihanna-gq-2012-11-12-300x300.jpgrihanna-2012-07-07-300x300.jpg
MTO SUPER-DUPER-MEGA EXCLUSIVE: We've Got NEKKID Pics Of Rihannna . . . From BEHIND THE SCENES At A Photo Shoot!!! (Warning - Parental Discretion) November 15, 2012: MediaTakeOut.cm got some HI-RES images, take at the GQ photoshoot. And you can see her GOODIES . . . pierced and all!! (Media Take Out)
As it always goes in here, you're going to have to actually go to MTO to get the real deal. Have we grown to accept Rihanna's bad girl self? Clearly this was not an accidental shot. With that said, why hasn't she just gone ahead and done an adult mag like Playboy yet? #SOHHWhatchaThink?
3. Granny Swag
Family is always something special and something you should cherish. Ciara showed just how much she loves her Grandma recently and all things considered, 50 Cent better watch his grandfather out when hanging out with this gal. Necole Bitchie has the inside:
Ciara recently posted up a video of her grandmother's reaction to hearing, "Got Me Good" for the first time and let's just say, Cici obviously comes from a long line of dancers. Her grandma, in all her senior citizen glory, was shaking it up like the rent was due. Ciara tweeted: [My Grandma Gladys is Gettin It In! She told Me Shes Reppin for the Senior Citizens! Lol.] Go head Gran Gran! (Necole Bitchie)
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, everyone should be happy to have relatives like this. It makes you wonder what other characters Ciara has in the family tree. Also, how long before she and granny get offered a reality show?
That about wraps it up for today. This is SOHH On The Spot giving you the morning scoop from your favorite gossip sites.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Rihanna, Katy Perry, Billy Joel, 122 Other Artists Tell Pandora: 'That's Not How Partners Work Together'


The battle over webcasting royalties went up a notch Wednesday when 125 artists ranging from Alabama to Zac Brown Band wrote an open letter to Internet-radio company Pandora Media over its attempt to change the way the statutory webcasting rates are set.

The two-page letter -- which will run as advertisement in Billboard's next magazine -- titled "A Musician's Perspective on Pandora" criticizes the Internet radio giant for seeking a lower statutory webcasting royalty.  "Why is the company asking Congress once again to step and gut the royalties that thousands of musicians rely upon?" the letter reads. "That's not fair and that's not how partners work together."

The controversy is over the Internet Radio Fairness Act, a bill that would implement a new standard for setting statutory royalty rates paid by webcasters. Pandora is one of many webcasters that takes advantage of the Section 114 compulsory license that allows webcasters to operate by paying a statutory royalty to SoundExchange, the organization that collects digital performance royalties for sound recording owners, performing artists and featured artists.  A new standard would most likely result in a lower statutory rate for webcasters.


"These artists have joined together to tell Pandora it's time to go back to the drawing board.  We all want Internet radio to succeed, but it won't if it tries to do so on the backs of hard working musicians and singers," said musicFIRST Executive Director Ted Kalo in a statement. 

Other artists who signed the letter include Rihanna, Katy Perry, Don Henley, Journey, Brian Wilson, Missy Elliot, Billy Joel and Camper Van Beethoven, whose David Lowery has been a vocal critic of Pandora and proposed legislation it supports.


The bill will not go to committee this year and will be introduced again in 2013, sources tell Billboard.biz. Sources also point to a likely hearing on webcasting royalties by the House Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet on or around November 27, 28 or 29. No hearing has been announced yet.

Jonas Nachsin Stepping Down as Roadrunner President

In a surprise move, after more than 20 years at Roadrunner and 12 as president, Jonas Nachsin is stepping down from that post. 

At press time, there was no word on who will replace him, but a source told Billboard.biz that new leadership will be announced within days. In the hours after his departure, sources said that nine people had been laid off from the label, primarily in the IT, finance and royalty areas, although different sources said longtime publicist Amy Sciarretto was let go as well. 

Nachsin's own exit letter to his staff, which Billboard has obtained, indicates that WMG and Atlantic Records' senior management want to ensure that the label remains an enduring brand. 

"I am so proud of what we have accomplished to showcase Roadrunner as not only a 'record company' but as a lifestyle and cultural beacon for fans around the globe," Nachsin wrote. "The chemistry of groundbreaking artists worked by a world-class group of truly committed employees has made Roadrunner a name with no equal over the years. That will continue." He closed by thanking "the great team here much success as they move forward into a new chapter for Roadrunner." 

His memo was followed by one from Atlantic co-chairmen Craig Kallman and Julie Greenwald, thanking him for his substantial contributions and years of dedication. 

