So fun! Jessica Alba's daughter Honor Marie Warren and the nanny were spotted at a park in Beverly Hills on Wednesday (March 30).
The adorable 2 1/2-year-old was seen enjoying the swing set. What a little cutie!
Source: http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2011/03/31/honor-warrens-swing-smiles
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/03/04/julianne-hough-set-to-star-in-rock-of-ages-with-tom-cruise/
'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll
Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News
You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.
In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.
But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine.
"I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."
Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon.
"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1633563/mary-j-blige-dishes-on-her-crazy-led-zeppelin-covers.jhtml
Sara Spraker Sarah Gellman Sarah Michelle Gellar Sarah Mutch
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=410008
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/02/12/celebrity-pictures-eva-longorias-shopping-divorce-datin/
So, apparently, Jennifer Aniston didn't love our idea for her to direct an all female version of "The Three Amigos" starring herself, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow. Looks like she wanted something more meaty and heartfelt for her directorial debut. She has signed on for "Project Five," a Lifetime project that will meld together five short films about different breast cancer survivors. And Jennifer won't be the only famous director—Demi Moore and Alicia Keys will also be stepping behind the camera for the cause.
Natasha Bedingfield Natassia Malthe Nelly Furtado Nichole Robinson
Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon
After his brief-but-buzzworthy fling with country darling Taylor Swift, eligible bachelor Jake Gyllenhaal is back to being single. But that doesn't mean he doesn't have a special lady in his life!
The Source Code star, 30, tells iVillage exclusively that the best part of being single is getting to bond with his niece Ramona, the 4-year-old daughter of sister Maggie Gyllenhaal. "I get to spend a lot time with my family," the actor says. "I love being an uncle, and I love spending time with my niece. That's just the most important thing to me.
Watch our exclusive video (above) to find out why Gyllenhaal's new drama (which hits theaters April 1) changed his perspective on life and why he loves injecting comedy into serious films.
Source: http://www.ivillage.com/jake-gyllenhaal-source-code-interview/1-a-336386
Femme Fatale's second single was penned by Ke$ha.
By Jocelyn Vena
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears' new single, "Till the World Ends," sounds poised to be a club smash. The Ke$ha-written, Dr. Luke/Max Martin-produced track was posted by Perez Hilton on Thursday afternoon (March 3), after speculation earlier in the day that the song would hit radio next week.
"Till the World Ends" is a swirling, "beat the beat" track, ready for late nights spent "dancing till the world ends" as she sings on the fast-paced party jam. "This kitten got your tongue tied in knots I see/ Spit it out 'cause I'm dying for company," a confident Spears purrs.
As the song slows for a moment — during a break before she moves her way to the chorus — she sings, "I can't take it take it take no more/ Never felt like felt like this before/ Come on get me get me on the floor/ DJ, what you what you waiting for?" she teases.
The beat chugs in the background as synths play with Spears' sex-kitten delivery of lines like "Watch me move/ When I lose, when I lose it hard/ Get you off with a touch/ Dancing in the dark.
"See the sunlight/ We ain't stopping/ Keep on dancing till the world ends/ If you feel it/ Let it happen/ Keep on dancing till the world ends," she sings as the song breaks down, fading out for a brief moment (revealing her signature breathiness), and then coming back in as she repeats those final lines again to close the song.
Ke$ha recently dished about the track to Spin.com, noting that it is about the power of an artist performing a great gig. "That song is me imagining her and any female musician touring the world," she said. "You know, when you go out, and you're having an amazing, magical night and you don't want to go to sleep and you want it to last until the world ends."
"Till the World Ends" is the second single from Femme Fatale, set to drop March 29. Its lead single, "Hold It Against Me," was an equally club-friendly jam by Luke and Martin, who are overseeing production on the album.
Give your review of "Till the World Ends" in the comments below!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659161/britney-spears-till-the-world-ends.jhtml
Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2010/12/24/beyonce-and-jay-z-are-getting-paid-on-new-years-eve/
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=497563
'I think diva is a great and powerful word in the sense of what Beyoncé makes it,' the pop star says in the magazine's cover story.
