After TMZ posted a mugshot of Fall Out Boy front man Patrick Stump, John Mayer stepped to the plate with a challenge of his own...
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
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8.31.2009
TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: John Mayer's Challenge
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Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
EXCLUSIVE: Priscilla Renea Stops By!
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Priscilla Renea stopped by The Ralphie Radio Show to chat for a second and perform her song, "Dollhouse" acoustically.
8.29.2009
WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: The Direct Approach
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Check Out The Wingman on MySpace or Facebook.
The Wingman prefers direct and blunt over indirect, but advises that in some instances, you have to tread carefully.
Check Out The Wingman on MySpace or Facebook.
TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Lohan's House Burglarized... Again.
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Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
Lindsay Lohan's house is burglarized for the second time in three months. TMZ's Leslie Harris explains why Michael Lohan thinks it's an inside job.
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
8.26.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Jay Sean All-But-Confirms Drake Collab, Stops Short Of Naming It Second Single
In an interview which aired Wednesday on The Ralphie Radio Show, English singer Jay Sean all-but-confirmed a forthcoming song with rapper Drake. But, the Cash Money crooner admits that the next single off of All or Nothing is not determined.
Jay Sean mentioned in past interviews that he would not speak about the track with Drizzy before the details were finalized. However, his response Wednesday hinted that the feature could be a done deal.
“Well, actually, I still have to stay tight-lipped about it,” Jay remarked. “(Laughing) I can’t say nuttin!”
After pressing about his choice of words, particularly interjecting the word “still” in to his response, the “Down” singer elaborated.
“Yesterday I went in to the studio and I did this song,” Jay Sean revealed. “To be honest, I just sent it straight away to the boss man (presumably Cash Money’s Ronald “Slim” Williams). I was like, ‘Dude, I think I might have just messed up our plan here.’”
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Download the mp3 Jay Sean also reveals during the interview his inital thoughts when he first heard Lil Wayne's verse on "Down"...
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The aforementioned arrangement may have been to release the track with Drake as the next single. That idea might be in flux after Jay’s studio session. The Englishman notes that he actually entered the studio to write songs for someone else, but that he ended up with a track that he feels strongly about.
“This sounds like a huge single to me,” Jay said of the track he wrote. “So who knows? I think we might have to give Drake a phone call.”
Surely Drake would be able to answer the phone – he’s currently back in Canada after reinjuring a torn ACL while on tour with Lil Wayne.
Jay Sean’s LP, All or Nothing, will drop around Thanksgiving, according to Jay himself. This timeframe is pushed back from an original October target.
Jay Sean mentioned in past interviews that he would not speak about the track with Drizzy before the details were finalized. However, his response Wednesday hinted that the feature could be a done deal.
“Well, actually, I still have to stay tight-lipped about it,” Jay remarked. “(Laughing) I can’t say nuttin!”
After pressing about his choice of words, particularly interjecting the word “still” in to his response, the “Down” singer elaborated.
“Yesterday I went in to the studio and I did this song,” Jay Sean revealed. “To be honest, I just sent it straight away to the boss man (presumably Cash Money’s Ronald “Slim” Williams). I was like, ‘Dude, I think I might have just messed up our plan here.’”
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Download the mp3 Jay Sean also reveals during the interview his inital thoughts when he first heard Lil Wayne's verse on "Down"...
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The aforementioned arrangement may have been to release the track with Drake as the next single. That idea might be in flux after Jay’s studio session. The Englishman notes that he actually entered the studio to write songs for someone else, but that he ended up with a track that he feels strongly about.
“This sounds like a huge single to me,” Jay said of the track he wrote. “So who knows? I think we might have to give Drake a phone call.”
Surely Drake would be able to answer the phone – he’s currently back in Canada after reinjuring a torn ACL while on tour with Lil Wayne.
Jay Sean’s LP, All or Nothing, will drop around Thanksgiving, according to Jay himself. This timeframe is pushed back from an original October target.
8.21.2009
DAILY DOWNLOAD: Kaci Battaglia - Crazy Possessive (I'll Muck You Up)
08.19.09 : Kaci Battaglia - Crazy Possessive (I'll Muck You Up)
Kaci swings by The RRS!
Part 1: Story Behind The Song
Part 2: Wikipedia, Twitter, New Album
8.20.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Hey Monday's Cassadee Pope on "How You Love Me Now" & Splurging on Tour
Working with big name songwriters and producers can have both pros and cons. This came to light in the recent feud between Kelly Clarkson and her record label over releasing the track, “Already Gone” to radio stations. Clarkson felt the song sounded too similar to Beyonce’s “Halo.” OneRepublic front man Ryan Tedder wrote and produced both.
Butch Walker is behind many tracks from quite a few big name artists – from Avril Lavigne to Simple Plan, Katy Perry to Pink. Walker’s latest production is the song, “How You Love Me Now.” It’s a single from Hold On Tight, the debut LP of Hey Monday, a pop-rock group fronted by Cassadee Pope. The lead singer insists she wasn’t worried about the final collaboration with Walker sounding too similar to his other pieces of work.
“That’s always a risk,” admitted Pope. “But if you stay true to what your sound is and everything, and if it clicks with that other person, it’s usually just what you want.”
Pope called in to The Ralphie Radio Show on Tuesday to chat about a plethora of topics – including the new single, which Cassadee describes as “prideful.”
“It’s just about getting your heart broken and then that person wanting you back, but they also have someone else on the side,” Pope explained. “And you just kinda tell them that that’s not gonna happen.”
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Download the mp3
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Hey Monday’s debut LP also spawned the track, “Homecoming” which Pete Wentz featured on his CitizensFOB mix-tape last fall. The pop rockers are signed to Wentz’s Decaydence label. The association with the Fall Out Boy bassist carries many perks – Hey Monday supported Fall Out Boy on the band’s “Believer’s Never Die Tour Part Deux” last spring. Pope and Wentz also cameo together in Degrassi: The Next Generation TV Movie. In case you’re wondering, the lead singer did not meet actor and Young Money emcee Aubrey “Drake” Graham – he does not appear in the film.
Currently Hey Monday is playing a set of acoustic shows at Hot Topic stores across the country. Pope admitted, the idea to shop before or after performing at the malls is tempting.
“I kinda splurged the first few days, but I’m being good now,” said Pope. “I kinda had an episode in Forever 21. I bought a lot of shirts and, I think I bought a skirt too. I packed light for this tour because I knew I’d be shopping.”
This fall, Hey Monday will tour to support We The Kings and All Time Low.
Butch Walker is behind many tracks from quite a few big name artists – from Avril Lavigne to Simple Plan, Katy Perry to Pink. Walker’s latest production is the song, “How You Love Me Now.” It’s a single from Hold On Tight, the debut LP of Hey Monday, a pop-rock group fronted by Cassadee Pope. The lead singer insists she wasn’t worried about the final collaboration with Walker sounding too similar to his other pieces of work.
“That’s always a risk,” admitted Pope. “But if you stay true to what your sound is and everything, and if it clicks with that other person, it’s usually just what you want.”
Pope called in to The Ralphie Radio Show on Tuesday to chat about a plethora of topics – including the new single, which Cassadee describes as “prideful.”
“It’s just about getting your heart broken and then that person wanting you back, but they also have someone else on the side,” Pope explained. “And you just kinda tell them that that’s not gonna happen.”
---
Download the mp3
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Hey Monday’s debut LP also spawned the track, “Homecoming” which Pete Wentz featured on his CitizensFOB mix-tape last fall. The pop rockers are signed to Wentz’s Decaydence label. The association with the Fall Out Boy bassist carries many perks – Hey Monday supported Fall Out Boy on the band’s “Believer’s Never Die Tour Part Deux” last spring. Pope and Wentz also cameo together in Degrassi: The Next Generation TV Movie. In case you’re wondering, the lead singer did not meet actor and Young Money emcee Aubrey “Drake” Graham – he does not appear in the film.
Currently Hey Monday is playing a set of acoustic shows at Hot Topic stores across the country. Pope admitted, the idea to shop before or after performing at the malls is tempting.
“I kinda splurged the first few days, but I’m being good now,” said Pope. “I kinda had an episode in Forever 21. I bought a lot of shirts and, I think I bought a skirt too. I packed light for this tour because I knew I’d be shopping.”
This fall, Hey Monday will tour to support We The Kings and All Time Low.
EXCLUSIVE: We The Kings Set The Trend For Pop-Rockers
You could credit Lil Wayne as the first artist of this era to release music with no short term monetary goal in mind. Sure he caught a lot of grief over his marketing style from Universal Motown, but the scheme worked off: Tha Carter III sold more copies than any other LP in 2008.
Now it seems Weezy’s plan is transcending the hip-hop realm. Take We The Kings for example. According to lead singer Travis Clark, the pop-rock quartet has been writing and recording demos for about a year and a half. Now, with the assistance of S-Curve Records, WTK is headed back to radio with a new single, “Heaven Can Wait.”
