Forget King Of New York, Mr. Kendrick Lamar Lands "Rapper Of The Year" Title

West Coast rapper Kendrick Lamar can pop his collar extra hard as reports claim the Aftermath Records stud has earned "Rapper of the Year" accolades from popular men's magazine GQ.

In its new GQ Men of the Year issue, K. Dot receives the honor over notable hip-hop acts like Kanye West, Jay Z and Lil Wayne.

Kendrick Lamar: Rapper of the Year Every member of rap's Mount Rushmore dropped new albums in 2013--Kanye, Jay Z, Drake, Eminem--but it was another MC altogether who stole the crown, and he did it with just a handful of verses: Kendrick Lamar, the latest--and possibly greatest--rapper to come straight outta Compton. (GQ)

A few weeks ago, Bad Boy Records CEO Diddy applauded Kendrick for the positive contributions he has made in music.

"When I was coming up, I always stated I was a king because I knew who I was. That's like knowledge of self. So with [Kendrick] being a king, he's a king, Jay's a king, Ye's a king but there are some cats that are not kings. You got to be a prince sometimes before you can be a king," Diddy explained in an interview. "Kendrick is deserving of his crown because he took hip-hop and put it on his back so crazy and has given birth to a whole type of real hip-hop generation that we needed to come back and it came from a cat that was, ironically, from the West Coast. He went back to the essence of what hip-hop is about." ("Big Boy's Neighborhood")

Recently, "Rap God" Eminem showered the self-proclaimed "King of New York" with co-signs.

"What he's doing right now, it's pretty f*cking incredible," Eminem says of Lamar, sounding genuinely excited. "He seems like this kid that's just full of life and happy to be here. The impact he's had over just the last couple of years. it's been really fun for me to watch." (Billboard)

Back in September, rap star Kanye West boasted about his admiration for Lamar.

"[The upcoming tour with Kendrick?] Yeah, it's one hundred percent, it's one hundred percent. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to speak to this brother as much as possible. That, those conversations are going to be more than I even said right here. Because he's one of our future messengers. You know? And I'm going to give him those jewels." (BBC Radio 1)

Lorde Signs $2.5 Million Deal with Songs Music Publishing

Lorde has signed with Songs Music Publishing in a worldwide deal that includes her debut EP, “The Love Club,” top-selling full-length “Pure Heroine” and future recordings.

The deal, which is worth $2.5 million, according to a person familiar with the terms, caps off a highly competitive, months-long bidding war in which over a half-dozen top publishers were courting the 17-year-old singer (born Ella Yellich O’Connor). It follows the breakout success of her single “Royals,” which this week extends its reign on the Hot 100 to six weeks.

Other publishers in the race include Kobalt, Sony/ATV, Universal Music Publishing Group and Spirit, according to executives who spoke with Billboard.

Songs executives would not comment on deal terms.

Songs founder/CEO Matt Pincus credits the win to the company’s president and head of A&R Ron Perry for his tireless efforts in meeting with Lorde and her managers, Scott Maclachlan and Tim Youngson, on virtually all dates of her U.S. tour.

“She could have signed anywhere she wanted to sign, and I don’t know what other people were offering, but as we often say -- music publishing is about relationships and it’s about people,” Pincus says. “Ron really connected with Ella and vice versa, and it’s really a tremendous opportunity for us. I’m incredible proud to be Ella’s publisher -- we think she’s a once-in-a-generation type artist.”

Perry estimates he’s seen somewhere between 10 and 15 Lorde concerts, including Monday’s showcase at VH1’s You Oughta Know concert in New York and Tuesday’s “Live On Letterman” taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

“My A&R guy Corey Roberts picked up on her in January, and sent me an email saying, ‘Stop what you’re doing,’” he says. “That was pretty ballsy considering he just started working for us six weeks prior. But I did, I flipped out right away, I played ‘Royals’ for Matt and he heard the first 12 seconds and was like, ‘That’s a hit.’”

Though the deal was only officially signed on Nov. 7, Lorde’s 17th birthday, Perry has already introduced the singer to fellow Songs clients like the Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) and Diplo for potential collaborations.
“She’s gonna be a really big songwriter outside of Lorde,” Perry says. “She’s going to have a lot of big songs out there as Ella, and it’s a great feeling that we can be at a place that understands music comes first and foremost.”

Songs, which was founded in 2004, has an expanding catalog of songwriters and producers that includes Diplo, Nelly, Pharrell, the Weeknd, Conor Oberst, M83’s Morgan Kibby and DJ Mustard (B.o.B.’s “Headband,” Tyga’s “Rack City.”)

