KICK-ASS WITH MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE
March 18, 2010
When a teenage comic book fanboy’s obsession takes over his life and he becomes a costumed super-hero named KICK-ASS – with no super-powers whatsoever – the results are the twisted, funny, high-octane adventure movie that opens in U.S. theatres on April 16th. Preceding the movie on March 30th, DGC/Interscope Records, a unit of Universal Music Group, will release the soundtrack album KICK-ASS: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE.
The KICK-ASS soundtrack album opens with “Make Me Wanna Die,” the first official commercial release by new Interscope recording group The Pretty Reckless. The band is fronted by singer-songwriter Taylor Momsen, who is also one of the stars of CW’s hugely popular TV series, Gossip Girl. The release of The Pretty Reckless debut album on Interscope is slated for June 22nd; two days later the group joins the 16th annual Vans Warped Tour 2010 for its two-month trek, running through August 15th.
POINT OF GRACE RELEASE EIGHTH STUDIO ALBUM ‘NO CHANGIN’ US’
March 18, 2010
Word/Warner Bros. Records Artists and Platinum-Selling Group Point Of Grace (Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino, Denise Jones) are letting their fans know there is “No Changin’ Us” with their eighth studio album release of the same name. No Changin’ Us was released on Tuesday, March 9 to all digital and physical retailers and is the group’s first studio album release in more than three years.
Produced by GRAMMY Award-Winning Producer Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), the album also features their new single, “Come To Jesus.” In addition, Point Of Grace released their first cookbook, Cooking With Grace: A Cookbook From Point Of Grace with Julie Adkison, which features a collection of southern-inspired recipes, cooking advice, family photos and stories from the trio on the same day, which a portion of the proceeds will go to The Raining Season, a non-profit organization that provides housing, nourishment and education to orphaned children and impoverished families in Africa.
ISLAND DEF JAM DOMINATES THE CHARTS
March 18, 2010
The Island Def Jam Music Group takes over the top of the charts with an explosion of album and singles releases – starting with the brand new album by Ludacris, THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES, debuting today at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and R&B/Hip-Hop chart, with first week sales of 137,000 copies.
IDJ’s hot streak carries over to the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, as “Rude Boy” by Rihanna jumps into the #1 spot, the 22-year old star’s 5th #1 solo single (and overall 6th #1 career single) in less than four years. At #3 this week is “Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz featuring Ludacris, which formerly held the #1 spot on the Hot 100 last week.
On the iTunes list Top 10 singles, “Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz featuring Ludacris owns the #1 position for a third consecutive week. Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” comes in at #4. And Teen Island star Justin Bieber has an unprecedented two singles in the iTunes Top 10 for a third consecutive week, “U Smile” at #3, and “Baby” featuring Ludacris at #9.
Waiting in the wings as IDJ’s next top chart contender is Justin Bieber’s MY WORLD 2.0 album, to be released next week (March 23rd).
MTV RADIO’S MORNING FACTS FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 18th, 2010
March 18, 2010
LUDACRIS DEBUTS AT NUMBER ONE
Ludacris scores his fourth number one on the Billboard album chart as Battle of the Sexes debuts at the top, selling over 137-thousand copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The Gorillaz debut at number two with Plastic Beach selling over 112-thousand copies. Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now slips down to number three after climbing back to the top of the chart last week. Jimi Hendrix’s Valleys of Neptune bows at number four. It marks the legendary guitarist’s highest-charting album since The Cry of Love reached number three back in 1971. Gary Allan’s Get Off on the Pain debuts at number five and Sade’s Soldier of Love falls four spots to number six. Broken Bells, the collaboration between Brian Burton (a-k-a producer Danger Mouse) and the Shins’ singer James Mercer, opens at number seven. Lady Gaga’s The Fame is down one notch to number eight, the Black Eyed Peas’ The E.N.D. drops one spot to number nine, while Blake Shelton’s Hillbilly Bone falls seven slots to number 10.
