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Buzz Bites (4/10/12): Justin Bieber's 'Born To Be Somebody' Featured In 'Bully' TV Ad

Posted 4/10/12 9:26 am EST by in Buzz Bites, Celebrity, Music


Justin Bieber's "Born To Be Somebody" is featured in "Bully" documentary ad campaign.

+ Justin Bieber lent "Born To Be Somebody" to the TV ad campaign for the "Bully" documentary, which deals with the tragic impact of school bullying. "I hope [my fans] see 'Bully' with their friends and help start the conversation so we can end bullying," he said in a statement. (MTV News)

+ According to court documents, Britney Spears has requested her conservatorship, of which her father already has control, extend also to her fiancé. If it goes through, her future husband, Jason Trawick, will have a say in Britney's major personal decisions. (MTV News)

+ A$AP Rocky admits to his crush on Lana Del Rey, his co-collaborator on "Ridin'": "I love her!... When she said I was her favorite rapper, I was like, 'Oh f**** no, man. I gotta work with her! My dream girl acknowledges me!" (Billboard)

+ Judging from John Mayer's instrumental cover of Lana Del Rey's "Video Games" (Mayer canceled his tour recently due to vocal cord issues), he's also a fan. (Huffington Post)

+ Selena Gomez chatted about her upcoming movie, "The Getaway," with Ethan Hawke in an online Q&A with fans. She said after a couple movies, "Then I'll start working on my fourth album, which will be the best album I'll ever do! But I'm just kind of halting music for a bit." (MTV News)

+ Those who were upset when Adam Lambert's show date with Queen at Sonisphere Festival was canceled will be happy to know he'll front the band in four other concerts this summer. Of course, they're all overseas, so, time to start saving! (Idolator)

+ Fiona Apple announced another round of tour dates, which begin June 19 in Ithaca, N.Y. This leg of her tour wraps in Hollywood, Calif., on July 29. She also announced her new single, "Every Single Night," which will be available via iTunes on April 24. (MTV News)

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Alabama Shakes And Monica Release New Albums; Gotye Performs On 'Saturday Night Live'

Posted 4/9/12 12:18 pm EST by in Celebrity, Music, The Week In Pop


Welcome to Buzzworthy's "The Week In Pop," where we round up new album releases, talk show musical guests, TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

We've been talking and talking about our PUSH artist of the week, Alabama Shakes. On Tuesday you can hear what makes this group worthy of all the buzz when they release their debut album Boys & Girls. Also on Tuesday, M. Ward releases A Wasteland Companion. While it's M. Ward's seventh solo album, his other half on She & Him, Zooey Deschanel, makes an appearance. Gotye's internet-frenzied "Somebody That I Used To Know" brought him worldwide attention, though he's been making music and earning accolades for a decade. Gotye brings his jazzy, sample-loving compositions to "Saturday Night Live," and we end the week with a new reality series: "Wilson Phillips Still Holding On" premieres on Sunday.

Check out this week's album releases and television show music guests below.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

Tuesday, April 10
+ Alabama Shakes, Boys & Girls: This rocking quartet blew me away during one of their shows at SXSW. From the gritty soulful singing-to-howls of frontwoman Brittany Howard, to the band, who deftly deliver bluesy, rollicking stomps, this young group crafted an impressive debut, and one that will likely make several "Best Of" 2012 lists.

+ Monica, New Life: It's an apt title for Monica's new effort, with songs like "It All Belongs To Me," which showcases her revisiting a past collaborator, Brandy, with a new song and new attitude. The 12-song release also features her collab with Wale, "Take a Chance."

+ M. Ward, A Wasteland Companion: There's a bittersweet undertow on his seventh solo album, with a look back lyrically and musically ("There's A Key," "Clean Slate"). Within the reflection, yearning and poignancy there's also some bounce, such as on "Primitive Girl" and "Sweetheart," a retro-romping duet with Zooey Deschanel, the She from their She & Him project.

Check out more new album releases and upcoming TV appearances and performances after the jump.

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Buzz Bites (4/9/12): Nicki Minaj Performs Surprise Set In Times Square

Posted 4/9/12 9:00 am EST by in Buzz Bites, Celebrity, Music


Nicki Minaj on the red carpet before her surprise Times Square performance.

