Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum + More Perform for MDA Labor Day Telethon

In the spirit of working hard to help others this Labor Day, some of country music’s most iconic stars came together and lent their talents to a good cause. Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker performed on the MDA Labor Day Telethon this weekend, which directly benefited those with muscular dystrophy in a really big way.

The 46th annual prime-time televised telethon aired on Sept. 4, and was packed to the brim with all-star entertainment. “So glad to be here at the Grand Ole Opry on such a special night,” McBride said as she opened the show, adding, “I want to invite you all to make a muscle and make a difference,” which enticed the audience to show her their muscles.
McBride delivered a jaw-dropping rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ and during the performances, MDA highlighted four special young people struggling with neuromuscular disease to give the disease a face and make the cause seem more real to viewers who may not be directly affected. Rucker laid down his single, ‘I Got Nothin’,’ while Lady A delivered ‘Just a Kiss’ to the Opry crowd.
The MDA Labor Day Telethon ran until midnight — a total of six hours. While host Jerry Lewis, who led the telethon from 1966 until 2010, was absent, the show went on to raise $61.5 million last night alone.

Watch Martina McBride Perform ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’

Watch Lady Antebellum Perform ‘Just a Kiss’

The-Dream Considers Releasing Another Free Album

Mr. Terius Nash reveals that he might drop another freebie next month.

After releasing his free album "Terius Nash Est. 1977" last week, The-Dream has revealed that he might drop another free LP next month.

Taking to his Twitter account, the singer-songwriter updated fans on the prospect of another free LP, writing, "I Have another free Album that's untitled I may drop it free in October. Or After Love IV."
The-Dream is currently prepping the release of his upcoming album The Love, IV (Diary of a Mad Man), due September 20th. In anticipation of the offering, Dream is set to unleash his new single "T.T.S." featuring R. Kelly.

Mac Miller Wants To Go Platinum Independently, Talks Big L Influence and "Blue Slide Park"

The Thumbs Up general chops it up in the UK, discusses the 90's influence on his rhyme style and speaks about success as an independent artist.

For Pittsburgh's Mac Miller, the independent game has been kind, even allowing him to travel overseas to sold out shows, like a recent date he had in London. While there, Miller spoke with DJ Semtex about a variety of topics including his goals for going platinum independently. Miller also talked about how much Big L and A Tribe Called Quest influenced his rhyme style and gave some more information regarding his upcoming album, Blue Slide Park.
 

"Right now, we're doing things that no independent artist has ever done before," Miller shared. "It's wild that I even said that sentence but, I want to see how far we can take it, man. What if? What if we build it to a point where we sell a platinum record? Not this album, but what if one of my albums goes platinum independently? That would be ridiculous and I would be hella cakin' off of that (Laughs)."
When the conversation switched to one about his influences, Miller was quick to give credit to a Harlem legend, Big L.
"When I got to be 14, all I did was freestyle...Then, 15, I started listening to a lot of Big L's Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous. That inspired me to really want to be an emcee, and what it meant to be an emcee, not just be able to rhyme. That really got me to the point where, I didn't only want to rhyme but I wanted to master the craft of putting together words."
According to Mac, the shout out to Big L is one that comes with a motive attached. His goal when mentioning an artist liek Big L, is also to school younger generations about the culture's history and how important other artists have been to his work.
"Part of the thing I like to do is put kids onto artists that inspired me that they might not know about, like people like A Tribe Called Quest and Big L and that golden era of Hip Hop in the 90's. I want to help connect kids younger than me, or my age, to make sure that they appreciate it."
Giving more credit to the 90's, Miller said he will always be inspired by the flows of that era. However, he also said he wants fans who appreciate that about him to also appreciate it when he explores other avenues.

"I'll always have that flow, that straight 90's flow, what I listened to and what inspired me to rap. I will always do boom-bap and I will always spit on some Hip Hop stuff but it's ridiculous when, a song like Donald Trump for instance, that's not boom-bap. That's not anything like that. It's just me loving all music and all forms of Hip Hop."
As it pertains to Blue Slide Park, Miller said he would not have too many famous guests but that it is the best work he's ever created.
"This is definitely, without a doubt, the best thing I've ever done. I can say that. At this point, that's good enough for me."
For more from the interview, check the DJ Semtex video below.

Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole Get Reacquainted Over Friendly Dinner

Has the hatchet between ‘X Factor’ host Simon Cowell and his estranged colleague/British singer Cheryl Cole finally been buried? Cowell and Cole enjoyed success together on the British version of the reality talent competition series, which Cowell had hoped to replicate by inviting Cole to be a judge on the newly-launching American version. She was abruptly dismissed from the American edition earlier this summer and was said to be bitter at Cowell over it. As a result, their friendship cooled considerably.

However, Mail on Sunday reports that Cowell and Cole may have repaired their fractured friendship and business relationship. The duo reportedly had a “secret meeting” in LA two weeks ago which resulted in Cole forgiving the normally salty former ‘American Idol’ judge and accepting his apology.
While Cole was in the US filming her cameo in ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting,’ she allegedly visited Cowell at his LA-area home. A source told the Mail that “Simon invited her for dinner. He did all the running – he was much more upset about their friendship breaking down than he let on.” Cowell had reportedly been trying to persuade Cole to meet with him for weeks.
The source says that the two talked about why Cole was released from the show and he extended an olive branch in the form of an “I’m sorry.” Cowell allegedly wants to work with Cole again in some capacity in the future.
Cowell and Cole are also said to be texting now, and while Cole is allegedly playing it cool, she is happy to have renewed her dealings with Cowell.

Today’s Best Tweets: Pink’s Facebook Account Gets Hacked

                                                                             

It ain't easy being a superstar, especially when hackers are messing with you! In today's best tweets, Pink was getting super heated on Twitter over some jerks that hacked into her personal photos on her Facebook account.
She later cooled off, saying it's her own fault for uploading the pictures, but that is still not cool. Celebrities are entitled to their privacy, too! In other Twitter news, Diddy was throwing a crazy pool party in Vegas, Jennifer Hudson was heading to Disney World with her family, David Guetta tweeted about his amazing time at the Electric Zoo festival in New York City. See what your favorite stars were chirping about today!

Charice ‘Infinity’ Album Art And Track List Announced

                                                                            

Charice is preparing to sweep in and take over pop music with her forthcoming new album, ‘Infinity,’ which will follow her 2010 self-titled album that went Top 10 in the U.S. We’ve still got a little while to wait before we can have a full listen, but we’ve got the ‘Infinity’ album cover and track list right here!

The album features a few tracks we’ve already had the pleasure of hearing, like ‘Louder,’ which made waves as a single back in May. Additionally, the album kicks off with ‘Far as the Sky,’ which is the theme song for the Japanese TV show ‘Bull Doctor.’
As for the cover, the teen icon keeps it sleek and secretive. She’s shown at the center of the album sporting an all-black ensemble against a black background, which really pops and pulls us in to what is hiding beneath the cover. Rather than the traditional run of the album name in print, on top of the singer is the infinity symbol — a universally understood sign.
Knowing Charice, she has kept us waiting for ‘Infinity’ for what seems like an eternity for good reason. We can’t wait to snag our very own copy of this gem, but for now, we’ll just have to wait and dream about the track list and listen to the handful of songs we’ve already got in earshot.
The 19-year-old Filipina singer/actress will deliver her latest studio album to Japan on October 5, but there’s no word yet on when the States will get some Charice love.
Charice ‘Infinity’ Track List:
1. ‘Far as the Sky’ (Listen )
2. ‘Louder’ (Listen )
3. ‘New World’
4. ‘Before it Explodes’ (Listen )
5. ‘Lost the Best Thing’
6. ‘One Day’ (Listen )
7. ‘Never Always’
8. ‘Bounce Back’
9. ‘Lighthouse’
10. ‘Lesson for Life’
11. ‘Living it Up’

Team Bieber Scores Victory Over Team Luda at LudaDay Basketball Game

Ludacris squared off with his “Baby” collaborator Justin Bieber on the court at his celebrity basketball game during LudaDay Weekend at Morehouse Gym at Forbes Arena in Atlanta on Sunday (Sept. 4). Team Bieber, comprised of members including Shawty Lo, Sean Garrett, and Kevin Durant, narrowly defeated Team Luda, consisting of Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and Teyana Taylor, with a final score of 134-132.


“We made a lot of money for #charity today at the game. thanks to everyone who supported and to @ludacris for living as an example to others,” tweeted Bieber, who ended Luda’s six-year winning streak.
But there were no real losers. $10,000 was donated to charity.