PEAS, KEYS & MORE TO PLAY FIFA WORLD CUP
The Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira and more will perform at the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert. The event takes place on June 10th, the night before the first match, at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fans who are going to be in South Africa can get tickets at CompuTicket.com.
BEP’S LA AFTER PARTY BENEFIT
The Black Eyed Peas are hosting an after-show party at L.A. LIVE’s Club Nokia on Monday, March 29th with special DJ sets from will.i.am and apl.de.ap plus LMFAO and a DJ set by RedFoo. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit the Haiti and Chile earthquake relief efforts. The party will feature a specialty cocktail in honor of the tour called the Bacardi V.I.Pea. Tickets for the March 29th Official After-Show Party go on-sale tomorrow at 1 PM Eastern. The Peas are playing two sold out concerts at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday, March 29th and Tuesday, March 30th. The latter show will be beamed out live to movie theaters across the country.
TICKET INFO: Reserved VIP seats (including access to the club’s private lounge) are available for 30 dollars. General Admission tickets are 25 dollars if purchased in advance and 30 dollars the day of the event, if available. Fans attending either of the Staples Center concerts can purchase General Admission tickets for 10 dollars in advance or 15 dollars the day of the show, if available, by showing their show their Black Eyed Peas ticket.
MADONNA TO DESIGN SUNGLASSES?
Madonna recently announced that she will be creating her own clothing line to be sold in Macy’s. But is the Queen of Pop getting into the accessory game as well? According to British paper The Sun, Madge is now set to design sunglasses with Dolce & Gabbana. No word yet on when they will hit stores.
FOX NEWS RIPS GAGA FOR “TELEPONE” VIDEO
Fox News has taken aim at Lady GaGa’s new “Telephone” video. During a segment on America Live, host Megyn Kelly interviewed Sandy Rios of The Culture Campaign. Rios ripped the video for showing mass murder and said it should be banned because it is “poison for the minds of our kids.” Kelly stated that Madonna has done many of the same things and Rios, who seemed to know nothing about the Material Girl, stated that Gaga’s “Telephone” video is much worse than anything Madge has done.
http://thatgrapejuice.net/2010/03/fox-news-slam-lady-gaga-telephone-video/
ORIANTHI ON THE TONIGHT SHOW
Orianthi performed her song “According To You” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night. Don’t worry if you missed the performance, because you can catch it online now. Head to Hulu.com to check it out.
LADY ANTEBELLUM WEBISODE WEDNESDAY FOR FANS
In honor of Lady Antebellum’s 100th Webisode Wednesday video blog, the trio has asked fans to record their favorite Webisode Wednesday moment. On Wednesday, April 7th, Lady A will choose their favorite fan submitted video to air on an upcoming Webisode. The winner will also receive a Lady Antebellum flip camera equipped with a personal message from the band. For more information, fans can visit the group’s Web site at LadyAntebellum.com.
LADY ANTEBELLUM JOINS FORCES WITH JOHN LEGEND
Lady Antebellum shares a special bond with R&B star John Legend after co-writing a song together. Hillary Scott told The Boot they’re unsure if they will cut the song or if someone else will, but one thing is certain – the track will stay on Hillary’s iPod. She said, “Just to be able to turn on my iPod and listen to a song we wrote with him, and hear him sing the demo is awesome. I’m so happy we were able to do that.”
DAVID ARCHULETA MAKES ANOTHER TRIP TO NASHVILLE
David Archuleta, the latest American Idol finalist who has gone country, was in spotted in Nashville last week, ready to write more songs for his next album. According to USA Today, David met up with singer-songwriter Joy Williams and together they collaborated with other writers who have worked with hit-makers like Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw. When all was said and done, David left the studio with about 20 songs for his new album.
ROB THOMAS APP FOR BLACKBERRY
Rob Thomas has just released an application for BlackBerry, so now you can take the matchbox twenty frontman with you wherever you go. The app connects directly to the singer-songwriter’s official Web site, giving you access to tour dates, music, images and much more. Learn more at RobThomasMusic.com.