Now it seems Weezy’s plan is transcending the hip-hop realm. Take We The Kings for example. According to lead singer Travis Clark, the pop-rock quartet has been writing and recording demos for about a year and a half. Now, with the assistance of S-Curve Records, WTK is headed back to radio with a new single, “Heaven Can Wait.”
Apparently Heaven isn’t the only thing that can wait. The song emerges with not even an iTunes sale date, let alone an album to promote. But, that didn’t stop Clark from calling up The Ralphie Radio Show on Wednesday evening to talk about the track and the thought process behind its release. 97 BHT became the third radio station in the country to play the track.
“I feel like there’s an A.D.D. generation that’s growing tired of music,” Clark said. “I’m part of that A.D.D. generation, where it’s just, we have all of these songs, let’s make a record and let’s do it.”
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Ralphie & WTK in Allentown, Early 2009.
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There’s no timeline to create the sophomore LP in place – but the front man predicts that recording will finish in September.
“This is literally so new that it’s like, we’re pretty much recording the rest of it now,” revealed Clark – who gave his label this track along with other demos the band recorded. Both WTK and the label felt strongly about the single – both the song itself and the direction in which it’d take the band. S-Curve put We The Kings in a studio, mastered the track, and will now promote it to radio stations across the country.
“No one’s ever heard it. It’s crazy,” said Clark. “We’ve been playing it live for, yunno, four or five shows, and then you guys are literally the third station in the entire country to play it.”
“I feel like there’s an A.D.D. generation that’s growing tired of music,” Clark said. “I’m part of that A.D.D. generation, where it’s just, we have all of these songs, let’s make a record and let’s do it.”
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Download the mp3
Ralphie & WTK in Allentown, Early 2009.
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There’s no timeline to create the sophomore LP in place – but the front man predicts that recording will finish in September.
“This is literally so new that it’s like, we’re pretty much recording the rest of it now,” revealed Clark – who gave his label this track along with other demos the band recorded. Both WTK and the label felt strongly about the single – both the song itself and the direction in which it’d take the band. S-Curve put We The Kings in a studio, mastered the track, and will now promote it to radio stations across the country.
“No one’s ever heard it. It’s crazy,” said Clark. “We’ve been playing it live for, yunno, four or five shows, and then you guys are literally the third station in the entire country to play it.”
The song fits the catchy melodies that WTK fans are familiar with - but the new sound is infused with less strings and more keyboard and electronic effects.
We The Kings will spend September finishing the new record before heading out on a fall trek with All Time Low and Hey Monday.
We The Kings will spend September finishing the new record before heading out on a fall trek with All Time Low and Hey Monday.
8.19.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Mr. Hudson On Jay-Z, Estelle, Sneakers, & Coldstone
It’s been quite the year for England’s Mr. Hudson. Signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music, Hudson is set to debut in the States with Straight No Chaser on October 5. In an interview on The Ralphie Radio Show – West’s protégé confirmed that he’s on at least one track off of Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3, and that he is also working with Estelle on her next LP.
“We did a little duet together, hopefully for her album,” says Hudson of his studio session with Estelle – who is also from England. Hudson called Estelle “an inspiration.”
It’s just another project that Hudson finds himself involved with, thanks to West. First – 808’s and Heartbreaks – where Hudson sang background vocals on a couple tracks and lent a more prominent role to the song, “Paranoid.” Next up: Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 – where it was originally rumored that Hudson could be featured on a couple of cuts.
“I got a funny feeling it might just be Forever Young,” revealed Hudson of his contributions to the final product – which is due out September 11. “Just to be anywhere near that project is an honor. (Jay-Z)’s the man.”
Hudson took a backseat, observing and participating when asked on ‘Ye’s and Jay’s respective albums – while also watching other projects within the G.O.O.D. Music family unfold. Now, it’s his turn. Kanye actually presented the first single, “Supernova” – to Hudson as a gift, literally.
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Part 1: His New Life Thanks To KanYe, Sneaker Collection, Coldstone Creamery
Part 2: "Supernova", Straight No Chaser, Blueprint 3, Working with Estelle.
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“He comes in… and says, ‘Yo Hudson I got a present for you,’” the English vocalist recalled. Immediately, Hudson thought the gift could be “embarrassingly generous” – as according to the singer, Kanye gave both his barber and manager cars. But there was no big “Oprah-type” moment, as West simply turned to the engineer in the studio and said, “Press play.” ‘Ye’s trademark big drums came blaring over the speakers, and West sang what would become the chorus on “Supernova” – in what Hudson describes as a, “slow and lower, more like at 808’s and Heartbreaks approach.” Hudson cranked up the volume on it and the final product came together.
“So I didn’t get a ‘Jesus Piece,’” he remarked. “I think I got something better.”
People overseas might agree – as the song peaked at numbers 2 and 3 on the UK and Irish Charts respectively. The success in Hudson’s homeland clearly means something: he didn’t need a cue to bring up the chart position during the interview. However I wondered if the London singer minded that Kanye threw his best English accent on the track.
“He’d been in London for weeks… and he had a couple drinks, so I think it just came out,” said Hudson. “I think it’s like ‘When in Rome,’ yunno?”
Mr. Hudson shared that the vernacular impact goes both ways – he added “I’ma” to his vocab – using the example of “I’ma get me a Coldstone.”
The ice cream parlor is one of many things that West turned Hudson on to. Another is fashion, particularly sneakers.
“It went from one pair to two or three. But I’m still learning,” admitted Hudson. “An Englishman has like, maybe one or two pairs of trainers.”
Of course, considering the teacher, it’s no surprised that the student owns a pair of “Yeezy’s.”
“I’m too scared to take them out the box,” said Hudson. “Maybe I’ll just wear them around the house.”
“We did a little duet together, hopefully for her album,” says Hudson of his studio session with Estelle – who is also from England. Hudson called Estelle “an inspiration.”
It’s just another project that Hudson finds himself involved with, thanks to West. First – 808’s and Heartbreaks – where Hudson sang background vocals on a couple tracks and lent a more prominent role to the song, “Paranoid.” Next up: Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 – where it was originally rumored that Hudson could be featured on a couple of cuts.
“I got a funny feeling it might just be Forever Young,” revealed Hudson of his contributions to the final product – which is due out September 11. “Just to be anywhere near that project is an honor. (Jay-Z)’s the man.”
Hudson took a backseat, observing and participating when asked on ‘Ye’s and Jay’s respective albums – while also watching other projects within the G.O.O.D. Music family unfold. Now, it’s his turn. Kanye actually presented the first single, “Supernova” – to Hudson as a gift, literally.
---
Part 1: His New Life Thanks To KanYe, Sneaker Collection, Coldstone Creamery
Part 2: "Supernova", Straight No Chaser, Blueprint 3, Working with Estelle.
---
“He comes in… and says, ‘Yo Hudson I got a present for you,’” the English vocalist recalled. Immediately, Hudson thought the gift could be “embarrassingly generous” – as according to the singer, Kanye gave both his barber and manager cars. But there was no big “Oprah-type” moment, as West simply turned to the engineer in the studio and said, “Press play.” ‘Ye’s trademark big drums came blaring over the speakers, and West sang what would become the chorus on “Supernova” – in what Hudson describes as a, “slow and lower, more like at 808’s and Heartbreaks approach.” Hudson cranked up the volume on it and the final product came together.
“So I didn’t get a ‘Jesus Piece,’” he remarked. “I think I got something better.”
People overseas might agree – as the song peaked at numbers 2 and 3 on the UK and Irish Charts respectively. The success in Hudson’s homeland clearly means something: he didn’t need a cue to bring up the chart position during the interview. However I wondered if the London singer minded that Kanye threw his best English accent on the track.
“He’d been in London for weeks… and he had a couple drinks, so I think it just came out,” said Hudson. “I think it’s like ‘When in Rome,’ yunno?”
Mr. Hudson shared that the vernacular impact goes both ways – he added “I’ma” to his vocab – using the example of “I’ma get me a Coldstone.”
The ice cream parlor is one of many things that West turned Hudson on to. Another is fashion, particularly sneakers.
“It went from one pair to two or three. But I’m still learning,” admitted Hudson. “An Englishman has like, maybe one or two pairs of trainers.”
Of course, considering the teacher, it’s no surprised that the student owns a pair of “Yeezy’s.”
“I’m too scared to take them out the box,” said Hudson. “Maybe I’ll just wear them around the house.”
8.18.2009
TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: The Unreleased Billy Mays Infomercial
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Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
TMZ exclusively obtained this never-before-seen infomercial hosted by the late Billy Mays.
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
EXCLUSIVE: Jason Derulo Talks "Whatcha Say", Lil Wayne
His song, "Whatcha Say" is blowing up across the country. 19 year-old Jason Derulo calls The Ralphie Radio Show to chat about the track, sampling Imogen Heap, writing for Lil Wayne, and how he knows our buddy A.J. In The Afternoon.