Lorde became the youngest solo female artist to top the Hot 100 in 25 years last month, and the first female in 17 years to reach No. 1 on the Hot Alternative Songs chart in August. Prior to the Songs deal, “Royals” scored a major global synch from Samsung, which licensed the track for a spot announcing its Galaxy Gear products.

Spotify Targeted by Class Action Lawsuit Over Automatic Subscription Renewals

Spotify continues to grow in popularity, but the music streaming service still needs to prove its mettle as a business.

The Sweden-based company has been hit with a class action lawsuit in San Francisco by a subscriber named Melissa Bleak who claims that automatic renewal charges to her premium account violate a California law requiring affirmative consent.

Spotify Close to Securing $200M Investment (Report)

According to the complaint, when users upgrade to a premium plan that provides access to music on any device, customers are informed on Spotify's website that "if you do not cancel your subscription before the end of the free trial the credit card you provide will automatically be charged the Spotify Premium subscription fee of US $9.99 + $0.00 sales tax per month, until you cancel. You can cancel at any time by logging into your Spotify account and following the cancelation instructions."

Customers are further informed that they are authorizing Spotify to automatically bill their credit card each month.

But the lawsuit contends that this isn't enough.

"In the Premium Plan notice Defendant failed to provide a hyperlink to the Terms, and the Terms are not referenced at all on the Unlimited Plan notice," says the lawsuit. "Moreover, Defendant failed to provide a box to check or any other method by which Plaintiff's and Class Members could provide their affirmative consent to Defendants."

Spotify declined comment.

The company, which earlier this year said it had six million subscribers and 24 million active users, is reportedly on the verge of raising more than $200 million in new funding. With deals with large record companies including Sony, EMI, Warner Music and Universal, Spotify's revenues have grown nearly fourfold in the last two years to almost $600 million, but with heavy licensing costs, its losses have widened to more than $75 million a year.

The company has also recently made partnerships in the TV space, including a cross-promotional deal with Bravo that allows users to see playlists for "The Real Housewives" and other shows.

News: Paul Rosenberg Recalls Eminem's 'Horrible' Battle: "He Just Wasn't Himself"

Renowned manager Paul Rosenberg recently talked about his close-knit relationship with Eminem and how hard Slim Shady has fought to remain sober.

 

Rosenberg admitted Em went through an uphill battle when he first sought medical help to fight his addictions.

"He's five years sober, so things are a lot different. But it's not as different now as it was when he first went into recovery. There was a time during that period where I felt like I was sort of meeting him again for the first time. He came out of this like horrible spell and he just wasn't himself. But then as I got to know him again as he is now. It's been really great. It was hard to connect with him when he wasn't present. And now [that] he's present, he's a much better partner. I think his art's a lot better and we have a lot more fun doing it. Our relationship both professionally and as friends is stronger than ever." (Billboard)

Paul also detailed just how difficult it was to keep Shady Records going with Em being treated.

"It was horrible. It was difficult in a lot of ways. It was sad because of his condition and we were worried about his health first and foremost, but beyond that. Trying to keep everything running when you don't have a partner who is so important to the brand that you've built together and he's just not present and unable to contribute, it's just... very difficult. But we were definitely most worried about his health and wellbeing." (Billboard)

A couple years ago, former Shady Records artist Cashis talked about Em extending a hand to help out with his own drug addiction problem.

"First time I met Em, in the studio in Detroit, I had a vial of like 80 Valiums and I popped em all in like a day and a half. He was like "D*mn, dog you might wanna get some help. Let me know, I can help you out, discretely,' " the rapper explained. "I was like 'Nah man. Where I'm from, what would I look like?' I got off it my own, and later on, I found out -- like the rest of the world -- Em was getting off of it. During that time, I just quit talking to everybody dog. I didn't talk to no friends, family." (Baller Status)

Back in 2010, Slim Shady said his past drug woes had a damaging impact on his music-making abilities.

"I had to learn to write and rap again, and I had to do it sober and 100 percent clean. That didn't feel good at first...I mean it in the literal sense. I actually had to learn how to say my lyrics again -- how to phrase them, make them flow, how to use force so they sounded like I meant them. Rapping wasn't like riding a bike. It was [as much] physical as mental. I was relearning basic motor skills. I couldn't control my hand shakes. I'd get in the [recording] booth and tried to rap, and none of it was clever, none was witty and I wasn't saying it right...It was four or five months after I'd been clean when I started to get a glimmer of my writing skills back. I don't remember what song I was working on specifically, but I do remember getting feeling back in the music. I realized I wanted to do this again." (New York Post)

Mariah Carey Said She 'Hated' 'American Idol'

It seems Mariah Carey really didn't enjoy her time on "American Idol." When asked about her one season judging the Fox singing competition, Carey said, "Honestly, I hated it."