SEE DAUGHTRY REHEARSING
Daughtry’s tour kicks off tonight in Baltimore, Maryland. The band has been in rehearsals in the days leading up to the first show, and frontman Chris has just posted some pictures on his Twitter page. Check them out now at Twitter.com/Chris_Daughtry.
THE SCRIPT ON REGIS AND KELLY
On Tuesday, The Script performed their hit song “Breakeven” on Live with Regis and Kelly. The band has just posted the performance on their official Web site, so head to TheScriptMusic.com to check it out.
WHAT KIND OF MAN IS JESSICA SIMPSON LOOKING FOR?
Jessica Simpson has come out and said that John Mayer won’t get her “sexual napalm” ever again, so what kind of man is she looking for exactly? The singer, who has also been romantically linked to Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, went on Barbara Walters’ radio show and said, “What is attractive to me about a man is a man’s spirituality. Just the way he carries himself. I kind of like a rough man a little bit. A man’s man.” She also said that her man must be “confident” and able to “deal” with her life.
WOMAN IN “TELEPHONE” VIDEO SPEAKS
You may remember one scene in Lady Gaga’s epic video for “Telephone” where, in the prison yard, the pop star makes out with another woman. Well that lady is Heather Cassils, and she was interviewed by Out magazine about necking with one of the world’s most successful musicians. Cassils called the experience “intense,” that it “happened naturally,” and that it was actually Gaga who “put her tongue” in Cassil’s mouth. Read the whole article, and re-watch the video, at Out.com.
KATE VOEGELE AND KRIS ALLEN WRITE TOGETHER
Kate Voegele is at the South By Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, but the singer-songwriter had some business to attend to before she left her home in Los Angeles. Kate posted on her Twitter that she “wrote a great song” with the reigning American Idol Kris Allen, and that he’s “a sweetheart and so talented.” No word yet on when we can hear the song.
KATE VOEGELE TO SUPPORT JORDIN SPARKS
Kate Voegele has just announced that she will be supporting Jordin Sparks on her forthcoming spring tour. In a post on her official Web site, Kate wrote that she’s “beyond excited” for the opportunity. The trek kicks off on April 25th in Sayreville, New Jersey, and will wrap up on May 23rd in Anaheim, California. Head to KateVoegele.com to see when Kate and Jordin are coming to a town near you.
GREEN DAY ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR WITH AFI
Green Day has announced that they’ll be hitting the road this summer. The trio will embark on a U-S tour with AFI, starting on August 3rd in Camden, New Jersey. The band is set to announce a complete list of tour dates soon so stay tuned for details!
LIL WAYNE IS WANTED IN ARIZONA
TMZ has learned Lil Wayne has been issued a bench warrant in Arizona even though he’s currently serving a year-long sentence at Riker’s Island. Weezy is wanted by the Yuma County police in connection with his January 2008 arrest when the DEA allegedly found him with multiple firearms, 29-grams of cocaine, 41-grams of ecstasy and 105-grams of marijuana! Wayne was expected to appear in court yesterday, however due to his current circumstances he failed to show up.
50 CENT WANTS TO MAKE DANCE RECORDS?
ContactMusic.com reports 50 Cent wants to leave hardcore gangsta rap and record a European-inspired dance album. The mogul plans to make “more up-tempo music” and could potentially title the project Black Magic. In fact, 50 already recorded a song with his live band while visiting Europe. Fiddy stated, “I won’t allow myself to be placed in a box where I can only do one style, or do one kind of music.” He added, “They should expect the unexpected on this one. If they can understand how I enjoy different genres of music and different styles, for the people who have various tastes in music, they’ll really like it.”
JAY-Z TAKES BP3 TOUR OVERSEAS
SingersRoom.com has learned Jay-Z has announced that he is taking his BP3 tour to Europe. The rap mogul is expected to play several festivals in June, including the Rock am Ring Festival in Germany. In addition, Hova will perform in France, Scotland, Switzerland and Ireland during the summer. Visit LiveNation.com for all dates and venues.