By Jocelyn Vena
Katy Perry on the March issue of <i>Elle</i>
Photo: Carter Smith/Elle
Katy Perry not only glams up for the new issue of Elle, but she also gets real. The singer — who is gearing up for a big performance on this Sunday's Grammy Awards — dishes on diva behavior, discusses her personal life and even reveals how much she weighs in the fashion magazine's latest cover story.
"I feel like I'm at a point in my life right now where I could potentially stick around," Perry says about her outlook on being a pop star. "I don't feel like a diva, but I think diva is a great and powerful word in the sense of what Beyoncé makes it. And maybe I can't be Beyoncé, but maybe I can be Cyndi Lauper. I mean be like her, not be her. That would just be weird."
The singer also admits to having some ambitions outside of the entertainment world. "I think some people will die on the stage, and I'm not so sure I want to do that. Like, I want to have kids!" she explains. "I'm totally fine with saying that. I think some people are scared because they're worried it's going to ruin their career, but I want to live a full life."
That full life, these days, includes her hubby, Russell Brand, who she says is her perfect better half. "Everything clicked really fast. We kind of instantly got past all the surfacey stuff. And ever since then, there hasn't been a dull moment," she says. "We both needed balance, and we give that to each other. It wasn't about me taming him, which is what everyone always says — it was about timing."
Perry doesn't hold back at all, revealing details about her weight that very few celebrities seem willing to share with the world. "I was shaped like a square at one time. I was! I'm generally around 130 pounds, which is totally fine for me," she confesses. "But when I was a kid, I was the same height and weighed more like 145. And I had enormous boobs that I didn't know what to do with, so I wore minimizers, which were not cute. Those thick-ass straps! I got made fun of for the over-the-shoulder boulder holder ... and all I wanted was to look like Kate Moss. Little did I know ... that these things would come in handy someday."
What do you think about Katy's Elle confessions? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Christina DaRe Christina Milian Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh
Singer teases his new project by pointing to past hits like 'Yeah!' and 'OMG.'
By James Montgomery
Usher
Photo: MTV News
With the success of songs like "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," "Hot Tottie" and "OMG," Usher had himself a fairly massive 2010. But rather than rest on his laurels, he's looking to build on his big year, not with an album, but with a "movement."
It's something he's calling "Rev Pop" — or, simply, "Rev" — and though he's already teased his idea in a video with David Guetta (Akon is also involved), he has yet to speak in full about it. So when MTV News caught up with Ush before the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles at the (Belvedere) RED launch party, we asked him about his next musical endeavor. And though he didn't reveal much, he did let it be known that "Rev" isn't exactly something new. In fact, he's been doing it for a while now.
"I'll give it to you this way: At a later date, I'll tell you more about Rev Pop, but if I were to give you a flash: I've done it before, I did it with 'Yeah!' " he said, "taking a cultural experience, and also worldwide recognition of a feeling, and putting the soul in the middle of it. Not allowing it to shift heavily to R&B genre, or pop. I did it again with 'OMG,' once again putting the soul in the middle of it, which was an electric-pop experience, with the soul.
"It's bringing those elements together to tell a story, that was born here," he said, gesturing toward his heart, "And that's what Rev Pop is. There's more, I mean, I could really elaborate, but that's just what I'm going to tell you right now. 'Rev' is what it's called ... the movement is called Rev."
Usher wouldn't say just when his fans would be getting their first taste of Rev, but whenever they do, it sounds like they're going to be impressed ... if not a little shocked.
"Stay alive," he smiled, "Because you're definitely going to be in for a surprise."
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658043/usher-rev-pop.jhtml
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2010/08/14/amy-winehouse-is-almost-unrecognizable/
If you're not familiar with Joe Zee, you're about to be. The much-loved creative director for Elle magazine, and one of the few voices of reason on MTV's reality show, "The City"—where he had to contend with the likes of scheming socialite Olivia Palermo, ugh—Zee is heading back to television once again. He stars in the Sundance Channel's new show "All On the Line," where he'll help young designers shape and sell their struggling lines. We spoke with Zee about the show, his creative vision, and what makes some designers succeed where others fail.