"For two decades, Jonas has been a passionate champion of Roadrunner's incredible roster of artists and helped forge the unique identity of one of the world's great labels," the memo reads in part. "Everyone who has worked with Jonas -- including artists, managers, the Roadrunner team and the wider Warner Music family -- have all been touched by his commitment and leadership. He has been instrumental in the careers of so many extraordinary artists, from superstars including Nickelback and Slipknot to breaking talents Young the Giant and Stone Sour. We will all miss Jonas and wish him the best in his next endeavor." 

Roadrunner is expected to continue as a hard-rock brand, but now the question is who will have the stewardship of the label. 

In April of this year, the departure of founder Cees Wessels -- whom Nachsin thanked in his farewell email, for "[giving] me my start and the opportunity to help grow Roadrunner into the important, vibrant label it has become" -- and a staff downsizing shook the hard-rock community: the label has been an iconic brand since the 1980s, with artists ranging from King Diamond and Sepultura to Slipknot and Nickelback. 

At the time, Nachsin and the remaining Roadrunner staffers assured the industry and community that the label A&R staff would continue to sign and issue great hard-rock artists. Consequently, whoever is named as Nachsin's replacement will likely be scrutinized for his or her hard-rock bona fides. 

In December 2006, the Warner Music Group announced that it had entered into a deal to acquire a 73.5% stake in Roadrunner Music for $73.5 million; the deal closed on Jan. 30, 2007. At the time, the label employed about 100-120 people worldwide and had offices in eight countries. WMG fully acquired Roadrunner in November of 2010

After WMG assumed full ownership of the company, about 20 staffers were let go at the label's headquarters in the Netherlands as Warner assumed back-office support functions. About 36 staffers were let go in the April 2012 downsizing and most of the label's offices were shuttered, with the remaining international staffers either working out of their homes or in WMG offices, sources told Billboard at the time. 

Currently, Roadrunner's year-to-date U.S. album share for 2012 stands at .76%, which is consistent with its performance over the last two years. Its share was .85% at the end of 2011 and .74% at the end of 2010, but that was when Nickelback's "Dark Horse" album was amassing 2.5 million units of its 3.2 million in total sales. Before that album hit, in 2007 Roadrunner's market share was .73% and in 2006 the label finished with .92% market share. 

In 2008 and 2009, its U.S. album market share was 1.08% and 1.58%, respectively. Current artists on the Roadrunner roster include Airbourne, Blackstone Cherry, Gojira, Dream Theater, Killswitch Engage, Korn, Machine Head, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Opeth, Ratt, Rush, Slipknot, Soulfly, Stone Sour, Storm Corrosion, Trivium, Theory of a Deadman, and Young the Giant.


NEW FOOTAGE OF JAY-Z'S BARCLAYS OPENING WEEK CONCERTS



"How many people in the building been down since day one?" Hov asked the thousands of fans that flocked to the Barclays Center during his eight-show affair.
Jay-Z's official blog Life+Times presents footage of his performances of "Dead Presidents" and "Can I Live?" Watch the live rendition of his Reasonable Doubt tracks below.

VH1 Launches Artists.VH1 Music Platform


VH1 will now offer its own music platform for fans to discover a range of musical genres as artists showcase their tunes on Artists.VH1.

Viacom Music Group, the mass media company that owns MTV, VH1 and CMT, is expanding its artist platform on VH1 following MTV's successful beta launch of Artists.MTV this year. Since its launch mid-August, nearly 10 thousand artists have claimed or created their Artists.MTV page and has already generated more than 3.3 million site visitors.


"With the launch of Artists.VH1, we're filling a major void in the digital music space by providing non mainstream pop artists and their fans direct access to one another reflective of what we deliver on air with our Storytellers and You Oughta Know franchises," said Tom Calderone, president of VH1.

Calderone adds, "The platform offers both established and emerging artists a homestead where they can have more access to their presence across our screens to control their image and opt into a myriad of opportunities including music video rotation and song integration in our programs that will generate both exposure and revenue."

Artists.VH1 will give new artists an opportunity to showcase their talent across VH1's multiple brands, channels and shows, making tracks available for streaming. The discovery platform aims to provide a digital space for artist groups that are currently underserved including adult album alternative (AAA) artists, catalog artists, as well as R&B and soul artists. Fans will also be able to discover major label artists including Mumford and Sons to Alicia Keys to Def Leppard on VH1's digital platform.

Artists.VH1 will have its first on-air debut during 2012 VH1 Divas on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

NEW MUSIC: WALE "FREEDOM OF SPEECH"



At the stroke of 5pm, Wale made a special announcement as promised and took to Twitter to debut his new pro-Bama banger "Freedom of Speech" produced by No Credit. The MMG spitter also announced the release of his upcoming mixtape Folarin with DJ Clark Kent due Christmas Eve on Dec. 24.
Let freedom ring and hit play below.