"I thought it was going to be a three-person panel," Carey told Hot 97. "They gave me a nice dangling monetary moment, and I was just like ... 'Okay. Randy Jackson will be there. I've known him forever, he used to play bass for me. Like, this isn't a big deal. This will be nothing.' But it wasn't that ... It was like going to work every day in hell with Satan."

Carey didn't say by name that she was referring to Nicki Minaj, but one could infer, especially after their very public spats. Carey then laughed and said, "I'm just playing. It didn't affect me that much. I was disappointed." Carey went on to say she loved the contestants and was disappointed when they didn't move on for "political reasons."

Carey served as a judge on "American Idol" alongside Minaj, Keith Urban and Jackson during Season 12 of the series. Minaj, Jackson and Carey are not returning to the show as judges, but Jackson will be be a mentor during Season 13. Urban will be joined by Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. for Season 13.
"I like being in the studio better and going on my own tours, etc. So we're going back to that," Carey said.

 Click link for video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EES_19GCkuM

Inside Guy Oseary and Paul McGuinness' $30M Live Nation Deal: New Roles, More Leverage and Music

By Andrew Hampp, New York | November 13, 2013 5:37 PM EST

As Guy Oseary and Paul McGuinness prep a $30 million deal to merge their management companies under Live Nation, more details have emerged about the pair’s respective plans.

U2, McGuinness’ top client at Principle Management, is prepping a new album set for tentative release in April on Interscope. Danger Mouse has been producing the set, which was recorded primarily at New York’s Electric Lady Studios. Oseary has already been leading discussions in the advertising marketplace as the band seeks potential brand partners for a planned Super Bowl commercial announcing the new music.
According to executives familiar with the parties’ plans who spoke with Billboard, Live Nation’s deal to acquire Principle and Maverick is valued at $30 million, and has not been completed. Under the 
arrangement, McGuinness would become chairman of Principle Management, while Oseary will assume day-to-day management of U2, as he has already for several months, Billboard has learned.

In a statement to the New York Times, which first broke the news of the Live Nation deal, McGuinness said: "It could be seen as slightly poor etiquette for a manager to consider retiring before his artist has split, quit or died, but U2 have never subscribed to the rock and roll code of conduct. As I approach the musically relevant age of 64 I have resolved to take a less hands-on role as the band embark on the next cycle of their extraordinary career.

"I am delighted that Live Nation, who with Arthur Fogel have been our long term touring partners, have joined us in creating this powerful new force in artist management. I have long regarded Guy Oseary as the best manager of his generation and there is no one else I would have considered to take over the day-to-day running of our business.”

The two companies will be housed under Live Nation’s management arm Artist Nation, a division of the company that manages more than 200 artists but has notably lost money in the first three quarters of 2013. Revenues were down 13% during the first nine months of 2013 year-over-year, according to the company’s earnings released Nov. 5, to a total of $261.1 million this year versus $298.6 million in 2012.

Prior to the acquisition, Oseary and McGuinness had already done plenty of landmark business with Live Nation. In 2008, U2 inked a 12-year deal with the company that included worldwide touring, merchandising and its U2.com website, though with no rights to the band’s recorded music or publishing.

The year prior, Madonna inked a 10-year 360-deal with Live Nation encompassing new studio albums, touring, merchandising, fan club/website, DVDs, music-related TV and film projects and associated sponsorship agreements. Though Live Nation initially intended to exclusively release new music from Madonna, the company aligned with Interscope in 2011 for a three-album deal (valued at $40 million) beginning with 2012’s "MDNA."

Oseary has also maintained an office in Live Nation’s Beverly Hills headquarters for several years, though he spends most of his time working out of a home office at his estate in the Hollywood Hills.

The Maverick/Principle news comes on the heels of Scooter Braun’s $120 million fund to invest in a consortium of music management firms, using proceeds from a fund led by Overland Park, Kan.-based investment firm Waddell & Reed Financial. Braun’s initial partners include Drake managers Oliver El-Khatib Adel and “Future The Prince” Nur at October’s Very Own; Troy Carter and his Atom Factory clients John Legend, Lindsey Stirling and Priyanka Chopra; and Jason Owen, whose Sandbox Entertainment manages top Nashville talent like Shania Twain, Little Big Town, recent CMA winner Kacey Musgraves and rising Warner Nashville duo Dan + Shay. Those artists will join a roster at Braun’s SB Projects that already includes Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, The Wanted, Cody Simpson and Martin Garrix.