Source: http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-joe-zee-puts-it-all-on-the-line/?eref=RSS
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/03/16/christina-aguilera-the-voice-arrest-public-drunkeness/
Minka Kelly Minki van der Westhuizen Miranda Kerr Mischa Barton
2008 Video Of The Year: Britney Spears "Piece of Me
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=421943
Lane says there's been a 'cover-up' to promote idea that Natalie Portman did most of the dancing.
By Eric Ditzian
Natalie Portman in "Black Swan"
Photo: FOX Searchlight
"It was really extreme," Natalie Portman told MTV News in November. "And I definitely felt both physical and mental aftershocks from the experience, because it was the first thing I've ever done that was this physically demanding on top of an emotionally demanding part."
She was speaking about the 10 months she spent training to play a ballerina in "Black Swan," a role that would earn her a Best Actress Oscar in February. Now that awards season is over, however, a controversy has erupted over how much of the dancing in "Black Swan" was executed by Portman and how much was the work of her professional ballet-dancing body doubles.
Sarah Lane, a 27-year-old soloist at the American Ballet Theatre who stood in for Portman in the film, told Entertainment Weekly that she has been the victim of a "cover-up" meant to tout Portman's work at the expense of her own.
"Of the full body shots, I would say 5 percent are Natalie. All the other shots are me," she said. "They wanted to create this idea in people's minds that Natalie was some kind of prodigy or so gifted in dance and really worked so hard to make herself a ballerina in a year and a half for the movie, basically because of the Oscar. It is demeaning to the profession and not just to me. I've been doing this for 22 years."
Following Lane's comments, Fox Searchlight released a statement that was both supportive of the dancer but emphasized the amount of Portman's own ballet that made it into the movie. "We were fortunate to have Sarah there to cover the more complicated dance sequences and we have nothing but praise for the hard work she did," the statement read. "However, Natalie herself did most of the dancing featured in the final film."
The debate caught fire last week after Benjamin Millepied, Portman's fiancé and "Black Swan" choreographer, told the Los Angeles Times, "There are articles now talking about her dance double [Lane] that are making it sound like [Lane] did a lot of the work, but really, she just did the footwork, and the fouettés, and one diagonal [phrase] in the studio. Honestly, 85 percent of that movie is Natalie."
MTV News asked Portman's reps for comment but had not heard back as of press time.
Check out everything we've got on "Black Swan."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660763/black-swan-natalie-portman-dancing-controversy.jhtml
Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/zEVRiMZDu74/
Bret Michaels expected nothin' but a good time when he made a guest appearance at the 2009 Tony Awards. Instead, the Poison frontman was struck on the head by a piece of scenery -- and over one year later, he's suing for damages, according to Entertainment Weekly. On Friday, rocker Michaels filed a lawsuit against CBS and the Tonys, seeking compensation for injuries he suffered as a result of the accident. The injury occurred on live television, while Michaels was exiting the stage after performing "Nothin' but a Good Time" with the Rock of Ages cast. (Watch the video footage below.)
"Michaels was never told that the scenery piece would be descending or given any warning of the existence of the dangers it presented," states the lawsuit. "Quite the opposite, Michaels specifically asked for instructions regarding how to exit after his performance and was just told to walk off the rear of the stage -- in what was ultimately the danger zone."
After the Tony Awards, Michaels was hospitalized with a broken nose and a split lip, but told the press that he was otherwise unharmed. So why the belated lawsuit? Bret now believes that the accident was a causal factor in his 2010 brain hemorrhage -- you know, the one that almost killed him.
"One of the most common causes of this type of hemorrhage is head trauma -- exactly like the one Michaels suffered at the hands of the Tony Awards," says the suit.
The musician is also taking issue with the way the Tony Awards producers handled the accident in the press -- namely, blaming Michaels by saying he "missed his mark."