Part 1: "Whatcha Say", Imogen Heap's Reaction
Part 2: Writing for Lil Wayne; A.J. In The Afternoon
Part 1: "Whatcha Say", Imogen Heap's Reaction
Part 2: Writing for Lil Wayne; A.J. In The Afternoon
8.17.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Livvi Franc Represents The New B-tch
Livvi Franc wants to make one thing clear: she is not your average bitch.
“I’m definitely reclaiming the word,” says Franc, who called The Ralphie Radio Show on Thursday from New York City. “I have an acronym for it, ‘Babe In Total Control of Herself.’”
The English-born and Barbados-raised singer/songwriter is at the forefront of the discussion regarding the term’s definition with her track, “Now I’m That Bitch.” The song, which features Pitbull, is gaining airplay on radio stations across the country.
---Download the mp3
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“To me a bitch is a female who is in control, confident, and knows what she wants. So it’s something good.
But what makes the song even better is the Pitbull cameo. Franc released the single to clubs last December. The Miami-emcee simply heard the track and hopped on it. The two hadn’t even met until last month, when they shot the music video together.
Franc’s debut LP, Underground Sunshine, hits stores on October 6. She tells me that Pitbull is the only cameo on the album.
EXCLUSIVE: David Guetta Prepares 3rd Single, Takes Cues From BEP, Akon
David Guetta may not be releasing One Love in the States until August 25, but that doesn’t mean the French DJ/Producer isn’t already thinking of future singles and possible re-releases of the LP.
“Okay, I give you exclusive,” Guetta said at the end of our interview last week. He called in to The Ralphie Radio Show from a French hotel. Towards the latter part of the conversation, Guetta revealed the existence of a track that will be the third single off of One Love. The song is “Gettin’ Over” – and the original features Chris Willis. The remix, to come later with a holiday re-release of the LP, will also include Fergie and Will.I.Am. of The Black Eyed Peas.
“The Peas were like, ‘Oh, you gotta give (‘Gettin’ Over’) to us.’ I’m like, ‘No, I need that one for my album,’” Guetta explained. “I saw Will again, and he was like, ‘Man this song is too good.’ So it’s Fergie, Chris Willis, and Will.I.Am., and this song is a bomb man!”
It wouldn’t be the first “bomb” created by Guetta and BEP – the man behind, “Love Is Gone” produced The Peas global smash, “I Gotta Feeling.”
“(BEP and I) first made two songs for The Black Eyed Peas album,” said Guetta, who also claims production credits on the track, “Rock That Body” from The E.N.D. “We had so much that we just kept making music even though the album was finished. I’m still making music with Will for nothing, just for fun.”
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Part 1: "I Gotta Feeling", Working w/ The Black Eyed Peas
Part 2: "Sexy Chick" f. Akon, One Love, Exclusive News Re: New BEP Track
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Guetta parlayed his relationships with BEP and Kelly Rowland (vocals on “When Love Takes Over”) in to more cameos from American A-listers on his forthcoming LP. The Peas and Rowland told their friends about the producer, and then artists like Akon, Ne-Yo, and Kid Cudi approached Guetta for tracks. The Frenchman would always respond with a “yes”, on the condition that they appeared on his album as well. The result is a star-studded cast for One Love. Akon is featured on the LP’s second single, “Sexy B*tch.”
“What happened with Akon was not planned,” revealed Guetta. “We just met at a festival, and decided to make music on that night.”
Both were leaving from the show for their respective home countries in the morning. Guetta says that instead of going out to have a drink, they entered the studio, and left with a song that is already taking the global charts by storm. The record will also appear on Akon’s forthcoming album.
Much has come as a delightful surprise to Guetta during this summer-long run of chart-topping hits, but what didn’t was the changing of “Sexy B*tch” in the U.S. and U.K. to “Sexy Chick.” He even learned something thanks to Akon in the process.
“We had a discussion with the record company… and in the U.K., (bitch) is the most offensive word,” said Guetta. “Whereas in America… that’s what I’ve been told by Akon, like, a girl that takes care of herself and knows what she wants.”
Regardless, it’s what the people want: the song already reached the Top 10 in nine different countries, and is on the cusp of Top 20 in the U.S. Maybe taking language cues from Akon isn’t so bad afterall.
“Okay, I give you exclusive,” Guetta said at the end of our interview last week. He called in to The Ralphie Radio Show from a French hotel. Towards the latter part of the conversation, Guetta revealed the existence of a track that will be the third single off of One Love. The song is “Gettin’ Over” – and the original features Chris Willis. The remix, to come later with a holiday re-release of the LP, will also include Fergie and Will.I.Am. of The Black Eyed Peas.
“The Peas were like, ‘Oh, you gotta give (‘Gettin’ Over’) to us.’ I’m like, ‘No, I need that one for my album,’” Guetta explained. “I saw Will again, and he was like, ‘Man this song is too good.’ So it’s Fergie, Chris Willis, and Will.I.Am., and this song is a bomb man!”
It wouldn’t be the first “bomb” created by Guetta and BEP – the man behind, “Love Is Gone” produced The Peas global smash, “I Gotta Feeling.”
“(BEP and I) first made two songs for The Black Eyed Peas album,” said Guetta, who also claims production credits on the track, “Rock That Body” from The E.N.D. “We had so much that we just kept making music even though the album was finished. I’m still making music with Will for nothing, just for fun.”
---
Part 1: "I Gotta Feeling", Working w/ The Black Eyed Peas
Part 2: "Sexy Chick" f. Akon, One Love, Exclusive News Re: New BEP Track
---
Guetta parlayed his relationships with BEP and Kelly Rowland (vocals on “When Love Takes Over”) in to more cameos from American A-listers on his forthcoming LP. The Peas and Rowland told their friends about the producer, and then artists like Akon, Ne-Yo, and Kid Cudi approached Guetta for tracks. The Frenchman would always respond with a “yes”, on the condition that they appeared on his album as well. The result is a star-studded cast for One Love. Akon is featured on the LP’s second single, “Sexy B*tch.”
“What happened with Akon was not planned,” revealed Guetta. “We just met at a festival, and decided to make music on that night.”
Both were leaving from the show for their respective home countries in the morning. Guetta says that instead of going out to have a drink, they entered the studio, and left with a song that is already taking the global charts by storm. The record will also appear on Akon’s forthcoming album.
Much has come as a delightful surprise to Guetta during this summer-long run of chart-topping hits, but what didn’t was the changing of “Sexy B*tch” in the U.S. and U.K. to “Sexy Chick.” He even learned something thanks to Akon in the process.
“We had a discussion with the record company… and in the U.K., (bitch) is the most offensive word,” said Guetta. “Whereas in America… that’s what I’ve been told by Akon, like, a girl that takes care of herself and knows what she wants.”
Regardless, it’s what the people want: the song already reached the Top 10 in nine different countries, and is on the cusp of Top 20 in the U.S. Maybe taking language cues from Akon isn’t so bad afterall.
DAILY DOWNLOAD: Hot Chelle Rae - I Like To Dance
Part 1: Story Behind The Song
Part 2: New LP, Working With T-Pain & Taylor Swift
TMZ'S DAX: The MJ Movie
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Catch TMZ TV Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
TMZ's Dax checks in from the TMZ Newsroom with the 411 on Michael Jackson court hearings - which included the green light for a movie...
Catch TMZ TV Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
DR. JOHN BONANNO: The Bo-Tax
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Visit Dr. John's site here.
Cosmetic Surgeon to the Celebs, Dr. John Bonanno breaks down the issues with a propsed tax on cosmetic procedures during The Ralphie Radio Show.
Visit Dr. John's site here.
TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Paula Abdul On/Off AI
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Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
TMZ's Leslie Harris discusses if Paula Abdul's run on American Idol is completely finished...
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
THE SKINNY: The Hippy Look
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Jessie's Blog
Jessie's Twitter
In this edition of The Skinny, Jessie breaks down the "hippy" look, and how you can score this fashion on the cheap.
Jessie's Blog
Jessie's Twitter
8.07.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Soulja Boy Tell 'Em/Drake/Lil Wayne/Trey Songz - Successful
Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em told “The Ralphie Radio Show” first about his planned collaboration with “America’s Most Wanted” tour-mate Drake. It may have spurred when the Toronto emcee called Soulja, “the smartest artist of our generation, period,” on The RRS. Soulja Boy went as far as to upload the audio clip to his YouTube channel, and then paid the love forward when I chatted with him two weeks ago.
“Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
So with all of the props exchanged both in person and through The RRS – it only made sense that Soulja would afford me the first shot to play a Soulja/Drake track, right? Correct, and I did, but it isn’t how it seems.
Early Wednesday morning, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em “at replied” me on Twitter – he basically sent an update that his 1.2 million followers could read, with my username in it, asking me to direct message him my e-mail address. Soon, Soulja hit my inbox with a new mp3.