Such recent waves of consolidation in the management space suggest efforts for thought-leading executives like Oseary, Braun and Carter (who appeared in a Billboard cover story this past April) to leverage their clients’ combined clout for better negotiations with digital service providers and more fluid investments. One source familiar with Braun’s plans said the management coalition’s model was focused on investing cash in the managers’ firms upfront so that artists could collect more revenues on the back-end.

“That money could then be used for artists’ revenue streams and new ventures,” the executive said.

Jay Z fans wishing they could attain a piece of history

Diehard Jay Z fans wishing they could attain a piece of history will have their chance this weekend as reports claim Young Hov's old apartment building has a vacancy.

According to reports, interested buyers can show off their love of Jigga Man for nearly $900,000.

In 2009, Jay-Z immortalized Brooklyn's 560 State Street by mentioning it in his anthemic "Empire State of Mind". "Took it to my stash spot, 560 State Street/Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons whipping pastry," he rhymed, recalling his rise and realization of the American dream. Unit 2C in the Boerum Hill building is currently on the market for $869,000, featuring two bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms within 1,060-square-feet. There's a open house at 1 p.m. this Sunday, and if any brokers still refuse to use the fact that Jay once lived in the building to sell this place, they're losing. Hard. Though it's not the same unit (Jay-Z apparently lived in 10B), that's still a pretty unique selling point. (Complex)

Jay's longtime late friend and rap mogul Notorious B.I.G.'s childhood apartment hit the bidding block earlier this year.

The Clinton Hill apartment where the Notorious B.I.G. grew up went on the market yesterday for $725,000, the Intelligencer reports. The decor looks more like it suits an elderly couple than a hip-hop all-star, but remember he hasn't lived there in decades--even though tour buses of devotees regularly make pilgrimages to the site. Located in a multi-family townhouse surrounded by others just like it, 226 Saint James Street #3L is a 3BR/1BA unit on a tree-lined street. Back in 2004, it sold for $424,866, according to Streeteasy, making this a hefty flip if buyers jump at the chance to live where a small Biggie Smalls (before he was even called that) hung his hat. (Curbed)

Listing agent Judith Lief previously provided details on the crib's former occupants.

Asked if she was aware of the condo's significance in music, listing agent Judith Lief said this morning, "You must be kidding. I am." Lief told Daily Intelligencer that "very lovable people" own the place and she wouldn't want its past to affect its future. "The tour buses that come by regularly are enough," she said. "I don't really know yet what impact, if any, [Biggie's looming presence] will have on the sale. I think it'll be notable, but I don't know if novelty translates to a purchase." (NY Mag)

Prior to going up in flames last week, rap star Eminem's Detroit childhood home hit the real estate market this year.

The home where Eminem spent most of his teenage years is on the auction block. WWJ's Sandra McNeill stopped by the house on Dresdan Street on Detroit's east side. The Michigan Land Bank has put the homeonce owned by the rapper's mother, Debbie Nelson, up for sale. The brick bungalow sits behind tall weeds and is boarded up in a block where nearly every home appears to be vacant and some stripped of anything valuable. (CBS Local)

Grammy Museum Honors Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson

Motown legends Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson were the inaugural honorees of the Grammy Museum’s first annual Architects of Sound Awards gala (Nov. 11). Held at the museum and Club Nokia at the L.A. Live complex, the dinner/concert event raised more than $500,000 to support the Grammy Museum’s various initiatives including educational programs, live performances and special exhibitions.

 

L-R: Performers Luke James and Kelly Rowland join honoree Berry Gordy.(Photo credit: Maury Phillips, WireImage.com)

Industry veteran and TV personality Randy Jackson hosted the affair, highlighted by performances of Motown classics from Kelly Rowland (“Dancing in the Street”), Michael Bolton (“What’s Going On”), Boyz II Men (“Tracks of My Tears”) and Luke James (dueting with Rowland on “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”). Grammy Museum executive director Bob Santelli -- who has signed on for another five years -- prefaced the performances with a segment about Motown’s enduring influence featuring the museum’s Summer Sessions Band. Several items were also auctioned. These included the lyric sheet for “Who’s Loving You,” handwritten and autographed by Robinson. It fetched $3500.

 

L-R: Honorees Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy applaud the evening's performers.(Photo credit: Maury Phillips, 

WireImage.com)

Presenting the awards to Robinson and Gordy were, respectively, Recording Academy president/CEO Neil Portnow and Sony Music Entertainment chairman/CEO Doug Morris. Accepting the Artist Award, Robinson said, “A new life started for me when I met Berry Gordy. I’m proud to be sharing this honor with my best friend . . . who changed the face of music.” Vision Award honoree Gordy thanked “all the artists, writers, producers and musicians who had the courage to follow me down a road that didn’t exist.”