"The Tony Awards dropped a piece of the stage on Bret’s head, and then instead of doing the right thing, joked about it and played it off for ratings," Michaels' lawyer said in a press statement. "Bret never wanted to file a lawsuit, but the Tony Awards have left us with no choice. They must be held accountable for almost killing Bret, and that is what we are going to do."
Last week, Bret Michaels took credit for teaching Charlie Sheen how to trash hotel rooms.
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Source: http://www.ivillage.com/bret-michaels-sues-tony-awards-head-injury/1-a-335501
Elizabeth Taylor was known for her violet eyes -- and her eye for jewelry. During her lifetime, Taylor, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79, collected an estimated $150 million worth of rare jewels. Now, sources tell People that the actress's jewelry collection is expected to be auctioned by Christie's "sometime in the future." Christie's has not confirmed the auction, so we don't know which pieces will be up for bidding -- but Taylor owned many a famous bauble that any collector would kill for. Here are a few of her favorite things...
- A diamond tiara given to her by third husband Mike Todd. A young Taylor liked to wear it when she went swimming.
- The Krupp Diamond, Elizabeth's favorite piece of jewelry: a 33-carat gem given to her by the love of her life, on-again-off-again husband Richard Burton. She had it mounted on a ring and wore it frequently throughout her life.
- An enormous Bulgari diamond-and-emerald necklace, also given to her by Burton.
- The giant La Peregrina Pearl, formerly owned by Spanish royalty.
- A sapphire engagement ring from second husband Michael Wilding.
Taylor was extremely knowledgeable about her museum-quality jewelry collection, which she documented in her 2002 book My Love Affair With Jewelry. One of Taylor's most famous jewels won't make it to Christie's, however: The Taylor-Burton Diamond, a 69-carat gem considered one of the world's most perfect diamonds, was sold in 1978, with the partial proceeds going to build a hospital in Botswana. The proceeds for the upcoming auction are rumored to be destined for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and amFAR.
Though collectors will be thrilled if the actress' jewels go up for auction, another group of Taylor devotees may not be so happy: her family. According to Popeater, Taylor's heirs are already beginning to feud over her substantial fortune of up to $1 billion, accumulated largely from Taylor's business dealings (like her fragrance and jewelry lines).
"Elizabeth... made arrangements to split the rest of her fortune between her four children and other charities that she cared so much about," a close friend tells the website. "But what is causing all the problems is not the money she made during her life, but rather what should happen to the millions she is going to make after her death."
In other words, the profits from future Elizabeth Taylor merchandise, film re-releases and product sales are still up for grabs -- and her children, business managers and favorite charities are all looking for their share. Even if it's only her family fighting over money, that could still be a big argument: Taylor is survived by four children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Source: http://www.ivillage.com/elizabeth-taylors-jewelry-collection-going-auction/1-a-335767
AnnaLynne McCord Anne Marie Kortright April Scott Arielle Kebbel
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/01/26/morning-links-with-jennifer-love-hewitt-2/
Mark sent me this because, like Wendy Ho, I don't know what I'm going to do when the clock hits four this fall.
Via Joe. My. God.
Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/2/13/no-oprah-winfrey-on-my-tv.html
Catherine Bell Chandra West Charisma Carpenter Charli Baltimore
Judge rules that camera will be allowed in the courtroom for manslaughter case.
By Gil Kaufman
Conrad Murray
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images
For what promises to be one of the most bizarre and riveting legal proceedings in years, a Los Angeles judge ruled on Monday that a television camera will be allowed in the courtroom when Michael Jackson's doctor goes on trial for involuntary manslaughter.
Reuters reported that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, approved the presence of a camera in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray as long as it does not interfere with the proceedings in the closely watched case.
The judge asked for the "absolute least-intrusive placement" of a TV camera in the courtroom, but blocked cameras from documenting jury selection.
Pastor also announced that he would bump up the opening date of the trail by four days to March 24, at which point jury selection will begin. Murray, who faces up to four years in prison if convicted, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial is expected to last around six weeks.