“Successful” is a track that originally appeared on Drake’s mixtape, So Far Gone. “Best I Ever Had” spawned from this same compilation. “Successful” featured Trey Songz and Lil Wayne. Soulja left Weezy on the end and Trey on the hook, but rapped a couple verses of his own over the instrumental. From what I gathered, he just finished the song on his studio bus, and sent it to me.
Soulja’s version showcases a side of the Chicago-born artist that his fans are beginning to see more of – style with substance, more emphasis on lyrics, less emphasis on catchiness.
Of course, with four different artists on the single, I had to put the remix on it. Almost immediately after Soulja Boy sent me the song, I went to work – editing Soulja’s first verse with Drake’s second, Weezy’s final, and Trey on the hook – all while editing the track for content/language.
The result? A Ralphie Radio Show exclusive, which can be heard below:
“Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
So with all of the props exchanged both in person and through The RRS – it only made sense that Soulja would afford me the first shot to play a Soulja/Drake track, right? Correct, and I did, but it isn’t how it seems.
Early Wednesday morning, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em “at replied” me on Twitter – he basically sent an update that his 1.2 million followers could read, with my username in it, asking me to direct message him my e-mail address. Soon, Soulja hit my inbox with a new mp3.
“Successful” is a track that originally appeared on Drake’s mixtape, So Far Gone. “Best I Ever Had” spawned from this same compilation. “Successful” featured Trey Songz and Lil Wayne. Soulja left Weezy on the end and Trey on the hook, but rapped a couple verses of his own over the instrumental. From what I gathered, he just finished the song on his studio bus, and sent it to me.
Soulja’s version showcases a side of the Chicago-born artist that his fans are beginning to see more of – style with substance, more emphasis on lyrics, less emphasis on catchiness.
Of course, with four different artists on the single, I had to put the remix on it. Almost immediately after Soulja Boy sent me the song, I went to work – editing Soulja’s first verse with Drake’s second, Weezy’s final, and Trey on the hook – all while editing the track for content/language.
The result? A Ralphie Radio Show exclusive, which can be heard below:
8.04.2009
WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Salon Creepin'
The sure-fire date? According to The Wingman, meet her in the salon, and have her cut your hair.
Visit The Wingman on MySpace.
THE SKINNY: Bald Beauty
Jessie chats about the shaved head look in this edition of "The Skinny".
Jessie - Blog
Jessie - Twitter
WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: The Wedding Date Crasher
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Now, what happens in Atlantic City...
Visit The Wingman on MySpace.
MUSIC VIDEO: Shakira- 'She Wolf'
Shakira strikes again. As usual, the girl is looking good and showing off new dance moves. This is a little different than past videos she has had, but Shakira knows how to work it. Here's "She Wolf."
THE SKINNY: Futuristic Fashion w/ 3OH!3
In this latest edition of "The Skinny" - Jessie talks high-tech style with 3OH!3.
Jessie - Blog
Jessie - Twitter
WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Pregaming Gone Wrong
Ralphie gets The Wingman Nickelback tickets, Wingman doesn't make it in. Do you need three guesses as to why?
Visit The Wingman on MySpace.
8.03.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Young Jeezy Works On New LP, Keeps In Touch w/ T.I.
As politically active as Young Jeezy was last fall, it only made sense that last week, he felt right at home in what the pundits called, “The Ground Zero of the Presidential Election.”
“I appreciate Scranton for standing behind (President Obama),” Jeezy told me backstage at the first stop on the “America’s Most Wanted Music Festival.” Obama won both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. “We here now, we’re trying to make the world a better place.”
The Atlanta-rapper is both realistic and patient – he believes it’ll take President Obama two terms to fix the various big ticket issues our country faces. But he also recognizes the other half of the winning ticket.
“Joe Biden! What up homie!” he cheerfully shouted when I reminded him that Vice President Biden is from the Electric City.
The conversation quickly turned to music, as Jeezy is working on his fourth studio LP: Thug Motivation 103. No release date is set – and the rapper is rather evasive on details. Jeezy did tell me that fans can expect, “a little bit of everything,” referring to a conglomerate of material that people grew accustomed to between Thug Motivation 101 and The Recession.
“Everything still pretty much in the can right now,” Jeezy revealed. “It’s gonna be a very special album, but at the same time, the streets gonna love this, Scranton are gonna love this, people are gonna love this album.”
Still, Jeezy would not as much as divulge any type of timeline for the record’s release, simply stating that he’ll drop it once it’s finished. You would think that if it’s already in production, it’ll be released by the time fellow Atlanta rapper T.I. leaves jail. Young Jeezy told me that through their respective camps he keeps in touch with T.I.P.
“He’s gotta pay his debt to society and get back on it. We here for him though.”
“I appreciate Scranton for standing behind (President Obama),” Jeezy told me backstage at the first stop on the “America’s Most Wanted Music Festival.” Obama won both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. “We here now, we’re trying to make the world a better place.”
The Atlanta-rapper is both realistic and patient – he believes it’ll take President Obama two terms to fix the various big ticket issues our country faces. But he also recognizes the other half of the winning ticket.
“Joe Biden! What up homie!” he cheerfully shouted when I reminded him that Vice President Biden is from the Electric City.
The conversation quickly turned to music, as Jeezy is working on his fourth studio LP: Thug Motivation 103. No release date is set – and the rapper is rather evasive on details. Jeezy did tell me that fans can expect, “a little bit of everything,” referring to a conglomerate of material that people grew accustomed to between Thug Motivation 101 and The Recession.
“Everything still pretty much in the can right now,” Jeezy revealed. “It’s gonna be a very special album, but at the same time, the streets gonna love this, Scranton are gonna love this, people are gonna love this album.”
Still, Jeezy would not as much as divulge any type of timeline for the record’s release, simply stating that he’ll drop it once it’s finished. You would think that if it’s already in production, it’ll be released by the time fellow Atlanta rapper T.I. leaves jail. Young Jeezy told me that through their respective camps he keeps in touch with T.I.P.
“He’s gotta pay his debt to society and get back on it. We here for him though.”
EXCLUSIVE: MTV News' Sway Calloway on America's Most Wanted Tour
Don’t necessarily call it a homecoming to hip-hop, but for MTV News reporter Sway Calloway, it sure felt good to cover the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival’s first date in Scranton, PA.
“I’ve been on the road doing a lot of stuff with MTV,” explained Calloway – mentioning the Michael Jackson memorial as well as numerous political events. “I really wanted to come back to the core of how I got in this game, and that’s through rap, hip-hop music.”
Producers and MTV News beat reporter Shaheem Reid joined Calloway to cover the event. The team from MTV arrived on Sunday and caught Lil Wayne’s dress rehearsal. By all accounts, it seemed as if the crowd at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain would be in for a special show. But the event impressed Calloway on other levels as well.
“Especially in this time of economic crisis, people said you can’t put together a tour,” said Sway. “Young Money Records, Lil Wayne, stuck their neck out there and they got truly America’s most wanted.”
The lineup is something to marvel at – the front of the bill includes Jeremih (top 10 hit in “Birthday Sex”) and Pleasure P, formerly of Pretty Ricky. Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em takes the stage next, followed by Young Jeezy and Wayne – who brings his entire Young Mula crew for the ride. At least for now, that will be sans Drake, who reinjured an already torn ACL on Friday in Camden, NJ. The R&B singer returned to his home of Toronto, where he will undergo surgery this week.
But with a tour this deep, almost any hit to the card is sustainable, especially when you have one of your opening acts tossing out thousands of dollars to the crowd.
“I’ve seen that gimmick over the years a thousand times,” Sway noted of Soulja’s parting act. While performing “Turn My Swag On,” the 19 year-old reached in to his pocket and began tossing out Ben Franklin’s to the crowd as if he was shooting free throws in a gym. “Soulja Boy is the first person I’ve personally witnessed to throw out real, $100 bills, continuously for at least six minutes.”
The MTV reporter estimated that Soulja gave “at least $5,000” to the fans.
“I talked to people who walked away with a couple hundred dollars,” he said. “(Soulja Boy) paid them, to come see him.”
Certainly no one needed any more incentive to show up. Over 12,000 people entered Montage Mountain for the event – a solid figure in an area that has generally struggled to support hip-hop and rhythmic shows. Again, just another testament to the lineup put forth by Wayne. The “maturity” of the acts also impressed Calloway. While we spoke, Young Jeezy performed behind us, backed by a 9-piece band.
“Music is a universal communicator,” said Sway. “You see people right now, partying together, to one beat… and it’s a great venue.”
“I’ve been on the road doing a lot of stuff with MTV,” explained Calloway – mentioning the Michael Jackson memorial as well as numerous political events. “I really wanted to come back to the core of how I got in this game, and that’s through rap, hip-hop music.”
Producers and MTV News beat reporter Shaheem Reid joined Calloway to cover the event. The team from MTV arrived on Sunday and caught Lil Wayne’s dress rehearsal. By all accounts, it seemed as if the crowd at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain would be in for a special show. But the event impressed Calloway on other levels as well.