 

L-R: Kelly Rowland and Michael Bolton join forces on the Motown classic, 

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough".(Photo credit: Maury Phillips, 

WireImage.com)

Among the attendees spotted at the intimate gathering: Blue Note president Don Was, songwriter/producer Harmony Samuels, television producer/director Ken Ehrlich, Rowland’s co-managers Marcus Grant of The Collective and Tim Weatherspoon and Grammy-winning producer Jimmy Jam.

Chief Keef Ordered to Work With Horses

Rapper gets community service mandate to work in a barn.

By Latifah Muhammad

Posted: 11/08/2013 11:24 AM EST

 

Update: Chief Keef was released from jail in Chicago this afternoon (Nov. 8) and is scheduled to attend rehab in Los Angeles. Keef's lawyer told TMZ that the "I Don't Like" rapper left custody at 2:15 p.m. CST and will arrive in California sometime over the weekend. 

He will begin court-mandated community service at a horse training facility after he completes 90 days of treatment for marijuana addiction. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chief Keef has a new set of collaborators lined up.

The Chi-town rapper will be working with horses as part of the 60 hours of community service he was given, stemming from a May speeding bust. According to TMZ, Sosa's new job is at Horsefeathers, an equestrian center aimed at providing horse therapy for disabled patients. The teen will clean out barns, pick up horse droppings, plus feed and clean the animals.  

Keef — aka Keith Cozart — was jailed Wednesday (Nov. 6) and slapped with 90 days in rehab, which he started a day later. The sentence came after he failed a random drug test and violated the terms of his probation. 

The 18-year-old kicked off 2013 with a 60-day jail sentence that he completed in March, and he's been in and out of custody ever since. He was also sued this year for upwards of $250,000 in various cases. 

No word as yet on when he will begin work at the horse center. 

Lady Gaga launches 'Artpop' at VIP New York party

New York City (AFP) - Multi-platinum selling diva Lady Gaga electrified several thousand handpicked fans with a live performance at the Brooklyn docks, kicking off the global release Monday of her third album.
Strutting and writhing across the stage dressed in a white leotard and white wig, Gaga late Sunday performed tracks from her new album "Artpop," launched in collaboration with US artist Jeff Koons.

Fans in fishnets, men in sequined drag and lipstick, girls in stilettos, gay men in platforms, older men in kilts and the odd grandmother, the crowd was as eclectic as they were die-hard Gaga fans, mobbing her with cell phone cameras and dancing madly.

"Artpop" signals a return to the limelight for Stefani Germanotta, the 27-year-old privately educated New Yorker best known as Lady Gaga, after she was forced to tone down her wall-to-wall engagements to undergo hip surgery.

She has collaborated with several world famous contemporary artists, including Koons, who portrayed her as a post-modern Botticellian Venus for the album artwork.

"I just want 11/11 to be a time for us all to really open our minds and project a brand-new future in communication, in technology, in visual art," Gaga told a packed press conference ahead of the VIP launch party, in reference to the date.

"Artpop" is a return to the danceable synthpop of Gaga's massively successful 2008 debut album "The Fame" after she experimented with other styles on her second album, "Born This Way."

Gaga established her reputation with chart-topping songs and outlandish costumes, and has surrounded herself with a constant media buzz.

Critics however gave the hotly-anticipated new album only lukewarm reception.
Even though some tired audience members drifted away from the event before it was over, most fans seemed smitten.

View gallery."

Gaga sang "Aura" in front of Koons' enormous white statue of her sitting naked, legs splayed, and holding a giant blue ball in front of her crotch.

She sashayed through the room to the stage and powered through the explicit lyrics to "Sex Dreams," then made an emotional dedication to Koons.

Gaga has a fight on her hands to retain her "Queen of Pop" crown after Katy Perry supplanted her as most followed person on Twitter, and with a twerking Miley Cyrus stealing the headlines.

Before assembled journalists Gaga took off in a custom-made flying dress to proclaim a new cultural revolution.

She strapped into the fly suit and buckled her helmet wearing a cut-out black leotard and knee-high sparkly white stiletto boots. She then took off and propelled through the air.

"I think that anytime you have a voice in the world and you're a public figure if you have the potential to start a revolution I feel it is your duty to do so," she said.

Gaga called the battery-operated flying dress Volantis, and an "early prototype" for what she said could be a new dawn in travel.

She presented the device as part philosophy, part science, and part metaphor for herself, but was vague on what use it could ever have.

But instead of gliding from the back of a Brooklyn warehouse to a small platform in front of the cameras, Gaga hovered for a few seconds several times. The device came to juddering halts, and she walked the last few steps towards the podium.

"Most importantly today we just wanted you to feel inspired," she said. 