Cardiologist Murray was hired to be Jackson's personal physician in the run-up to the King of Pop's planned 50-date comeback series of shows at London's O2 arena in the summer of 2009. The doctor told police that he provided Jackson, 50, with sedatives and the surgical anesthetic propofol in order to combat the singer's chronic insomnia. He said he did so on the morning of June 25, 2009, when Jackson died of what a coroner deemed acute propofol poisoning.
TMZ reported on Tuesday (February 8) that Murray's lawyers plan to argue that Jackson was already in weak health before he died and that it's unfair to blame propofol for his passing. Unnamed sources close to the case told the gossip site that at the time of his death, Jackson's body was already failing him in part because concert promoter AEG Live had "driven [him] over the edge" with a rigorous rehearsal schedule for the shows.
Murray's lawyers reportedly plan to call witnesses to say that Jackson was not showing up for rehearsals and when he did he showed "clear signs" of frail health. They also reportedly plan to argue that it was Jackson who administered the final, fatal dose of propofol to himself while Murray was out of the room.
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Oscar-nominated actress will play the 'smart, tough, funny' journalist, director Zack Snyder announces.
By Aly Semigran
Amy Adams
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
Clark Kent, meet your Lois Lane.
After weeks of guessing who would play the Man of Steel's leading lady in the upcoming "Superman" reboot, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, along with director Zack Snyder announced on Sunday (March 27) that Academy Award-nominated actress Amy Adams will take on the iconic role.
Snyder, whose latest endeavor, "Sucker Punch," opened in second place at the box office this weekend, said in a statement, "Second only to Superman himself, the question of who will play Lois Lane is arguably what fans have been most curious about. So we are excited to announce the casting of Amy Adams, one of the most versatile and respected actresses in films today. Amy has the talent to capture all of the qualities we love about Lois: smart, tough, funny, warm, ambitious and, of course, beautiful."
Adams, 36, whose versatile résumé includes "Enchanted," "Talladega Nights," "Doubt" and, most recently, "The Fighter," which earned her an Oscar nod, will star opposite the new Superman, Henry Cavill, who is nine years her junior.
But age clearly didn't factor into Snyder's decision, as he told the Los Angeles Times, "There was a big, giant search for Lois. For us it was a big thing and obviously a really important role. We did a lot of auditioning but we had this meeting with Amy Adams and after that I just felt she was perfect for it."
Snyder, who reached out to Adams regarding the "Superman" news via phone while in Paris on Sunday, went on to explain why the Lois Lane role will be "a linchpin" for his vision for the tentatively titled "Man of Steel."
"It goes back to what I've said about Superman and making him really understandable for today. What's important to us is making him relevant and real and making him empathetic to today's audience so that we understand the decisions he makes," he said, "That applies to Lois as well. She has to be in the same universe as him [in tone and substance]."
Adams and Cavill will be joined by Diane Lane and Kevin Costner, who will play Clark Kent's adoptive parents.
What do you think of Amy Adams being cast as Lois Lane in the new "Superman" movie? Tell us in the comments!
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660738/superman-reboot-taps-amy-adams-play-lois-lane.jhtml
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/03/03/britney-spears-is-not-a-fan-of-the-paparazzi/
Nicky Hilton Nicole Richie Nicole Scherzinger Nicollette Sheridan
Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=455581
Gondola rides, learning a new language, falling in love: Deena and Vinny tell MTV News their plans for next season and beyond.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Eric Ditzian and Ade Mangum
Vinny Guadagnino
Photo: MTV News
The third season of "Jersey Shore" wrapped on Thursday night, but Seaside's finest are already planning for the next installment of the show, which will take them to Italy. And that means the cast should probably brush up on their pregos and grazies before they land in the home of delicious spaghetti, fine leather goods and the Pope.
"Can't wait! I honestly can't wait to get there and see the place," Deena told MTV News this week. "For some reason, I really want to go on a gondola ride. Or I would like if we're in Rome, I would like to see the love fountain, so I'm thinking I'll steal a coin ... maybe I'll fall in love."
Meanwhile, her castmate Vinny told us he'd prepare for the next season of the hit reality series the same way he has for all of the past seasons.