“Especially in this time of economic crisis, people said you can’t put together a tour,” said Sway. “Young Money Records, Lil Wayne, stuck their neck out there and they got truly America’s most wanted.”
The lineup is something to marvel at – the front of the bill includes Jeremih (top 10 hit in “Birthday Sex”) and Pleasure P, formerly of Pretty Ricky. Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em takes the stage next, followed by Young Jeezy and Wayne – who brings his entire Young Mula crew for the ride. At least for now, that will be sans Drake, who reinjured an already torn ACL on Friday in Camden, NJ. The R&B singer returned to his home of Toronto, where he will undergo surgery this week.
But with a tour this deep, almost any hit to the card is sustainable, especially when you have one of your opening acts tossing out thousands of dollars to the crowd.
“I’ve seen that gimmick over the years a thousand times,” Sway noted of Soulja’s parting act. While performing “Turn My Swag On,” the 19 year-old reached in to his pocket and began tossing out Ben Franklin’s to the crowd as if he was shooting free throws in a gym. “Soulja Boy is the first person I’ve personally witnessed to throw out real, $100 bills, continuously for at least six minutes.”
The MTV reporter estimated that Soulja gave “at least $5,000” to the fans.
“I talked to people who walked away with a couple hundred dollars,” he said. “(Soulja Boy) paid them, to come see him.”
Certainly no one needed any more incentive to show up. Over 12,000 people entered Montage Mountain for the event – a solid figure in an area that has generally struggled to support hip-hop and rhythmic shows. Again, just another testament to the lineup put forth by Wayne. The “maturity” of the acts also impressed Calloway. While we spoke, Young Jeezy performed behind us, backed by a 9-piece band.
“Music is a universal communicator,” said Sway. “You see people right now, partying together, to one beat… and it’s a great venue.”
7.31.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Jeremih's Learning Experience
R&B newcomer Jeremih learned an important lesson on his first day of touring: sometimes, you need to roll with the punches.
“The keyboard should’ve been here,” he explained while backstage at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. “It’s on its way; it was 15 pounds over capacity for the plane limit.”
But at least the singer himself made it. Jeremih flew to Scranton from El Paso, TX – touching down in NEPA around 4:30. He quickly drove to the venue, and snuck in a quick sound check before doors were opened to the public. I spoke with him just past 6 p.m., approximately 40 minutes later he hit the stage to croon for 15 minutes, ending with the up-tempo version of his Top 10 hit, “Birthday Sex.”
But if you’re headed to another stop on the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival, don’t assume that you’ll hear that particular cut.
“It all depends on what people are really feelin’,” said Jeremih. “It was up to me, I’d perform both of ‘em.”
After consulting with myself and Kidd Kraddick In The Morning producer Adam, Jeremih and his manager decided on the up-tempo remix, as that is the version heard on 97 BHT.
Jeremih isn’t your average R&B singer. Born Jeremih Felton in Chicago, the singer entered the University of Illinois at age 17. The early entry to college forced Felton to grow up quickly, and he would soon learn a lot about himself and his surroundings.
“I ended up getting a hold of some IDs,” revealed Jeremih, who blamed his downfall in part on living away from home in a co-ed dorm. “Long story short, I’m the youngest kid in there, but the oldest dude in there.”
The singer soon found himself with a revoked license. But Jeremih credits that experience with helping his career: during that two year period, he was forced to sit home and work on his craft. Jeremih transferred to Columbia College Chicago. He left a semester short of a degree to pursue his career, but plans on finishing at some point.
“Education is key,” said Jeremih. “It got me this far.”
“The keyboard should’ve been here,” he explained while backstage at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. “It’s on its way; it was 15 pounds over capacity for the plane limit.”
But at least the singer himself made it. Jeremih flew to Scranton from El Paso, TX – touching down in NEPA around 4:30. He quickly drove to the venue, and snuck in a quick sound check before doors were opened to the public. I spoke with him just past 6 p.m., approximately 40 minutes later he hit the stage to croon for 15 minutes, ending with the up-tempo version of his Top 10 hit, “Birthday Sex.”
But if you’re headed to another stop on the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival, don’t assume that you’ll hear that particular cut.
“It all depends on what people are really feelin’,” said Jeremih. “It was up to me, I’d perform both of ‘em.”
After consulting with myself and Kidd Kraddick In The Morning producer Adam, Jeremih and his manager decided on the up-tempo remix, as that is the version heard on 97 BHT.
Jeremih isn’t your average R&B singer. Born Jeremih Felton in Chicago, the singer entered the University of Illinois at age 17. The early entry to college forced Felton to grow up quickly, and he would soon learn a lot about himself and his surroundings.
“I ended up getting a hold of some IDs,” revealed Jeremih, who blamed his downfall in part on living away from home in a co-ed dorm. “Long story short, I’m the youngest kid in there, but the oldest dude in there.”
The singer soon found himself with a revoked license. But Jeremih credits that experience with helping his career: during that two year period, he was forced to sit home and work on his craft. Jeremih transferred to Columbia College Chicago. He left a semester short of a degree to pursue his career, but plans on finishing at some point.
“Education is key,” said Jeremih. “It got me this far.”
7.30.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Soulja Boy Tell 'Em To Collab W/ Drake, Tweak Live Set
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the most tech-savvy artist of our generation is using all of his gadgets while on tour this summer to continue creating, producing, and finishing projects.
“I got the studio bus actually on the road, the whole tour,” explained Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. “So I’m recording my third album, I was tellin’ ya about, The DeAndre Way, it drops in November. I’m recording my album while we’re on tour. So ya’ll can look out for the Soulja Boy/Drake collaboration.”
I sat down with Soulja during Lil Wayne’s set on the opening night of the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival. The summer long tour features Weezy and his Young Money crew, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy and S.O.D.M.G., Drake, and Jeremih. Pleasure P, formerly of Pretty Ricky, also made it on to the bill.
Drake, who just signed a deal with Universal Records that affords him a $2 million advance, called Soulja, “the smartest artist of our generation, period,” on The Ralphie Radio Show in June. It seems the respect is mutual.
“Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
At least when it comes to artistry, it seems most of the rappers on the bill are taking cues from the headliner. Even after the first show, Soulja Boy already found himself inspired and pushed by Weezy.
“I just got through watching Wayne’s show. I’m about to go back to the drawing board,” revealed Soulja. “I feel like, my next show, I just gotta go back and critique everything a little bit, but we straight though.”
However, I’m sure one part of the performance that will not change is the end. The crowd inside Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain exploded when Soulja dropped “Turn My Swag On.” The first few rows of the venue near came to a boil soon after – when the 19 year-old began tossing out $100 bills in to the crowd. MTV News reporter Sway Calloway estimated that Soulja gave back atleast $5,000 to the crowd. But for the Chicago-born rapper, the money itself wasn’t much of a driving factor behind the move.
“I flash back in my head to when I was 15, 14 years -old, just wanted to become a rap star,” he said. “For me to make it, and to become a millionaire, and for my dreams to come true, all that just be flashing through my head.”
“I got the studio bus actually on the road, the whole tour,” explained Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. “So I’m recording my third album, I was tellin’ ya about, The DeAndre Way, it drops in November. I’m recording my album while we’re on tour. So ya’ll can look out for the Soulja Boy/Drake collaboration.”
I sat down with Soulja during Lil Wayne’s set on the opening night of the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival. The summer long tour features Weezy and his Young Money crew, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy and S.O.D.M.G., Drake, and Jeremih. Pleasure P, formerly of Pretty Ricky, also made it on to the bill.
Drake, who just signed a deal with Universal Records that affords him a $2 million advance, called Soulja, “the smartest artist of our generation, period,” on The Ralphie Radio Show in June. It seems the respect is mutual.
“Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
At least when it comes to artistry, it seems most of the rappers on the bill are taking cues from the headliner. Even after the first show, Soulja Boy already found himself inspired and pushed by Weezy.
“I just got through watching Wayne’s show. I’m about to go back to the drawing board,” revealed Soulja. “I feel like, my next show, I just gotta go back and critique everything a little bit, but we straight though.”
However, I’m sure one part of the performance that will not change is the end. The crowd inside Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain exploded when Soulja dropped “Turn My Swag On.” The first few rows of the venue near came to a boil soon after – when the 19 year-old began tossing out $100 bills in to the crowd. MTV News reporter Sway Calloway estimated that Soulja gave back atleast $5,000 to the crowd. But for the Chicago-born rapper, the money itself wasn’t much of a driving factor behind the move.
“I flash back in my head to when I was 15, 14 years -old, just wanted to become a rap star,” he said. “For me to make it, and to become a millionaire, and for my dreams to come true, all that just be flashing through my head.”
7.29.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Weezy F. Bulletproof
Remember our friend Brenda? She is the one who grabbed this footage of Lil Wayne and his crew fighting over a BB gun Sunday at their hotel. On Monday night after the show, Brenda met Weezy, although apparently the BB gun wars hadn't ceased.