DRAKE GIVES DETAILS ON “OVER” VIDEO
During a recent interview with MTV News, Drake revealed that he’s working hard to make a great video for his new single, “Over.” The emcee is approaching the clip with a director that he truly respects, Anthony Mandler. Drizzy explained, “We talked colors, we talked epic, emotion-evoking visuals. The story is actually interesting. The song is so aggressive, and it’s sort of a love story in the video.” Fans can expect Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later, to arrive in stores later this year.
WYCLEF JEAN’S UNICEF BENEFIT CONCERT
Wyclef Jean will be making a guest appearance at a benefit concert for UNICEF to aid the children of Haiti. The event, which will also include a performance from acclaimed pianist Lang Lang, will be held at Carnegie Hall this Sunday. The GRAMMY Award-winning artist said in a statement, “This concert will allow us even more so to raise money for a cause that is so close to my heart.” All proceeds from the tickets will be donated to the U-S fund for UNICEF. Visit CarnegieHall.org to learn more.
NICKI MINAJ EXPLAINS “MASSIVE ATTACK” VIDEO
While shooting the video for her new single, “Massive Attack,” in the deserts of Lancaster, California, Nicki Minaj told MTV News what the concept is all about. The leading lady of Young Money Entertainment explained the clip was done in “an unexpected fashion, like I didn’t want to shoot the typical new artist video.” Nicki added, “We’re just invading the game right now, this is really a massive attack.” The video includes a cameo from Kanye West’s girlfriend, Amber Rose, and was directed by Hype Williams. No word on when it will be released.
ICE CUBE FILM AT TRIBECA/ESPN SPORTS FILM FESTIVAL
We’ve just learned Ice Cube’s Straight Outta L.A film is scheduled to premiere at the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival. The movie reportedly “explores the unlikely marriage between the NFL’s rebel franchise, the Raiders, and America’s glamour city, Los Angeles.” Learn more about the festival at TribecaFilm.com.
ESPN will also televise the film on May 11th.
DMX SENTENCED TO SIX MONTHS IN JAIL
Trouble continues to follow DMX, who must now serve six months in jail. According to TMZ, the rapper reportedly violated the terms of his probation after he failed a drug test. The emcee will serve his sentence inside a Phoenix jail and must also undergo a mental health evaluation. In addition, Dr. Drew’s Pasadena Recovery Center has offered to assist the troubled entertainer by letting him serve his time inside the rehabilitation center. Head over to TMZ to learn more.
MALICE ‘N WONDERLAND TRAILER DEBUT
March 17, 2010
MySpace debuts the brand new trailer for MALICE ‘N WONDERLAND, an original short film inspired by the new album from Snoop Dogg. The film stars Snoop, Jamie Foxx, Xzibit, Soulja Boy, Murs, Diplo, Mayer Hawthorne, MC Lyte, among many others. The movie will be released simultaneously on March 23rd with the More Malice CD including “I Wanna Rock” (The Kings G-Mix featuring Jay Z) and “That Tree” (featuring Kid Cudi).
FINNISH ROCKERS HIM TEAM UP WITH MTV GAMES AND HARMONIX’S ROCK BAND
March 17, 2010
On February 23rd, Finland’s hard-rock heroes HIM and Sire/Reprise teamed up with MTV Games and Harmonix to release a brand-new downloadable content of three HIM tracks, including their new single “Heartkiller,” for the Rock Band™ Music Store in connection with HIM being Xbox’s featured artist for the month of March. The other downloadable tracks are “Ode to Solitude” and “Wings of a Butterfly.”
Now the band is asking their fans around the world to help them set the record for the largest global Rock Band performance in history. On March 25th fans can make a video of themselves performing “Heartkiller” between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET and upload it to the HIM’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/him) within 24 hours beginning at 10 p.m. ET to be entered into an official contest at which time the members of HIM will choose the Top 5 best performance videos. The band is asking fans to film their performances and post them at the same time in order to set the world record for the largest global Rock Band performance ever. (Videos should be tagged “Official HIM Rock Band Entry.”)