"Preparing for Italy is pretty much preparing for any of the other seasons, trying to get in shape, trying to spend some time with my family, chill out, the quiet before the storm," he said. "I'm excited to be thrown right into the water with whatever language skills I have."
But the cast is also busier than ever with other projects and gigs.
Pauly D's ramping up for the debut of his own reality show, and fans can catch him spinning tunes at his DJ residency at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Vinny got a plum role on "The Hard Times of RJ Berger" and revealed he's got some musical abilities, saying, "I dabble in music and it's something I do for fun and if it's good, it's good." No word on whether he'll pursue that any further, but Vinny did add that he'd love to pursue more acting. "My future is very open. I like to do scripted types of things," he told us.
Snooki and JWoww have followed a somewhat similar path: Both are published authors, and both have appeared on wrestling-type programs. Now there's chatter the two ladies might get their own show, casting them as reality-TV version of "Laverne and Shirley."
The Situation, of course, is already a budding entrepreneur, with a book and fitness DVD in stores and other deals in the pipeline. Earlier this year, the former "Dancing With the Stars" contestant began working on YOBI.tv's "Random Talent" Web series with British comedian Ben Green.
What did you think of the season finale of "Jersey Shore"? Tell us in the comments!
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Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez Grace Park Gretha Cavazzoni
'I'm so honored, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg,' Snoop eulogized at funeral.
By Rahman Dukes
Snoop Dogg arrives at Nate Dogg's funeral on Saturday
Photo: MTV News
LONG BEACH, California — On a dark and damp Saturday morning (March 26), thousands of family, friends and fans turned out for one last show from their hero, rap legend Nate Dogg, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Long Beach.
Inside the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, lights shined down on the wooden coffin adorned with red and white flowers. Two jumbo screens on opposite sides of his casket flashed six different photos of the singer from a childhood boy, when he was known to family as "Buddy," to the platinum singer known to the world as Nate Dogg.
West Coast rap artists including Dr. Dre, Game, DJ Quik, Mack-10 and WC, DJ Pooh, Battlecat and others were on hand to pay their respects to the singer with platinum vocal chords.
"1986, Poly High School, that's where we connected for the first time," an emotionally distraught Snoop reflected on his friend. "We didn't know each other, but the music connected us. We built a brotherhood, a friendship."
Snoop first met Nate along with his best friend Warren G at the school where they would go on to form the rap trio 213. Warren G spoke briefly, reminding mourners in attendance what a great man the music world has lost.
"It hurts me so much to see this," Warren G said somberly while looking down at the casket. "We been through a whole lot and that was my dog. He stayed down with me from the bottom to the top. I didn't ever think I would have to sit at a funeral for one of my dogs. All I can say is that was my friend, me him and Snoop was 213 from the balls to the walls. The music industry lost an incredible artist."
Several of Nate's closest friends, relatives and colleagues including Xzibit, Daz and Kurupt, Butch Cassidy, Los Angeles radio station personality Big Boy from Power 106, and producer FredWreck all shared memorable stories of their friend, who they said made an important impact on their lives. Xzibit recalled a time during the Up in Smoke Tour when Nate was arrested, but hours later somehow magically appeared at the show's next date. A teary-eyed Kurupt said Nate was the father figure who raised him.
Manager Rod McGrew acted as Nate's manager throughout his professional music career and was with him up until his last days.
"He fought a hard fight," McGrew said. He also thanked Dr. Dre and Eminem, in addition to Snoop, Warren G and Xzibit, for assisting the family in getting through the past several days. "The last three years were unbelievable. He didn't give up. He just had a talk with God and gave up. Two hours before that he was fine."
McGrew said that with Nate's passing, the singer's three wishes will now be granted.
"He wanted to go to heaven and hang with his boys," McGrew said. "He loved Tupac. He recorded with him. He wanted to hang with Biggie. But the most important thing is that he can walk around heaven with his favorite artist of all time, Michael Jackson."
