Lady Gaga’s ‘You and I’ Remixed by Producer Mark Taylor

As Lady Gaga gets ready to appear on Cher‘s ‘The Greatest Thing‘ as a featured performer, Mother Monster is unveiling a remix of her latest single, ‘You & I,’ created by producer Mark Taylor, perhaps best known for his work on Cher’s ‘Believe’ album.


The Taylor remix is more upbeat than the original. And is that an electric fiddle in there? But more than anything, it still carries the distinct sound of “Mutt” Lange, who helped Gaga produce the album version of ‘You & I.’ Lange’s rock and country influences and stomping arena-sized beat still dominate the remix.
Popjustice provided a snippet of the remix, which the site claims will be part of the ‘You & I’ single package. Take a listen to it below. We’ll definitely need to hear the complete song to get a full sense of what Taylor brought to the track.
The video for ‘You & I’ is now online. Perhaps Gaga will perform the song when she appears at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28.

Listen to a Snippet of Lady Gaga, ‘You & I’ (Mark Taylor Remix)

Drake Joins Lil Wayne on Stage in Toronto

Young Money was in full effect in Toronto this weekend, as Lil Wayne‘s ‘I Am Still Music’ tour roared through town, stopping at the Molson Amphitheater. Weezy brought his protege Drake on stage to perform ‘I’m on One,’ which was met with plenty of deafening screams from a very happy crowd.

Drake is a local, so his fellow Canadians no doubt are proud to see a Canadian boy do good — since Drake has taken American audiences by force and his chemistry will Lil Wayne leaps off the stage.
It was a totally casual performance for Drizzy, who wore a baggy black tee and jeans. Comfort is key when you make an unexpected appearance on stage with one of the biggest rap stars on the planet and when you are also one of the biggest hip-hoppers of the modern age.

Weezy will release ‘Tha Carter IV’ at the end of the month, while Drake’s ‘Take Care’ is on the docket for Oct. 24, which will arrive on his 25th birthday. It’s going to be a good couple of months for the genre since these two records are dropping. Maybe there are more onstage collabs between Weezy and Drake in store for fans? We hope so.

Watch Lil Wayne and Drake Perform in Toronto

Lil Kim Mimics Michael Jackson, Raps Over ‘Otis’ in Australia

Yes, the photo above is actually Lil Kim and not a Michael Jackson impersonator. While the Queen Bee was performing in Sydney, Australia for the WinterBeatz Festival, she channeled the King of Pop onstage complete with a glitter glove, aviator shades and a shimmering military jacket.

The rap diva thrusted her pelvis to the music of Jacko’s classic song ‘Billie Jean’ before she broke into the robot dance and threw a wild kick in the air much to the delight of the roaring crowd. As to why she wanted to mimic MJ’s classic moves is mystery to us, but shockingly she does resemble the late singer sans the black push-up bra and knee-high boots. Afterward, Kimmy jumped into her own classic song ‘It’s All About the Benjamins’ and that’s when things got a little interesting.

Backed by a live band, Lil Kim told the crowd, “No matter what the year is, it’s still all about the benjamins, baby,” before she rapped her famous verse from the song. She then switched it up and recited her rhymes over Jay-Z and Kanye West‘s celebrated track ‘Otis.’ Surprisingly, ‘Benjamins’ sounded fresh over the soul-sampled ‘Otis’ beat — we think Kimmy might be on to something here. Overall, it looks as if Lil Kim gave a thrilling show Down Under. Yee-hee!

Watch Lil Kim Dancing to Michael Jackson

Watch Lil Kim Rapping Over Jay-Z and Kanye West’s ‘Otis’

Maino To Release New Mixtape "I Am Who I Am: The Album Before The Album"

The Brooklyn native teams with DJ Green Lantern and DJ Infamous for the street release.

Before releasing his new album The Day After Tomorrow, Maino plans on releasing a mixtape entirely composed of original music. During an interview with Mass Appeal TV, the Brooklyn, New York native explained that he will release I Am Who I Am: The Album Before the Album with hosts DJ Green Lantern and DJ Infamous.