SKOPE EXCLUSIVES: Glasses Malone “Eastsidin’ (Crip Gang)” Ft. Snoop Dogg
March 17, 2010
We at Skopemag.com get hundreds of exclusive tracks via various vendors on a daily basis. The goal for us is to share with our readers as many tracks that come in. Please note that some of these links expire so you got to get it while it’s hot!
Glasses Malone “Eastsidin’ (Crip Gang)” Ft. Snoop Dogg :
GORILLAZ PLASTIC BEACH DEBUTS AT #2
March 17, 2010
On the heels of their current single “Stylo” setting the record for the most successful YouTube Music Tuesday premiere to date, Gorillaz have now set two more career landmarks with their brand new third album, Plastic Beach: Selling more than 112,000 copies in the seven days since its March 9 U.S. Release on EMI’s Virgin Records, Plastic Beach has entered the U.S. album chart at #2. Both career highs, the sales number and chart position best those of 2005’s double-platinum Demon Days, which sold 107,000 in its debut week, entering the chart at #6.
Reached for comment at Point Nemo, Gorillaz bassist and mouthpiece Murdoc Niccals gloated, “I hear my Plastic Beach masterpiece has shot into the U.S. charts at No.2!! What about that? Whatever: this means you like me, you really like me!!”
PHISH ANNOUNCES SUMMER 2010 TOUR
March 17, 2010
Phish will kick off an extensive summer tour on June 11th at Toyota Park in Chicago, IL. An online ticket request period is currently underway at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/ and will end on Friday, March 26th, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, April 2nd. For full details, visit phish.com wwww.phish.com.
The band performed Genesis’ “Watcher of the Skies” and “No Reply at All” last night at the 25th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and guitarist/vocalist Trey Anastasio had the privilege of inducting the group.
MTV RADIO’S MORNING FACTS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17th, 2010
March 17, 2010
LADY GAGA & BEYONCE MAKE HISTORY TOGETHER
Lady Gaga and Beyoncé have made history with their new single “Telephone”. According to Billboard, the two have tied the record for most number one songs on the Billboard Pop chart since the Nielsen BDS-based radio airplay chart launched in 1992. The pair joins Mariah Carey, who tallied six toppers between 1993 and 2005. Gaga and Beyonce pass Avril Lavigne, P!nk, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, each with five number one songs.
TAIO CRUZ & GORILLAZ TOP ITUNES CHART
Taio Cruz’s “Break Your Heart” featuring Ludacris is once again the most-downloaded track on iTunes this week. Rihanna’s “Rude Boy,” B.o.B’s “Nothin On You” featuring Bruno Mars and “Imma Be” from the Black Eyed Peas follow. Gorillaz score the top album on the chart with Plastic Beach. Ludacris’ Battle of the Sexes, Broken Bells self-titled album and Jimi Hendrix’s Valleys of Neptune round out the top five.
BUTLER WANTS FASHION ADVICE FROM GAGA?
You might think Gerard Butler is a fashionable guy, but the Scottish actor insists that he’s in desperate need of some help. And not only that, but it’s Lady Gaga who he wants assistance from. Butler spoke to MTV News, saying that even though he would love to get some fashion advice from the pop star, he thinks that she’d probably tell him to “get a life – it’s not happening.”
GAGA’S SISTER IN “TELEPHONE” VIDEO
Did you watch Lady Gaga’s new video for her song “Telephone” and spot a girl who looked almost exactly like the pop star? Well that’s because it was Gaga’s sister, Natali Germanotta. E! News reports that the 17-year-old can be seen in the scene where Gaga is on the phone while in jail. Watch the vid and see if you can spot Natali, at LadyGaga.com.
KELLY CLARKSON GOES SWIMMING WITH SHARKS
Kelly Clarkson has been touring around Africa and she’s not letting the chance to explore a new continent pass her by. The original American Idol wrote on her Twitter account that she just got done swimming with “great white sharks” in South Africa. She also wrote that “Jaws literally came into the cage” she was in and almost touched her. Keep up to date with what adventures Kelly is getting into, at Twitter.com/Kelly_Clarkson.