As you can see, Wayne's wearing a bulletproof vest and goggles. With his automatic BB gun in tow, he was plotting to target Young Money's Mack Maine, again. However, with the amount of fans around the tour bus, and cameras everywhere, Wayne didn't want to give the wrong impression to anyone (this BB gun, which I have not seen, allegedly looks like a machine gun).
Weezy F. wore the vest for the duration of Brenda's time on the tour bus, which she says was a little over an hour.
As you can see, Wayne's wearing a bulletproof vest and goggles. With his automatic BB gun in tow, he was plotting to target Young Money's Mack Maine, again. However, with the amount of fans around the tour bus, and cameras everywhere, Wayne didn't want to give the wrong impression to anyone (this BB gun, which I have not seen, allegedly looks like a machine gun).
Weezy F. wore the vest for the duration of Brenda's time on the tour bus, which she says was a little over an hour.
7.28.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Amber Rose (Kanye's Girl?) Backstage at Weezy's Show
South Philly-born Amber Rose showed up at opening night of the America's Most Wanted Music Festival. The model and former exotic dancer has appeared in videos and print campaigns with Young Jeezy and Kanye West, and has been romantically linked to West as well.
EXCLUSIVE: Lil Wayne's Hotel Tussle
Lil Wayne and the rest of his Young Money crew arrived in Scranton on Sunday, checking in to the Radisson before heading to Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain for a rehearsal. Earlier in the day, my friend Brenda shot the following footage. Apparently Lil Wayne owns an automatic bb gun, and was firing it (or atleast attempting to) at Mack Maine. Drake and a few other bystanders watched as Weezy and his crew wrestled each other over the gun.
Wayne eventually emerged victorious, quickly dashing in to the elevator to escape his crew.
Wayne eventually emerged victorious, quickly dashing in to the elevator to escape his crew.
Backstage Notes From Opening Night of The America's Most Wanted Music Festival
- It’s the first tour of any kind for newcomer Jeremih. The Chicago-native currently owns a Top 10 hit in “Birthday Sex.” Talk about being thrown in to the fire of a hectic schedule: while all of the other acts on the bill arrived in Scranton on Sunday, Jeremih touched down in Avoca around 4:30 on Monday. Less than two hours later, he kicked off the show with a quick set of songs from his self-titled, debut LP.
As per the suggestion of myself and Kidd Kraddick In The Morning producer Adam, he ended with the up-tempo version of “Birthday Sex.”
- National media descended again on Northeastern PA for the kickoff of Lil Wayne’s summer tour, and a familiar face showed up in the crowd. I had the pleasure of watching Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s set on stage left with not only Scranton’s DJ Woogie, but also MTV News reporter Sway Calloway. In March of 2008, I met Sway at Whistles in downtown Scranton, where he hosted an MTV Choose or Lose event with President Barack Obama.
In our interview, Calloway mentioned how impressed he was with the maturity of hip-hop (at the time, Young Jeezy performed behind us with a six piece band). He also acknowledged an on-stage stunt by Soulja Boy. Calloway has seen the “cash gimmick” many times (hip-hop artists throwing out money to the crowd), but he noted that usually the money is either dollar bills or fake. However, the “Crank That” rapper was tossing out genuine Benjamin Franklin’s in to the stands. Calloway estimated that in those short few minutes, Soulja easily tossed about $5,000 back to the fans.
- Speaking of Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, his night ended on a bit of a down note. Soulja joined Pleasure P (formerly of Pretty Ricky), Sway, Jeezy, and Jeremih on the VIP Deck at stage left to watch Lil Wayne’s performance. During the show, Arab – who is one of the rappers in Soulja Boy’s “S.O.D.M.G.” stable of artists, accidentally spilled a drink on Soulja’s white jeans. When I hopped on board his tour bus, Soulja’s entourage was trying to figure out how they could get to a washing machine: the rapper wanted to wear the jeans to Cancun, where he will be celebrating his 19th birthday.
Despite the misfortunate clothing accident, Soulja was more than happy to speak with me. 97 BHT played “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” more times than any other radio station in Northeastern PA. And apparently, the rapper is keeping tabs on me.
“Ralphie man, I see you blowin’ up, you grindin’ here in Scranton huh?” said Soulja Boy immediately when I walked on to the bus. “I see you on Twitter sendin’ out links and sh**. That’s what’s up man.”
Apparently you never know who is reading what you write on the Internet. But, this didn’t come as a complete shock – since we first met last February, Soulja Boy has uploaded two of my interviews to his YouTube channel – with cumulative views over 200,000.
Soulja is currently working on two new LPs, another solo project with a November release date, and a S.O.D.M.G. album that will drop in December. He’s traveling with a second tour bus that is equipped with a recording studio, so he can finish the projects on the road.
- How tight was security backstage at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain? I spoke with two venue employees, who each were there over 10 years. Both said that they’ve never seen the backstage area on lockdown as much as Monday night’s show.
As per the suggestion of myself and Kidd Kraddick In The Morning producer Adam, he ended with the up-tempo version of “Birthday Sex.”
- National media descended again on Northeastern PA for the kickoff of Lil Wayne’s summer tour, and a familiar face showed up in the crowd. I had the pleasure of watching Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s set on stage left with not only Scranton’s DJ Woogie, but also MTV News reporter Sway Calloway. In March of 2008, I met Sway at Whistles in downtown Scranton, where he hosted an MTV Choose or Lose event with President Barack Obama.
In our interview, Calloway mentioned how impressed he was with the maturity of hip-hop (at the time, Young Jeezy performed behind us with a six piece band). He also acknowledged an on-stage stunt by Soulja Boy. Calloway has seen the “cash gimmick” many times (hip-hop artists throwing out money to the crowd), but he noted that usually the money is either dollar bills or fake. However, the “Crank That” rapper was tossing out genuine Benjamin Franklin’s in to the stands. Calloway estimated that in those short few minutes, Soulja easily tossed about $5,000 back to the fans.
- Speaking of Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, his night ended on a bit of a down note. Soulja joined Pleasure P (formerly of Pretty Ricky), Sway, Jeezy, and Jeremih on the VIP Deck at stage left to watch Lil Wayne’s performance. During the show, Arab – who is one of the rappers in Soulja Boy’s “S.O.D.M.G.” stable of artists, accidentally spilled a drink on Soulja’s white jeans. When I hopped on board his tour bus, Soulja’s entourage was trying to figure out how they could get to a washing machine: the rapper wanted to wear the jeans to Cancun, where he will be celebrating his 19th birthday.
Despite the misfortunate clothing accident, Soulja was more than happy to speak with me. 97 BHT played “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” more times than any other radio station in Northeastern PA. And apparently, the rapper is keeping tabs on me.
“Ralphie man, I see you blowin’ up, you grindin’ here in Scranton huh?” said Soulja Boy immediately when I walked on to the bus. “I see you on Twitter sendin’ out links and sh**. That’s what’s up man.”
Apparently you never know who is reading what you write on the Internet. But, this didn’t come as a complete shock – since we first met last February, Soulja Boy has uploaded two of my interviews to his YouTube channel – with cumulative views over 200,000.
Soulja is currently working on two new LPs, another solo project with a November release date, and a S.O.D.M.G. album that will drop in December. He’s traveling with a second tour bus that is equipped with a recording studio, so he can finish the projects on the road.
- How tight was security backstage at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain? I spoke with two venue employees, who each were there over 10 years. Both said that they’ve never seen the backstage area on lockdown as much as Monday night’s show.
7.27.2009
Dana Wins FRONT ROW LIL WAYNE TICKETS Live On The RRS!
Download the mp3
More info on The America's Most Wanted Music Festival here.
Dana from Clarks Summit though she won a 4-pack of lawn seats to The America's Most Wanted Music Festival for being 97 BHT's Human Billboard... little did she know...
Check out video of Dana at Sneaker King!More info on The America's Most Wanted Music Festival here.
BHT-V: 2 Sneakers, 2 Tickets, 2nd Row - Lil Wayne/Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
97 BHT listeners ran frantically through Sneaker King in Wilkes-Barre in search of an autographed Yums Soulja Boy Tell 'Em Sneaker. The winner would be awarded the second sneaker, along with 2nd row tickets to check out The America's Most Wanted Music Festival starring Lil Wayne & Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. Thanks to The Ralphie Radio Show & 97 BHT!
7.22.2009
EXCLUSIVE: The White Tie Affair Collab With Dr. Luke
Sure, The White Tie Affair is busy this summer with the group’s first Vans Warped Tour. But that doesn’t mean Chris Wallace and the fellas from Chicago aren’t making time to record and produce new material with some heavy hitters.
Wallace revealed exclusively to me at Warped Tour that the band will be releasing a new single to radio that they worked on with Dr. Luke. The producer is known for such hits as Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold”, Flo Rida’s “Right Round”, and Britney Spears’ “Circus”.