Unveiling a smartphone app that accompanies the album, she finished by saying: "I hope today is a change in pop culture."

A dashing Koons, kitted out in an elegant midnight blue Christian Dior suit, explained why he agreed to work with Gaga.

"I think she's really a very, very generous person. As human beings we all have a freedom of gesture and it's whether we exercise it or not," he told AFP at the launch party.

"Gaga's exercising it and is trying to communicate to her fans that they can exercise that freedom too and so as an artist that's what I'm involved with also so I think we appreciate that in each other."

2013 MTV EMA: The Complete Winners List

Best Song WINNER: Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
Daft Punk - Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams)
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)
Rihanna -Diamonds
Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell)

Best Pop WINNER: One Direction
Justin Bieber
Katy Perry
Miley Cyrus
Taylor Swift

Best Female WINNER: Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Taylor Swift
Best Male WINNER: Justin Bieber
Bruno Mars
Eminem
Jay Z
Justin Timberlake

Best Live WINNER: Beyonce
Green Day
Justin Timberlake
P!Nk
Taylor Swift

Best New WINNER: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Bastille
Icona Pop
Imagine Dragons
Rudimental

Best Rock WINNER: Green Day
Black Sabbath
Kings of Leon
Queens of the Stone Age
The Killers

Best Alternative WINNER: Thirty Seconds to Mars
Arctic Monkeys
Fall Out Boy
Franz Ferdinand
Paramore

Best Hip Hop WINNER: Eminem
Drake
Jay Z
Kanye West
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Best Electronic WINNER: Avicii
Afrojack
Calvin Harris
Daft Punk
Skrillex

Best Look WINNER: Harry Styles
Justin Timberlake
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
Rita Ora

Best Push WINNER: Austin Mahone
A$AP Rocky
Bastille
Bridgit Mendler
Icona Pop
Iggy Azalea
Imagine Dragons
Karmin
Rudimental
Tom Odell
Twenty One Pilots

Best World Stage WINNER: Linkin Park
Alicia Keys
The Black Keys
Fun.
Garbage
Green Day
Jason Mraz
Jessie J
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
No Doubt
Paramore
Rita Ora
Robin Thicke
Snoop Lion
The Killers

Worldwide Act WINNER: Chris Lee
Ahmed Soultan
Bednarek
Cody Simpson
Exo
Fresno
Justin Bieber
Lena
Marco Mengoni
One Direction

Biggest Fans WINNER: Tokio Hotel
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
One Direction
Thirty Seconds to Mars

Best Video WINNER: Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball
Justin Timberlake - Mirrors
Lady Gaga - Applause
Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell)
Thirty Seconds to Mars - Up in the Air

Artist on the Rise WINNER: Austin Mahone
Ariana Grande
Cher Lloyd
Cody Simpson
Bridget Mendler
Lorde

Global Icon WINNER: Eminem

Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records Hires Interscope Veteran Greg Marella

Executive Greg Marella has joined Kemosabe Records as executive vice president. The label, headed by hitmaker Dr. Luke, is a joint venture with Sony Music.

Marella arrives from Interscope Geffen A&M where he was vice president of promotion. His career in the music business began at Priority records in 1995 as west coast regional director. From there, he went to work at MCA Records, where he handled such acts as Blink-182 and Mary J. Blige.

Following MCA's absorption by Interscope-Geffen-A&M in 2003, Marella stayed on and spent the next decade spearheading promotional campaigns for the likes of Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons, Robin Thicke and Zedd, among others.

Launched in Oct. 2011, Kemosabe is home to Ke$ha, Bonnie McKee, Juicy J, Becky G and G.R.L., among others.

Dr. Luke is among the most successful songwriter-producers to emerge since the turn of the millennium having helmed 29 No. 1 singles -- among them were seven hits recorded by Katy Perry, including "Teenage Dream" and "California Gurls," two by Britney Spears (“Till the World Ends,” “Hold It Against Me),” Kelly Clarkson (“Since U Been Gone,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes”) and, most recently, Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball.”

This Day in Black History: Nov. 11, 1831

Nat Turner, who led a slave revolt in Southampton, Virginiawas executed.

By Natelege Whaley

Nat Turner, a slave and a minister, who led the largest slave rebellion in the U.S., was executed on Nov. 11, 1831. Turner believed he was chosen by God to lead his people out of slavery and initiated the attack on Aug. 21, 1831, in Southampton, Virginia.

Starting out with seven followers, he eventually gathered about 75 people on his crusade that killed about 60 whites. A militia of 3,000 white men eventually captured and killed members of the group, while some had dispersed. Turner was captured in October that year and eventually hung in Jerusalem, Virginia, the following month. 