                                                                                    

Nas Heats Up the Hamptons for Labor Day

What better way to celebrate Labor Day than with Nas? QB’s Finest hosted the final night of the Hamptons Season at AXE Lounge in Southampton, New York, puffing a cigar and performing his classics for the intimate crowd. The night before he closed out the Rock the Bells Festival on Governors Island with Pete Rock and MC Serch. His new album Life Is Good, featuring the single “Nasty,” is expected to drop before the year is over.

Diddy, Christina Milian, and Flo Rida Make a Splash in Las Vegas

The stars invaded Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend and partied hard. Diddy hosted one of the many celebrity gigs at the Palms Pool & Bungalows at the Palms Casino Resort. The hip-hop mogul, keeping cool in a pink polo and shorts, held a poolside party with Tyga, Flo Rida, and the New Boyz.
“Got my leopard G string on. And I’m headed down the pool!!!! Meet me there! No homo. Lol. See you soon ladies. Drinks on me!” tweeted Puff, who released his Bad Boy mixtape The Preview days before.
Hundreds of partygoers soaked up the sun, including the sexy Christina Milian, who shed her Chanel top, revealing a zebra-print bikini and high-waisted shorts.

Nelly and Nicole Scherzinger Sweeten Up Sin City

Nelly and Nicole Scherzinger kicked off Labor Day weekend with a sweet celebration in Sin City. After indulging in treats at the Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas, the rapper and “X Factor” judge headed to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens. Nelly performed crowd favorites like “Hot in Herre,” while a red-hot Nicole danced behind the DJ booth. Ciara, will.i.am, and Diddy will also host events in Las Vegas over the three-day weekend.

Justin Bieber Gets Fitted for a Grill

The next time Justin Bieber flashes his million-dollar smile, you may notice a little extra shine. The teen idol and his pal Sean Kingston got fitted for grills by jeweler to the stars Ben Baller. The process took only minutes while Baller made a mold of Bieber’s six teeth so he could cast them in gold.
“I don’t even make grills anymore unless its for someone really special. and obviously, this is someone special. so I’m gonna swag it the f**k out!” wrote Baller, who’s done work for Michael Jackson, Tom Cruise, and Drake.
But don’t worry Beliebers, it’s not permanent. The fashion accessory can be removed within seconds, so you won’t be seeing it on the cover of his upcoming Christmas album.

New Music: Young Jeezy – ‘The Real Is Back 2′ [Mixtape]

The Real returns for a second round this Labor Day weekend with his DJ Drama-hosted mixtape The Real Is Back 2. Young Jeezy reps for the ‘hood on 11 tracks featuring his CTE signee Freddie Gibbs, Yo Gotti, Slick Pulla, and Birdman (“Trump”). Having just completed his headlining tour, the Snowman is gearing up for the release of his long-awaited album TM 103: Hustlerz Ambition, arriving September 20. Get ready for his return by downloading below.







                                           Download:Young Jeezy – The Real Is Back 2

The Hip Hop Week In Review: 8/29/2011 - 9/3/2011

Kreayshawn and Rick Ross crews barked on one another, while Lil Wayne smashed records with his new album "Tha Carter IV." DMX performed his first shows out of prison, and T.I. tangoed with the law once more.

Lil Wayne had one of his best weeks ever with the release of his new album Tha Carter IV, which may just sell a milli. T.I. had a less successful week, moving from prison to a halfway house before getting moved back to federal custody in less than 24 hours. Rick Ross and Kreayshawn almost took their beef to the next level at an awards show, while DMX showed he's still got it.

Lil Wayne Unleashes Tha Carter IV, Breaks iTunes Record For First Week Sales

The time has finally come. Lil Wayne unleashed his oft-delayed Tha Carter IV, which, by the numbers, puts Weezy back on top. Projected to sell 925,000-975,000 copies in its first week, TC4 already broke Jay-Z and Kanye West’s record with Watch the Throne for most first week copies sold on iTunes - only Weezy did it in just four days. DX also chopped it up with Tech N9ne, who explained how he ended up on TC4's standout cut "Interlude"  and what it was like to get a co-sign from the Young Money chief.

T.I. Gets Released From Prison, Only To Return To Federal Custody Later That Day 

T.I. has been put through the grinder this week. After serving almost all of his 11-month sentence, Tip was released to a halfway house on Wednesday morning, with news shortly following that his novel Power & Beauty would drop in October and that he was shooting a new reality show to air on VH1 in December. But not even a day later, he was hauled back to prison because officials had beef with him riding a luxury tour bus from the facility to his halfway home. Tip is currently back in federal custody.