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Download the mp3
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“It’s called ‘Ice Cold’,” the front man said, a bit taken aback that I asked him about the recent Los Angeles recording session (guitarist Sean P “tweeted” about, even sending out a picture of Chris in studio). “It’s about girls who are way too hot, and they know it.”
A music video is also planned for the track. Before TWTA took the stage at the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, the guys filmed two segments with FUSE, to promote both the band’s Warped Tour jaunt and the new video.
The track should hit radio by late summer/early fall, coinciding with a tour by the pop-rock group that is still in its developing stages.
Wallace revealed exclusively to me at Warped Tour that the band will be releasing a new single to radio that they worked on with Dr. Luke. The producer is known for such hits as Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold”, Flo Rida’s “Right Round”, and Britney Spears’ “Circus”.
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Download the mp3
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“It’s called ‘Ice Cold’,” the front man said, a bit taken aback that I asked him about the recent Los Angeles recording session (guitarist Sean P “tweeted” about, even sending out a picture of Chris in studio). “It’s about girls who are way too hot, and they know it.”
A music video is also planned for the track. Before TWTA took the stage at the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, the guys filmed two segments with FUSE, to promote both the band’s Warped Tour jaunt and the new video.
The track should hit radio by late summer/early fall, coinciding with a tour by the pop-rock group that is still in its developing stages.
7.21.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Quite The Ride, Literally, For 3OH!3
It was not a smooth ride, literally, to the top of the charts – but the crunk rock group 3OH!3 found a way to arrive.
The Boulder, Colorado-duo of Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte stopped at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain for the second consecutive year. But what a difference 365 days makes. Last summer, the band played in almost complete obscurity on Vans Warped Tour – behind a lineup that included the Gym Class Heroes and Katy Perry. This time around, 3OH!3 headlines the summer jaunt, all while owning the most spun song on radio stations across the country in “Don’t Trust Me.” Now the band finds itself in a similar position as its friend Perry found herself in last year: touring the country while fulfilling media obligations across the globe.
“We just flew to London and back two days ago,” said Foreman. “On our passport, the date of entry into the U.K. is the same back into New York.”
“It was a whirlwind trip,” added Motte, who while on the plane took a picture of a glass of champagne he drank – Nat eventually sent a link to the picture out as a Twitter update.
“It’s some new stuff, I don’t even really know about it,” he commented about the bar, on the plane, which he and Sean drank at.
Coincidentally enough, 3OH!3 found themselves across the pond with Perry. Nat and Sean became good friends with the “I Kissed A Girl” singer last summer during Warped Tour. The duo supported Perry on her solo tour. Now Katy, who owns three top 10 hits in the States, will cameo on a remix of 3OH!3’s next single from their CD Want, “Starstrukk.”
“(We) made it bigger, opened up a spot for her on the song,” Nat revealed of the track. “It should be going to (radio) pretty soon here.”
With radio stations already familiar with both acts, the song will surely catch the attention of DJs and listeners alike instantly. The timing is perfect for the group as well: 3OH!3 continues radio promo while finishing up Warped Tour. But again, the path traveled can be bumpy. That proved no more true last Wednesday, when 3OH!3 found itself in a bit of a dilemma: the band’s tour bus broke down.
“We got this new one that has six bunks, and there’s nine of us, so…” Nat explained. “I ended up cuddling with our bass player last night. Waking up with some stubble against your (face) is a little weird, but it’s not altogether unpleasant.”
Considering where this band came from – the idea of band mates and a backup tour bus must be a welcome notion. Before, Nat and Sean would play themselves, now the emcees are backed by a slew of musicians.
Yet despite success, one thing hasn’t changed: the Warped Tour after parties. Nat, who also DJs, still spins at every party he is available for. After the Montage Mountain show, Warped Tour band and crew members joined in for a BBQ and Michael Jackson-themed party, with white gloves and moonwalks encouraged. While techs tore down the set up and musicians mingled with groupies, there stood Nat, quietly in the corner, seamlessly spinning the soundtrack to the late evening. You would’ve never assumed that the 6-foot-plus DJ, flanked by not even a security guard, comprised one half of the duo behind one of America’s most popular songs.
The Boulder, Colorado-duo of Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte stopped at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain for the second consecutive year. But what a difference 365 days makes. Last summer, the band played in almost complete obscurity on Vans Warped Tour – behind a lineup that included the Gym Class Heroes and Katy Perry. This time around, 3OH!3 headlines the summer jaunt, all while owning the most spun song on radio stations across the country in “Don’t Trust Me.” Now the band finds itself in a similar position as its friend Perry found herself in last year: touring the country while fulfilling media obligations across the globe.
“We just flew to London and back two days ago,” said Foreman. “On our passport, the date of entry into the U.K. is the same back into New York.”
“It was a whirlwind trip,” added Motte, who while on the plane took a picture of a glass of champagne he drank – Nat eventually sent a link to the picture out as a Twitter update.
“It’s some new stuff, I don’t even really know about it,” he commented about the bar, on the plane, which he and Sean drank at.
Coincidentally enough, 3OH!3 found themselves across the pond with Perry. Nat and Sean became good friends with the “I Kissed A Girl” singer last summer during Warped Tour. The duo supported Perry on her solo tour. Now Katy, who owns three top 10 hits in the States, will cameo on a remix of 3OH!3’s next single from their CD Want, “Starstrukk.”
“(We) made it bigger, opened up a spot for her on the song,” Nat revealed of the track. “It should be going to (radio) pretty soon here.”
With radio stations already familiar with both acts, the song will surely catch the attention of DJs and listeners alike instantly. The timing is perfect for the group as well: 3OH!3 continues radio promo while finishing up Warped Tour. But again, the path traveled can be bumpy. That proved no more true last Wednesday, when 3OH!3 found itself in a bit of a dilemma: the band’s tour bus broke down.
“We got this new one that has six bunks, and there’s nine of us, so…” Nat explained. “I ended up cuddling with our bass player last night. Waking up with some stubble against your (face) is a little weird, but it’s not altogether unpleasant.”
Considering where this band came from – the idea of band mates and a backup tour bus must be a welcome notion. Before, Nat and Sean would play themselves, now the emcees are backed by a slew of musicians.
Yet despite success, one thing hasn’t changed: the Warped Tour after parties. Nat, who also DJs, still spins at every party he is available for. After the Montage Mountain show, Warped Tour band and crew members joined in for a BBQ and Michael Jackson-themed party, with white gloves and moonwalks encouraged. While techs tore down the set up and musicians mingled with groupies, there stood Nat, quietly in the corner, seamlessly spinning the soundtrack to the late evening. You would’ve never assumed that the 6-foot-plus DJ, flanked by not even a security guard, comprised one half of the duo behind one of America’s most popular songs.
7.16.2009
DANIEL & RYAN FROM NICKELBACK w/ Jessie of The RRS!
Download the mp3
Jessie interviewed her first big musicians for The Ralphie Radio Show with Daniel and Ryan from Nickelback. They talked show prep rituals, baby making music, and dealing with an unruly crowd.
Check out Jessie's blog here.
3OH!3's Sean Needed Stitches After Scranton Performance
Looks like 3OH!3 had quite a time at Warped Tour in Scranton yesterday. Nat posted a picture on his twitter of Sean's leg that needed seven stitches after the show. The pic is kinda graphic so instead of me embedding it in my blog I'll just give you the link. Brace yourself.
7.15.2009
THE SKINNY: Plain Jane
In the second edition of "The Skinny" - Jessie gives you the 411 on a "Plain Jane" style to implement into your wardrobe.
Make sure to check out Jessie's blog here.
EXCLUSIVE: Not So Blind Items From Nickelback's "Dark Horse" Tour...
Just had to share these...
- Which band agreed to attend a small patio party at a local resort, but only, "if it isn't too crowded." Hint: not the headliners. You wouldn't be able to pick these guys from the rest of the musicians traveling.
- Which rocker needs to spend a minimum of $80 on wine to touch his lips before a show? Apparently two $40 bottles will suffice, if that's the most expensive available.
- Which "rock star" on tour refuses to allow radio to video his interviews backstage? Of course, that is when he actually does the interviews. Apparently, he's quite self-conscious of looking older than he really is, and his hair needs to be perfect...
- Which band agreed to attend a small patio party at a local resort, but only, "if it isn't too crowded." Hint: not the headliners. You wouldn't be able to pick these guys from the rest of the musicians traveling.
- Which rocker needs to spend a minimum of $80 on wine to touch his lips before a show? Apparently two $40 bottles will suffice, if that's the most expensive available.
- Which "rock star" on tour refuses to allow radio to video his interviews backstage? Of course, that is when he actually does the interviews. Apparently, he's quite self-conscious of looking older than he really is, and his hair needs to be perfect...
7.14.2009
DAILY DOWNLOAD: Cash Cash - "Party In Your Bedroom"
07.02.09 : Cash Cash - Party In Your Bedroom
Ralphie catches up w/ J.P. & Sam in Allentown!