“I’m doing a real mixtape. It’s a lot of new music, freestyles. It’s just new music. I’m doing it with Green Lantern and my man Infamous from Atlanta. It’s called I Am Who I Am: The Album Before the Album. So we workin’ on that right now.”
Maino is currently prepping the release of his sophomore album The Day After Tomorrow, dropping October 4^th. The LP features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Lloyd Banks, Roscoe Dash and more, as well as production from GQ Beats, Coalition Forces, Dangerous LLC and Mista Raja.

Teairra Mari Wants Others to Use Her DUI Arrest as An Example

Teairra Mari had a bad start to her weekend after the R&B singer was arrested Friday night (Aug 19) for driving under the influence. According to TMZ, Mari was arrested around 3:00AM after she rear-ended the car in front of her and was observed by police to be "intoxicated."

After posting the $50,000 bond, Mari released the below statement, apologizing to the people she disappointed, but insist she did not "attack" the arresting officer as reported.
“Let me start by saying that this is a very embarrassing moment for me, I know that I’ve disappointed so many people including myself. I take full responsibility for my actions, but I absolutely did NOT “attack” a Beverly Hills police officer and I’m very confused by those allegations,” Mari States.
She continues: “I did have drinks and I misjudged the situation by driving myself home. I want to apologize to those that I endangered that night and also to the people that I’ve let down. I hope that this situation can save someone from making the dumb decision to drink and drive!”

Mari faces multiple charges - including DUI and assault on a police officer, reports TMZ.

Video: Bad Meets Evil f/ Bruno Mars – ‘Lighters’

Rap duo Eminem and Royce Da 5’9″ combine forces with pop prince Bruno Mars in the video for “Lighters,” the top 5 hit off the Bad Meets Evil EP Hell: The Sequel.

Swizz Beatz Debunks Myth That He Was Sued By Casio

Swizzy explains that he never used a Casio keyboard to make the beat for Ruff Ryders' "Down Bottom."

Swizz Beatz was once rumored to have been sued by Casio for the 1999 Ruff Ryders track "Down Bottom" featuring Drag-On and Juvenile. But according to the man himself, the rumor is just that. In an interview with Complex.com where he breaks down his classic records, Swizzy explained that he never used a Casio keyboard or faced a lawsuit by the electronics company.
"The sound module comes with sounds programmed in it already, so I was just looping the sound modules. Then, of course, people spun it out of control like I got sued by Casio. I was like, ‘What the fuck?’ I’ve never used a Casio in my life. That was a myth. I was using the Trinities, these silver keyboards. The Triton hadn’t come out yet," he said. "Today—because of that story—people think I made all of that shit from a fucking Casio. I’m like, ‘How can you make those beats from a Casio?’ No disrespect, but the only Casio I’d ever seen was little. I’ve never seen a Casio that had those types of horns or that could make the type of shit I was making."
Swizz also spoke on the equipment he used back in his Ruff Ryders days, cataloging his stock list of hardware to make beats. "My equipment list started from two BD10 Gemini turntables with a wood-grain Gemini mixer—the small one. Then I graduated to the Technic 1200’s and I got the other Gemini mixers. I always liked the Gemini mixers," he continued. "On the production side I started out with a Dr. Rhythm drum machine, I had an old TR-808. Then my cousin’s boyfriend—who was Bobby Brown’s brother—gave me an MP60, which was my first MP. I remember hooking all that up to my turntables and that was that."

Lil Wayne To Release "Tha Carter IV" To Digital At Midnight Following MTV VMAs

Weezy hopes that his performance will inspire viewers to cop his album shortly after he exits the stage.

Following his performance at the MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday (August 28^th), Lil Wayne plans to make his oft-delayed new album Tha Carter IV available at digital retailers at midnight.