In the aftermath, many African-Americans were lynched. There was also a wide-spread sentiment among masters to keep slaves from learning how to read to prevent other rebellions in the future.

Rick Ross Scoops Up Gucci Mane's Wifey During His Jail Stint?

Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane might want to stay off the Internet while he serves time behind bars as reports claim his girlfriend, vixen Keyshia Ka'oir, is spending her days with Maybach Music Group head Rick Ross.

Although there is no word on their relationship status, a photo of Keyshia blowing a kiss onto Ross has been posted onto Rick's Instagram page.

Oh snap! Looks like Rick Ross took a little page out of 50 Cent' black book on "get back." Why? Because, most recently, and I mean a few minutes ago, was seen with Keyshia Ka'oir, Gucci Mane's hot ex-girlfriend. I never knew how Gucci got her in the first place. But, when Gucci went nuts, he talked trash about a lot of people - including his own damn girl. That didn't go over well and Gucci was extremely apologetic after he sobered up. "Keyshia Dior Kaoir I'm sorry. Please forgive me," he pleaded on Twitter. But Keyshia Ka'oir got her own and she's a boss in her own right if you know her story. Well, she's linked up with Rick Ross and, they look pretty cozy. There may not being anything crazy going on, but the affiliation alone is tragic for Gucci's soul. (AHH Rumors)

The Atlanta hip-hop heavyweight hopped onto Twitter back in September to apologoize for publicly dissing handfuls of artists.

"Woke up the other day out this hospital bed & I'm so embarrassed & ashamed of my behavior that was brought to my attention. (Cont)," he tweeted September 22.

"I just wanna man up right now & take this time to apologize to my family, friends, the industry & most of all my fans. I'm SORRY! (Cont)"

"I've been drinking lean for 10plus years & I must admit it has destroyed me. I wanna be the first rapper to admit (cont)"

"I'm addicted to lean & that sh*t ain't no joke. I can barely remember all the things I've done & said. However there's no excuse. (Cont)" (Gucci Mane's Twitter)

The rapper also specifically apologoized to Keyshia and Ross over Twitter.

"I'm currently incarcerated but I will be going to rehab because I need help. I wanna thank everyone that has stood by me (cont)"

"during this difficult time. Please keep me in your prayers. #GUWOP"

"I wanna personally apologize to birdman ross & drake. Dem my n*ggas. I 100% regret my words & actions ."

"Keyshia Dior Kaoir I'm sorry. Please forgive me" (Gucci Mane's Twitter)

During Gucci's initial rant, Ross said he hoped the ATL rapper would reach out to him personally if there were any real issues in light of him melting down on Twitter.

"You know, as far as, you know, if somebody needs some help, they need to get it. You know what I'm saying? As far as when you jump out there, when you jump off that porch, you jump. You know what I'm saying? Me and homie, we was always cool. We'll see. I haven't spoke to dog. At the end of the day, for one, I don't move with that Twitter talk. I'm a $50 million dude. I don't move by Twitter talk and all that. You know what I'm saying? Real dudes, they make up. Even if it's a problem, they get on the line. You know, on Twitter, you'll never see Rozay really jump off the porch with Twitter. Regardless, I'm not an emotional person like that." (Hot 97)

Kanye West Makes Surprise Appearance at Odd Future Carnival

The rapper joined Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweartshirt on stage in downtown Los Angeles. 

Odd Future’s legion of fans showed up to the Los Angeles Coliseum in full force for the second annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival held yesterday, Nov. 9. Complete with an OF-branded Ferris wheel towering over a handful of other carnival rides, a skate park hidden under an overpass, and a festival-sized stage, the California-based crew entertained 2,000 or so of its closest friends.

our editor recommends

 

With performances running from 2pm - 11pm, the 45 minute line wrapping around the coliseum grounds wasn’t bad at all. Odd Future’s Mike G, The Internet and Earl Sweatshirt got the crowd moving in the daylight hours while Schoolboy Q and Flying Lotus transitioned the celebration into the dark. Lotus particularly got things going with a rave-like set of his own hits mixed in with hard-hitting electronic remixes of cuts such as Rick Ross’ “Hold Me Back.” His equipment was set up behind a giant, see-through screen portraying awe-inspiring visuals set to the music. He only stepped out from behind it three times to rock the mic.

Mac Miller turned the crowd up with a highly-energetic set running through his “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” and “Blue Slide Park” hits. Additionally, he created an intimate feeling by playing fan-favorite cuts that aren’t even his! He brought out Earl Sweatshirt for a fun rendition of Cam’Ron’s “Hey Ma,” and then went on to plays Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” to which the crowd sang every word.