Part 1: The Electro-Pop Sound, Autotune, "Party In Your Bedroom"
Part 2: Transforming from The Consequence to Cash Cash
Ralphie catches up w/ J.P. & Sam in Allentown!
Part 1: The Electro-Pop Sound, Autotune, "Party In Your Bedroom"
Part 2: Transforming from The Consequence to Cash Cash
TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Michael Jackson, 1958-2009
At 5:20 PM on Thursday June 25, 2009, TMZ first reported the news that Michael Jackson passed away following a cardiac arrest suffered earlier that afternoon. Approximately 20 minutes later, The Ralphie Radio Show broke the news throughout Northeastern PA.
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
Report: 07.01.09
Report: 06.30.09 (Custody, Also on Death of Billy Mays)
Report: 06.26.09
Read up on TMZ's latest here.
EXCLUSIVE: Saigon Missed Entourage 6 Premiere, Talks Atlantic Records
If you’re like me, you’re a faithful viewer of HBO’s Entourage. Season 6 of the Mark Wahlberg-produced show aired last Sunday. With the new season upon us, I figured what better time to catch up with a former character of the show – rapper Saigon.
The Brooklyn-native entered the show as an artist Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) wanted to manage. During the second and third seasons of Entourage, Saigon would play himself, and Turtle attempted to land him a record deal. Saigon eventually landed a deal, but with a different manager, cutting Turtle out of his career in the process.
Now three seasons later, Saigon seems a bit separated from the show. As of Monday, he hadn’t caught the premiere.
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Download the mp3
In the interview, Saigon also speaks about a new LP dropping in September, and his current situation (or lackthereof) with Atlantic Records.
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“I was in the studio man,” Saigon explaned. “One of the writers (Rob Weiss) called me asked me if I caught it to. They like to get my opinion on the show.”
Surely the show catapulted the rapper in to the mainstream – he even landed in an edition of Rolling Stone. Now after a dispute with Atlantic Records – allegedly over creative differences – the hip hop artist is preparing to drop a new album with Just Blaze – due out this September.
Saigon still keeps in touch with a number of people involved with the show, and planned on watching the latest episode soon – noting his girlfriend DVR’ed it for him.
The Brooklyn-native entered the show as an artist Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) wanted to manage. During the second and third seasons of Entourage, Saigon would play himself, and Turtle attempted to land him a record deal. Saigon eventually landed a deal, but with a different manager, cutting Turtle out of his career in the process.
Now three seasons later, Saigon seems a bit separated from the show. As of Monday, he hadn’t caught the premiere.
---
Download the mp3
In the interview, Saigon also speaks about a new LP dropping in September, and his current situation (or lackthereof) with Atlantic Records.
---
“I was in the studio man,” Saigon explaned. “One of the writers (Rob Weiss) called me asked me if I caught it to. They like to get my opinion on the show.”
Surely the show catapulted the rapper in to the mainstream – he even landed in an edition of Rolling Stone. Now after a dispute with Atlantic Records – allegedly over creative differences – the hip hop artist is preparing to drop a new album with Just Blaze – due out this September.
Saigon still keeps in touch with a number of people involved with the show, and planned on watching the latest episode soon – noting his girlfriend DVR’ed it for him.
Where I've Been...
I clicked on my blog, and I can't remember being so taken aback. The amount of posts, or rather lackthereof, in the past few weeks were beyond disappointing for me.
Not that I offended anyone or anything by this, but still, let me apologize. The past few weeks were riddled with lots of news, lots of work, and little time for blog posts. Plus, the five days I spent on vacation/in Los Angeles, along with the holiday, didn't help any.
All that aside, I enjoyed my time off and am quite happy to return to the grind. My 4th was spent in a traditional sense, balancing afternoon siestas and all night benders with BBQs, frosty beverages, and the occasional viewing of fireworks. I almost drove back to Niagara Falls for the latter part of the weekend, but decided against it, as I needed to rest/pack/prepare for my cross country trip later in the week.
The synopsis of my trip to Los Angeles is probably not what you would expect: no VIP, no Hollywood, no downtown LA, no beaches, no celebrity sightings. Although, when I arrived at the airport, there was a guy with a sign that read, "R. Aversa."
Trust me, I'm perfectly okay with that. Honestly, the only thing on my to-do list that didn't get checked off was to finally meet TMZ's Leslie Harris. But I'll catch her next time, all good.
I did meet a lot of great people - saw Burbank (NBC, WB), Pasadena, and chilled in sunnier Whittier, where I befriended a number of my friend's sorority sisters from Whittier College.
Like I said, I was perfectly okay with my trip.
However, while my health, happiness, and dignity traveled to and returned from the west coast, my BlackBerry did not. Thankfully I didn't lose too many numbers, and Verizon allowed me to upgrade to the new Tour (which btw, is amazing). But, I utilized the BBerry camera as my primary memory keeper for the trip - and the memory card on which those pictures were stored is now gone. Lesson learned.
To see the few pictures I did manage to upload before my BlackBerry was misplaced/stolen (somewhere between the Radisson LAX Valet Driver taking my rental and the shuttle to the airport), check out my Facebook page.
Oh, and what did I think of Los Angeles? The trip brought me the furthest west I'd ever been... but I'm still an east coast guy... even if my BlackBerry preferred to stick around.
Not that I offended anyone or anything by this, but still, let me apologize. The past few weeks were riddled with lots of news, lots of work, and little time for blog posts. Plus, the five days I spent on vacation/in Los Angeles, along with the holiday, didn't help any.
All that aside, I enjoyed my time off and am quite happy to return to the grind. My 4th was spent in a traditional sense, balancing afternoon siestas and all night benders with BBQs, frosty beverages, and the occasional viewing of fireworks. I almost drove back to Niagara Falls for the latter part of the weekend, but decided against it, as I needed to rest/pack/prepare for my cross country trip later in the week.
The synopsis of my trip to Los Angeles is probably not what you would expect: no VIP, no Hollywood, no downtown LA, no beaches, no celebrity sightings. Although, when I arrived at the airport, there was a guy with a sign that read, "R. Aversa."
Trust me, I'm perfectly okay with that. Honestly, the only thing on my to-do list that didn't get checked off was to finally meet TMZ's Leslie Harris. But I'll catch her next time, all good.
I did meet a lot of great people - saw Burbank (NBC, WB), Pasadena, and chilled in sunnier Whittier, where I befriended a number of my friend's sorority sisters from Whittier College.
Like I said, I was perfectly okay with my trip.
However, while my health, happiness, and dignity traveled to and returned from the west coast, my BlackBerry did not. Thankfully I didn't lose too many numbers, and Verizon allowed me to upgrade to the new Tour (which btw, is amazing). But, I utilized the BBerry camera as my primary memory keeper for the trip - and the memory card on which those pictures were stored is now gone. Lesson learned.
To see the few pictures I did manage to upload before my BlackBerry was misplaced/stolen (somewhere between the Radisson LAX Valet Driver taking my rental and the shuttle to the airport), check out my Facebook page.
Oh, and what did I think of Los Angeles? The trip brought me the furthest west I'd ever been... but I'm still an east coast guy... even if my BlackBerry preferred to stick around.
7.13.2009
Did Twitter Ruin Bruno At The Box Office?
Twitter users have been tweeting their negative reviews of Sacha Baron Cohen's new docu-comedy "Bruno." Is that why the movie plummeted almost 40% its second day in theaters?
Here's an exerpt from an article Time posted.
In the old days — like, until yesterday — movie studios judged the success of their big pictures by how much they grossed on the opening weekend. But in the age of Twitter, electronic word-of-mouth is immediate, as early moviegoers tweet their opinions on a film to millions of "followers." Instant-messaging can make or break a film within 24 hours. Friday is the new weekend.
That appears to be the lesson from the studio estimates issued on July 13 for the weekend box office. Brüno, the Sacha Baron Cohen docu-comedy in which an Austrian fashion journalist shoves his flamboyant gayness in the faces and other body parts of unsuspecting Americans, won the weekend with $30.4 million, a bit above most industry expectations for an R-rated provocation whose star was unknown to the mass audience until his Borat became a surprise hit in 2006, earning more than $260 million at theaters worldwide on an $18 million budget. Yet Brüno's box-office decline from Friday to Saturday indicates that the film's brand of outrage was not the sort to please most moviegoers — and that their tut-tutting got around fast. Brüno could be the first movie defeated by the Twitter effect.
7.09.2009
Greetings from Los Angeles!
Just a quick hello... sorry, I know, been lagging on the blogging. Life is good on vacation here in sunny Los Angeles, Whittier to be exact. Never been to Cali before. Was in Burbank yesterday, checked out NBC and WB... hopefully meeting up with TMZ's Leslie Harris later today... and Angels/Yankees tomorrow night! I fly back Saturday morning.
Here are some pictures... check out more on my Facebook...
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