With his deep, melodic voice and smooth soul rumble, Dogg was one of the key elements in the rise of the West Coast G-Funk sound pioneered by Death Row Records in the early 1990s. Along with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Warren G, Nate was a critical participant in a number of major left-coast gangsta hits, including G's "Regulate" and Dre's iconic solo debut, 1992's The Chronic.
The hip-hop singer passed away earlier this month after suffering multiple health setbacks in the past several years stemming from separate strokes.
The choir that sang during Nate's home-going was handpicked by the singer himself. One of its members, Jacob Lusk, is currently a contestant on "American Idol."
"He was a loving caring individual," said Snoop. "If you listen to his music, he took church melodies and flipped it with hip-hop. I'm so honored, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg. I want to stand here and cry, but I have to have the strength for you Nate Dogg. It's 213, DPG for life."
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660734/nate-dogg-funeral.jhtml
Aretha Franklin turned 69 yesterday. And she celebrated with a big swanky bash in New York City at the Helmsley Hotel last night with hundreds of her closest friends.
She donned a Naeem Khan pantsuit for the occasion, and had Motown legends, Wendy Wiliams, and other friends in tow to help her celebrate. Pics and what went down inside when you read on...
Aretha got a decked out cake and a customized song from a member of the Temptations last night. People.com described what went down inside the bash:
At the Queen of Soul's swanky, star-studded 69th birthday party in New York City late Friday night – where Bette Midler, Smokey Robinson and Tony Bennett topped the guest list – revelers joined Dennis Edwards of The Temptations in wishing her well with a personalized version of "My Girl."
It went a little something like this: "I guess … you'll say … what can make me feel this way …. Aretha, Aretha, Aretha ..." And then the woman of the hour took the mic.
As guests screamed and applauded, the slimmed-down Franklin sang with Edwards for the delighted crowd, and then showed off some dance moves while blowing out the candles on her two-tier, flower-covered birthday cake. The song for that part of the evening? "Respect," of course.
Pics of celeb arrivals:
Wendy Williams and her hubby Kevin popped up in red.
Al Roker was there in his gray suit.
Al Sharpton and Smokey Robinson were there as well.
Star Jones hit the party in her fur coat and metallic dress.
And Gayle King worked it out in gold with cute shoes.
Pics via SPLASH
Source: http://theybf.com/2011/03/26/celebs-hit-aretha-franklins-69th-birthday-party
Cameron Diaz Cameron Richardson Camilla Belle Carla Campbell
Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/01/22/ivanka-trump-donald-trump-pregnant-twitte/
Conrad Murray's trial slated to start March 28.
By Gil Kaufman
Dr. Conrad Murray appears in court on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California
Photo: Irfan Khan-Pool/ Getty Images
Michael Jackson's former personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray entered a plea of not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the June 2009 death of the pop star at his arraignment on Tuesday morning (January 25).
According to the Los Angeles Times, when asked by judge Michael Pastor how he pleaded to the charge, Murray said, "Your honor, I am an innocent man." When Pastor interrupted and asked Murray what his plea was, the cardiologist said, "Therefore, I plead not guilty."
The brief hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court ended with Pastor setting a March 28 date for the start of a trial in the case. Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison if convicted, and the Times noted that he surprised the judge by invoking his right to a speedy trial, which meant the case would have to begin by late March. Pastor noted the rarity of a defendant asking to have a speedy trial, then set jury selection for the week of March 28 and said he was inclined to allow television coverage of the trial that the defense expects will last two months.
Lawyers for Murray have maintained his innocence all along, saying he did not do anything that "should have" caused the 50-year-old pop icon's death. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office determined that Jackson died of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol mixed with a cocktail of other sedatives.
Murray has admitted to administering propofol to Jackson in the hours before the singer's death, but the defense appears to be gearing up to claim that it was Jackson who administered the final, fatal dose of the drug after he woke in a panic from a fitful night of sleep.
During a preliminary hearing earlier this month to determine if there was enough evidence to hold Murray over for trial, the physician's attorneys said that there was evidence Jackson injected or drank a fatal amount of the drug when the doctor was not looking.
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