In his traditional Vans, knee high socks, shorts and baseball cap -- the uniform for the majority of teenagers attending the all-age affair -- Tyler, The Creator took the stage next. He played standouts from “Bastard,” “Goblin” and “Wolf” set to a moving blue sky background reminiscent of Drake’s “Nothing was the Same” cover, except for when it would turn red during the ominous parts of his songs. The visual played really well with Tyler’s affinity to jump from light-hearted fun material to dark, menacing subjects.

STORY: Kanye West Explains Why He Brings 'Jesus' Onstage During Concerts

Tyler treated the crowd to the original version of “Colossus,” featuring a much jazzier, lighter feel than the one that made “Goblin.” This would have been surprise enough until the beat for Kanye West’s “New Slaves” started up and an inspired West walked out on stage ripping through the hard-hitting lyrics. The crowd exploded in delight and pushed up to get a better look at the Yeezus rapper.

“I am a fucking fan of Kanye West,” gushed Tyler following the song. And with Kanye having agreed to play the Odd Future frontman’s favorite song “Late” off of Late Registration, Tyler exclaimed, “Can I have a hug, first? I am so fucking happy.” He couldn’t hold his excitement as he helped Kanye through most of the song as Yeezy hadn’t “performed this in like six years.” He also stayed onstage as the crew bounced back and forth for Tyler’s closer “Tamale.”

Frank Ocean closed out the carnival with very crisp renditions of songs off Nostalgia, Ultra and Channel Orange. With his voice working at 100 percent and the crowd reeling from the day’s excitement, Ocean captured the event in one short phrase,” I’m feeling all the vibes tonight, I’m feeling all your vibes.”
This story first appeared on Billboard.com.

 

Miley Cyrus Buries Twerk-Filled VMAs W/ Shocking MTV EMAs Stunt

Pop singer Miley Cyrus saved her twerking for another day and raised eyebrows at this year's MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) by rolling up and smoking a blunt during the telecast.

 

Miley Cyrus' smoking stunt sparked headlines at Sunday's EMAs ceremony.

Miley Cyrus is upstaging another award show with her controversial antics. While accepting the award for Video of the Year ("Wrecking Ball") at Sunday's MTV EMA, the 20-year-old singer pulled out a joint from her purse and smoked it onstage. Marijuana usage is legal in Amsterdam, where the awards were held. "I couldn't fit this award in my bag, but I did find this," she said while pulling out a joint from her Chanel purse and lighting it on stage. "So thank you guys very much. Goodnight everybody. Thank you." (Rap-Up)

Despite the controversy, Miley won't have to worry about any legal backlash from the stunt.

Marijuana is legal in Amsterdam, and Cyrus seems intent on taking advantage of that fact. Before the show began, fellow chart-topper Katy Perry tweeted, "For tonight's performance of UNCONDITIONALLY on ?@mtvema? I will be letting the LIGHT in & then making you SHINE! ?#dontneedtobehighforthis?." Cyrus replied, "@katyperry @mtvema but you may want to be," to which Perry responded, "@MileyCyrus #afterparty." Sources tell Us that Cyrus was smoking backstage throughout the night. A show source tells Us, "No one was expecting it to happen. It was so brazen, so shameless. It was so uncalled for." (Us Magazine)

Aside from Miley, the night was filled with various high-profile entertainers hitting the stage.

The Queen of Twerk returned a little later in the show for a more tame performance of "Wrecking Ball," crooning the ballad in a white leotard, and went on to win her first-ever EMA for Best Video for the song. As for the other performances of the night, Robin Thicke was also on hand, but performed without his former "Blurred Lines" counterpart, instead switching up his partner for a group of body-painted models and rapper Iggy Azalea (who left her foam finger at home, unfortunately). Next, Katy Perry hit the stage singing "Unconditionally," suspended in the air, looking like a maypole wrapped in ribbon. As her dancers below her unraveled the ribbons, Perry's next costume was revealed--a bedazzled bodysuit. She went on to win Best Female, accepting the award in a fishnet/leotard dress. (E! Online)

Rap star Eminem managed to snag a handful of awards from the star-studded gathering.

Best Video: "Wrecking Ball," Miley Cyrus Best Live: Beyonce Best Pop: One Direction Global Icon: Eminem Worldwide Act: Chris Lee Best Male: Justin Bieber Best Electronic: Avicii Best Rock: Green Day Best New: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Best Female: Katy Perry Best Alternative: 30 Seconds to Mars Best Hip-Hop: Eminem Best Song: "Locked Out of Heaven," Bruno Mars Biggest Fans: Tokio Hotel Best Look: Harry Styles Global Icon Award: Eminem Best UK & Ireland Act: One Direction Best Push: Austin Mahone (Us Magazine)