According to Billboard.biz, the Young Money chief hopes that his performance will inspire fans to purchase the album in stores like iTunes and Amazon.com before it hits physical retailers on August 29^th. “I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea. I hope that I can open the door for others," said Wayne in a statement.
Jay-Z and Kanye West took a similar approach with their chart-topping album Watch the Throne, which was released to digital on the Monday before its Friday physical release. The strategy helped prevent leaks and helped them break the iTunes record for most digital first-week sales.

Producer Mars Says Game's Next Album Will Have No Features Or Name-Drops

The 1500 or Nothin' member explains that the two are hard at work on Game's last album for Interscope Records.

This past weekend, Game announced that he was already working on the follow-up to The R.E.D. Album, due in stores tomorrow (August 23rd), with 1500 or Nothin' producer Mars. According to the beatsmith, the Compton, California native is taking a different approach with his fifth and final album for Interscope Records, explaining that the LP will be devoid of guest features and name-dropping in Game's rhymes.

"Me and Game was in the studio yesterday," Mars told MTV's Mixtape Daily. "We did two songs. That's coming along crazy. We're going to have no features: It's just him rapping. No name dropping, no little things people say is cliché about Game. It's just putting on the boxing gloves and going for what we know."
Mars, known for his previous production work with T.I. and Nelly, also serves as executive producer on R.E.D., an honor that he didn't see coming. He says that he was given the title because of "[Game] seeing that it wasn't about trying to get however many songs or just going up there and sending beats and just leave like other producers would. I just wanted to be there every day to make sure there's input," he continued. "Even if it was songs I didn't produce, I made sure I was vocal about it. He respected different things I would suggest."

Brandy Signs with RCA/Chameleon Records

Brandy is embarking on a new chapter in her career. The R&B singer has officially inked a new record deal with RCA/Chameleon Records, it was announced today.

The Grammy winner is currently in the studio working on her sixth album, which is scheduled for release in early 2012.

“Throughout her career Brandy has consistently won the vote as everyone’s favorite female vocalist,” stated Peter Edge, Chief Executive Office, RCA Music Group. “I am sure that in her next chapter at RCA and in partnership with Breyon Prescott, we will record her most exciting music to date.”
Tom Corson, President and COO, RCA Music Group, added, “Brandy is a worldwide superstar, an award winning performer and a critically acclaimed talent. We are excited to welcome her to RCA Records and look forward to working with her on her new musical endeavors.”
Breyon Prescott, CEO of Chameleon Records said, “Brandy is an icon who changed the sound of R&B music, I’m proud to say she has signed with RCA/Chameleon Records to take her to the next phase of her career. She’s a blessing and music needs her again.”
Brandy was ecstatic with the news. “This is truly a blessing,” she said. “Breyon Prescott, Peter Edge, and Tom Corson believe in me and have introduced me to a home that also believes and knows exactly what to do with the type of music I’m doing. Breyon and the team at RCA/Chameleon are creative and forward-thinking and I am thrilled to be working with them.”
The 32-year-old singer was previously signed to Epic Records where she released Human in 2008.

Lil Wayne Injured After Skateboard Accident

Lil Wayne is recovering after injuring himself in a skateboard accident last night in St. Louis.

According to TMZ, the “She Will” rapper was rushed to the hospital and received nine stitches to patch up a bloody wound over his left eye. The incident occurred when he was skateboarding at a park following his “I Am Still Music” tour stop in Maryland Heights, Missouri. He was treated at a local hospital and released.
Weezy, an avid skateboarder, informed his fans of the news via Twitter. “The Lou was good but I busted my fuggin head at the sk8park! 9stitches! Gnarly gash over my left eye! Luv the people,” he wrote.
In related news, the YMCMB superstar has officially announced that he will release his highly-anticipated album Tha Carter IV at digital retailers including iTunes and Amazon at the stroke of midnight following the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 28. The physical CD will arrive at all major retail stores on August 29.
“I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea,” stated Wayne. “I hope that I can open the door for others.”

New Music: David Guetta f/ Nicki Minaj – ‘Turn Me On’

Nicki Minaj lights up the dance floor on “Turn Me On,” her second collaboration with David Guetta from the French producer’s upcoming album Nothing But the Beat (Aug. 29).