+ Nicki Minaj performed a surprise set on Good Friday in Times Square. "It's an honor for me to be here tonight. I'm from New York," she said before announcing that the show and audience were being taped for a "Starships" DJ Doorly remix video. (MTV News)

+ Nicki Minaj also canoodled with the Easter Bunny and fans in Los Angeles on Saturday, where she signed autographs to promote Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded at Best Buy. She'll also be on "Nightline" tonight. (Rap-Up)

+ Big Sean had a big day on Friday with his collab on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music single, "Mercy." He also announced on a radio show that he's collab'd with Justin Bieber. "You gon' see it sooner or later -– either my album, his album, we'll see." (Rap-Up)

+ One Direction graced the "Saturday Night Live" stage. They performed "What Makes You Beautiful" and "One Thing." They also took a turn in a bit part, dancing during "The Manuel Ortiz Show" skit. (MTV News)

+ Damon Albarn told the The Guardian that Blur and Gorillaz may be coming to an end, citing difficulties collaborating with certain band members in Blur, and he called the Gorillaz's future "unlikely." (Pitchfork)

+ Watch Adam Lambert perform "Trespassing," the title track from his forthcoming album, during Logo's NewNowNext Awards. (Just Jared)

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Buzz Bites (4/6/12): Drake And Rihanna's 'Take Care' Video Premieres Tonight On MTV, Watch A Teaser

Posted 4/6/12 9:00 am EST by in Buzz Bites, Celebrity, Music


Drake and Rihanna's "Take Care" video premieres tonight on MTV.

+ Now this is a true teaser, catch a sneak peek (don't blink!) of Drake and Rihanna's "Take Care" video. The full video premieres tonight at 7:56 p.m. ET on MTV. (MTV News)

+ Don't forget to tune in to Florence + The Machine's "Unplugged" on Sunday at 11 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com. Florence Welch sings a cover of Otis Redding's "Try A Little Tenderness" and performs her own songs, including "Never Let Me Go" and "Only If For A Night." (MTV News)

+ Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has postponed his 15-date solo tour, pushing back the original April 10 kickoff to Oct. 31, due to an injury to his right arm. Vedder sustained temporary nerve damage, to which treatments have not fully taken. (Billboard)

+ Watch Monica perform new songs "It All Belongs To Me," "Anything To Find You" and "Man Who Has Everything" from New Life, due out next week. Her AOL Sessions included old tunes "Angel Of Mine" and "So Gone," along with an interview. (Rap-Up)

+ Nas and Gary Clark Jr. are working on a new version of Clark's "Bright Lights," which will be used during ESPN's coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft. (RapFix)

+ Peep Adam Lambert's 15-song track listing for the Deluxe Version of Trespassing. The album's set for release May 15. (Idolator)

+ Marshall amplifier inventor Jim Marshall passed away yesterday. "The Father of Loud" was 88 years old. (Rolling Stone)

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Buzz Bites (4/5/12): Kanye West Premieres 'Theraflu' For G.O.O.D. Music

Posted 4/5/12 9:10 am EST by in Buzz Bites, Celebrity, Music


Kanye West premieres two new songs this week.

+ Kanye West twofer: Pusha T announced via Twitter that "April 6 is GOOD Friday... "MERCY" drops.." The song, featuring Kanye West, Big Sean and 2 Chainz, is part of the forthcoming G.O.O.D. Music compilation. "Theraflu" premiered last night. (Billboard)

+ Mary J. Blige addressed her controversial Burger King ad that ran and then was pulled off air. "I agreed to be a part of a fun and creative campaign that was supposed to feature a dream sequence. Unfortunately, that's not what was happening in that clip," Blige explained to TMZ. (MTV News)

+ Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded is heading to the top spot on the Billboard 200 next week. (Billboard)

+ David Banner wants fans to financially support his next effort, Sex, Drugs and Video Games, which comes out as a free download on May 22. "You got 16 songs from everybody from Chris Brown to Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Big K.R.I.T., 2 Chainz... and we got 16 videos," he said. "And I'm asking for is a minimum donation of $1 at DavidBanner.com." (MTV News)

+ Now's your chance to show your flow: GZA has launched a contest called "Duel of the Iron Mic." The winner, chosen by GZA, will be featured on one of his future albums. (Pitchfork)

+ Peep Cody Simpson performing new song "So Listen." He also asked Eva Longoria to be in the song's video via tweet: "g'day @EvaLongoria, could you be convinced to be in my #SoListen music video we're shooting this week? #ABoyCanDream." She responded, "Aww i wish i could!" We'd be happy to help out, Cody! (Just Jared Jr.)

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Buzz Bites (4/4/12): One Direction To Headline Madison Square Garden

Posted 4/4/12 9:09 am EST by in Buzz Bites, Celebrity, Music


One Direction announce Dec. 3 headline date at Madison Square Garden

+ In case there was a doubt about a massive popularity surge in the boy band department, this should quell any uncertainty: One Direction will headline Madison Square Garden on Dec. 3. The group's previously announced U.S. tour dates sold out in minutes. (Billboard)

+ Speaking of One Direction being in demand, the guys' calendars are so busy they apparently turned down an invitation from Michelle Obama to attend the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House on Easter Monday. (E!)