Kreayshawn & Rick Ross Camps Beef With One Another

Kreayshawn and Rick Ross almost took their beef to the next level at this past Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards. Members of each rapper’s camps exchanged words, but tensions simmered before anything popped off. Meanwhile, Kreay’s partner-in-rhyme, V-Nasty, declared that she would no longer use the N-word, while Rick Ross got props from Drake and DJ Khaled, who called his next album a classic in the making.

DMX Performs Three Solid Comeback Shows, Reveals New Album

The dog is back. After a lengthy stint in jail, DMX gave his first post-prison performance in Dallas, Texas at the House of Blues, showing no signs of wear. During the week, he performed two more gigs - one in Houston, Texas, where he brought out Scarface, and another in Michigan. To top it off, he revealed that he already recorded his next album, though it’s unclear when the offering will drop.

Joe Jonas Spotted at Two Taylor Swift Concerts

Either Joe Jonas really loves screaming teenage girls and easy-to-sing-along-to songs, or he’s trying to rekindle something with his ex-girlfriend, Taylor Swift. Given, all of those things are probably true, but Joe was spotted at not one, but two Speak Now concerts this week, which has us just a little suspicious of what might be going on after the curtain closes.

Joe was seen at two of Taylor’s four L.A. shows, one on Thursday and one Sunday, following his appearance at the VMAs. Going to see your ex-girlfriend perform once feels like an olive branch extension, but twice says much more. Could Jonas have a relationship reunion on the brain?
The middle Jonas revealed a few weeks ago that he and Swift are friendly to one another, even going so far as to suggest that a collaborative song effort might be in the works. While that’s all well and good, we can’t help but wonder how he redeemed himself from the famous 27 second phone call break-up. A 54 second apology, perhaps?
If Joe still has feelings for the ‘Love Story’ songstress (how could he not?), we hope he’s not the jealous type. Taylor has a whole black book of famous exes, like her “really good friend” Taylor Lautner, and just last week, she was seen dishing on movie star ex Jake Gyllenhaal with his other famous flame, Reese Witherspoon. Good luck to you, Joe!

Joe Jonas at Taylor Swift’s Concer

J. Lo Hints That Steven Tyler + Randy Jackson Made Her ‘Blood Boil’ on Upcoming ‘Idol’ Season

Jennifer Lopez called into Ryan Seacrest’s radio show to promote her new line of apparel, accessories and home goods at Kohl’s, and to check in and reveal how ‘American Idol’ Season 11 auditions are going. J Lo spilled that she already had her first battle with her fellow judges during the process. As the host of ‘Idol,’ Seacrest was there and said he thought he could see Lopez’s blood boiling over the disagreement.
“I think it’s going really great,” she said. “After having such great talent and great season, now everything is compared. It has to be better than that. Me, Randy [Jackson] and Steven [Tyler] got into our first fight already.”The third operator steams a singer.


Already? It’s the earliest phases of the audition process! It’s too early to go mano y mano. Lopez revealed, “I got really upset. There was a girl who came in and sang. She was amazing. Amazing. Steven, as he will do during auditions, asked for another song. I was ready to vote, and was like, ‘Ah, come on!’ The days get kinda long. Ugh! So she sings again.” Tyler was not moved and nixed her, causing Lopez to ask, “You’re kidding, right?” Turns out, Randy said no, too, prompting Lopez to exclaim, “Are you guys crazy? I thought I was being punk’d. How can we let this girl go?”
Lopez admitted, “I was upset. When I believe in something… I knew she deserved a chance and I felt so mad that she wasn’t going to get it.” You could actually Lopez’s anger escalate just recalling the incident.
As for her Kohl’s line, she explained that she was working on the project for two years and you can “see” Lopez in the products because she wanted it to reflect her personal taste. She said, “I put it into one collection the way I always envisioned it and to have a partner like Kohl’s helps me put it together. We wanted to make it available to everybody. The stuff looks great. I really like it. The bedding is great and I have it on my bed right now. Everything is a reflection of my style and how I do things and wear things.”

Lopez pointed out that she loves both casual and glamour, and the collection is a mix of both, designed for working women who have kids and want to look great.

Listen to Jennifer Lopez’s Interview With Ryan Seacrest