“I am so proud of what [Nicki] did on this record because we know her for those crazy raps but the other record that we have, she is singing like—oh man. The world is gonna be shocked. Because they don’t know her like this,” Guetta previously told Billboard. “And we came up with that amazing song and she just killed it.”

Kid Cudi Scraps Mixtape, Plans to Release ‘Wizard’ Album This Year

Kid Cudi has good and bad news for his fans. The bad news first: He will no longer be releasing his mixtape A Man Named Scott. But he is planning to release a new album this year.

“A Man Named Scott is scrapped everyone,” wrote the G.O.O.D. Music rapper on his Tumblr page. “I know its a bummer but ive just been too busy with this new album and thats where all my energy and focus is right now. I gotta work on what moves me creatively.”
Cudder is returning to work on the follow-up to last year’s Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager and rock project Wizard with “Day ‘N’ Nite” producer Dot Da Genius. “After this im going straight to work on MOTM3 so dont trip. You’ll definately have the WIZARD album this year so no worries,” he assured them. “Trust im working extra hard to make this shit as amazing as possible and get yall some new jams. Again, sorry for the late notice. I know youll understand, I hope you understand ha.”
In addition to music, Cudi will return for the second season of HBO’s “How to Make It in America,” premiering October 2 at 10:30 p.m.

Garth Brooks Begin Working on a New Album in ‘Three or Four Years’

It’s been 10 years since Garth Brooks‘ last all-new studio album hit shelves, and four since his ‘The Ultimate Hits’ compilation record, which featured two new tracks. Finally, Brooks gives his dedicated fans some idea of when he’ll begin work on a new album … Though, unfortunately that won’t be for a few more years.
“Not until all the babies are out [of the house],” Brooks tells PARADE when asked whether he’s gone into the studio yet. “I’m going to raise them and then hit it with a vengeance. We’ve got another three or four years.”

Despite keeping his family at the forefront, Brooks hasn’t been totally out of the spotlight as a country icon. As of late, he’s been rocking concerts for his residency at Wynn Las Vegas, which runs from now through the beginning of November. “It’s fantastic. But it’s just me and a guitar onstage,” Brooks says of the Vegas run.
The ‘Friends in Low Places’ hitmaker admits that he still gets nervous playing in front of all of those people, even though he’s been one of country’s biggest names for over 20 years. “My wife [Trisha Yearwood] asks me why I get so nervous,” Brooks spills. “I say, ‘Because I don’t know why it works; I don’t know why they’re so sweet to me.’”
Garth Brooks was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame during their 42nd annual induction ceremony and awards show back in June.

Chely Wright Marries in Connecticut

Congratulations are in order for Chely Wright and now-wife Lauren Blitzer, who married Saturday, August 20 in Connecticut. The couple had been engaged for four months and met in early 2010 — just two weeks after Wright came out, announcing herself as a lesbian to the public and her country music fans.

Based on the ‘Single White Female’ singer’s tweets from Friday, August 19 and the day of the ceremony, both she and Blitzer were elated and celebrating every moment. “What a beautiful day for a wedding!” Wright tweeted Saturday morning, followed by a series of happy re-tweets, like one from fellow country singer Kristin Chenoweth. “We love you both and can’t wait to hear details! Your little itty bitty over the ocean thinking of you,” Chenoweth tweeted to her friend. Wright also delivered a few exclusive photos from the day to her fans and Twitter followers, like the one above.

Wright and Blitzer, a GLBT Civil Rights activist, said “I do” at Blitzer’s aunt’s Conn. home. The newlyweds treated their more than 200 guests to New York’s Blue Smoke barbeque — apparently Blitzer’s idea, because Wright is an avid vegetarian. Additionally, both a reverend and a rabbi wed the couple, as the country star is a Christian and her new wife is Jewish.
Of her relationship and newfound happiness as a gay woman, Wright told PEOPLE, “The freedom of being out and open about who I am allowed me to find and fall in love with Lauren – the most amazing woman I’ve ever known.”