LADY A TALK TO VH1.COM
Lady Antebellum took the time to chat with Vh1.com and answer five pressing questions. The Nashville group talks about who they want to collaborate with more than anyone in the world, the best song to jump-start a party, and much more. Check it out now at Vh1.com.
LIFEHOUSE TALKS DAUGHTRY’S HAIR
Chris Daughtry just posted a video of himself on Twitter getting ready for his tour, and strangely enough, the former American Idol contestant had hair on his usually-shaved head. He asked his Twitter followers what they thought of his new hairdo, and Bryce Soderberg of Lifehouse responded. Chris’ tourmate said that he should “keep the lid” and that it “looks good.” See if you like Chris’ hair at Twitter.com/Chris_Daughtry.
WATCH THE SCRIPT ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Today is St. Patrick’s Day and it just wouldn’t be right to spend it without listening to Irish rockers The Script. You can see them this morning performing their hit single “Breakeven” on The Today Show. Today airs on NBC, beginning at 7 AM Eastern.
MICHAEL JACKSON’S ESTATE SIGNS HUGE DEAL
Michael Jackson’s estate has signed the biggest recording deal in history. According to the Associated Press, the contract is worth 200-million dollars with Sony Music Entertainment for ten projects over seven years. The record-breaking contract through 2017 could be worth up to 250-million dollars if certain conditions are met. One of the albums will be of never-before-released Jackson recordings and is due out in November. Future projects may also include a video game, a DVD compilation of videos and a re-release of Off the Wall, Jackson’s fifth studio album, which first came out in 1979, accompanied by some unreleased material. Before his sudden death in June at age 50, the pop star had wanted to reissue the record. One of the projects already counted in the contract was the two-disc album that accompanied This Is It, the film based on footage of concert rehearsals for what was to have been Jackson’s comeback concerts.
ALICIA KEYS AND SWIZZ BEATZ GO PUBLIC
ConcreteLoop.com reports Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz have finally confirmed the one thing that everyone has whispered about for the past few months. They’re an item! The notoriously private couple attended the Gotham Magazine Annual Gala in New York, making it the pair’s first public appearance together. In related news, Swizz is currently finalizing his divorce with R&B wife, Mashonda.
SLASH PLAYS NEW SONG WITH BLACK EYED PEAS
Slash performed a new solo song live over the weekend, and he got some help on the tune from the Black Eyed Peas. The former Guns N’ Roses guitarist took the stage at the Peas’ concert in Chicago on Saturday and played “Beautiful Dangerous.” Footage of the collaboration is up on YouTube now and can be found by searching for “Black Eyed Peas Slash.” Slash’s self-titled solo album is due out on April 6th.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTNZ5MdXqOw
KINGS OF LEON TO PLAY NEW TRACKS ON SUMMER TOUR
Kings of Leon just announced the dates for their massive summer tour. Rolling Stone chatted with drummer Nathan Followill, who says they are “stoked” to get back on the road. He revealed they’ll be sneaking some new music into the set list and hopes fans “dig it.” The band also announced that they’ll begin working on album number five in April. Kings of Leon kick off their summer tour on June 5th in Atlantic City.
MGMT’S SECRET NY SHOW
MGMT played a secret show in New York City on Monday night under the name Smirking Worm. The duo played new songs off their upcoming album Congratulations, including a track called “Brian Eno,” named after the famed producer. Fans can check out footage from the show on YouTube now.
LIL WAYNE’S REBIRTH GOES GOLD!
Lil Wayne’s rock effort, Rebirth, has been certified gold, selling more than 500-thousand copies, according to the Recording Industry of America. The announcement, courtesy of his label, came one week and one day after the rapper turned himself to begin a one-year jail sentence for a 2007 gun charge in New York. The often-delayed album features Eminem, Kevin Rudolf and Nicki Minaj. The record is currently at number 12 on the Billboard album chart.