+ ZOMG, how cute is Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie's newborn, Luca Cruz? Peep a photo. "Wow I can't believe I have a baby!," new momma Hilary tweeted, "the most wonderful, sweet, adorable baby!" #awwwww (Just Jared)

+ While Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's impending nuptial plans have been kept under wraps, it's being reported the couple will wed this summer. (MTV News)

+ Madonna's MDNA bows at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, putting her in second place behind Barbra Streisand as the woman with the most No. 1 albums on that chart. (Billboard)

+ "Glee" returns from its hiatus on April 10. Watch Darren Criss and his onscreen brother, who's played by Matt Bomer, cover Gotye with Kimbra's "Somebody that I Used to Know" from the episode. A Duran Duran medley will also be featured. (Idolator)

+ Green Day will deliver the induction speech for Guns N' Roses' admittance into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. More 2012 inductees include Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys, among others. The ceremony takes place on April 14. (Rolling Stone)

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Buzz Bites (4/3/12): Fiona Apple Reveals Cover Art, Track List And Release Date For New Album

Posted 4/3/12 9:00 am EST by in Buzz Bites, Celebrity, Music


Fiona Apple's cover art for forthcoming album, due June 26.

+ Fiona Apple's 23-word album title (we'll call it Idler Wheel for brevity purposes) has an official release date! It drops on June 26. She revealed the 10-song track list and album cover on her Facebook page last night too. (Billboard)

+ If I can make a Buzz Bites wish today, it would be for this collab: Adele wants to sing with Beyoncé. "I adore Beyoncé, I've been listening to her since I was about 11," said Adele in a radio interview. She added that her next album will take "a good two years" to complete. (Billboard)

+ Rihanna is one of a handful of stars (including Jennifer Hudson) being reportedly considered for the lead role in a Whitney Houston biopic. "That would be something that I would have to give my entire life to do, because I would really want to pull it off," said Ri. (MTV News)

+ Watch the trailer for Whitney Houston's final acting role in "Sparkle." The film will also feature new songs from the late singer. (MTV News)

+ Check out Justin Bieber's surprise pop-in during Lil Twist's show in L.A. The two dropped an "I do it! Swag!" call and response to fans' delight. The pair collab'd on Lil Twist's "Wherever You Are," which appears on his forthcoming Don't Get It Twisted debut. (Rap-Up)

+ Production duo The Kickdrums' "Follow The Leader" mixtape will be released today. Peep some in-studio footage of Lana Del Rey and A$AP Rocky's "Ridin'" collab from the tape. (Pitchfork)

Photo credit: Fiona Apple Facebook page

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Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters And Men Release Albums; Florence + The Machine Performs On 'MTV Unplugged'

Posted 4/2/12 1:03 pm EST by in Celebrity, Music, The Week In Pop


Welcome to Buzzworthy's "The Week In Pop," where we round up new album releases, talk show musical guests, TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

We don't have to wait until Friday to hear Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded -- it officially hits streets on Tuesday! Also, there's a mix of new and old-school releases this week: Check out stellar debut albums from Of Monsters And Men (catch their performance on "VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live" on Friday) and The Jezabels, while an entire catalog's worth of reissues from The Smiths find new life along with a reissue from will.i.am. Boy bands continue to take over the TV airwaves with The Wanted performing on "American Idol" while One Direction will be the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live." The week caps off in gothy-soulful heaven with Florence + The Machine's "MTV Unplugged" appearance.

Check out this week's album releases and television show music guests below.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

Tuesday, April 3
+ Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded: One of the billion things I love about Nicki Minaj is that she stays true to her vision (no matter how out there it seems) AND it's often humorous, even when the topic and sound are serious. Take alter ego Roman's hilarious swipe at haters in "I Am Your Leader." There's something for everyone over the 19 tracks, from the rousing dance party pop club banger "Starships" to the old-school style of the title track with Lil Wayne. There are also myriad star collabs -- including Drake, Nas, Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz and more -- but she shines brightly on her own, showing an impressive diversity as a bona fide pop star and formidable rapper.

+ Of Monsters And Men, My Head Is An Animal: Iceland produces some amazingly unique artists, from Björk to Sigur Rós and the next Icelandic export making serious waves on these shores is Of Monsters And Men. Their folkish style is wrapped in lush, orchestral instrumentation, but they've got a great pop sensibility, too, with sing-along choruses and pretty male-female vocal interplay. Fave songs from this debut album include "King and Lionheart," "Lakehouse" and their breakthrough single "Little Talks."

+ The Jezabels, Prisoner: Their debut, which came out digitally a couple months back, gets its physical release. The Sydney-based band's singer, Hayley Mary, has a compelling, versatile voice that can caterwaul from the appealing indie rock shimmer of "Endless Summer" to Kate Bush-styled drama ("Prisoner," "Nobody Nowhere") to gothy-soul à la Florence Welch ("City Girl," "Long Highway"), which floats above lush and moody indie rock.

Check out more new album releases and upcoming TV appearances and performances after the jump.
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Buzz Bites (4/2/12): Michelle Obama Gives Taylor Swift Nickelodoen Kids' Choice Big Help Award

Posted 4/2/12 9:00 am EST by in Buzz Bites, Celebrity, Music


Taylor Swift received the Big Help Award from Michelle Obama at the Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday.

+ Watch Taylor Swift receive the Big Help Award for her philanthropic work from Michelle Obama during the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. "I am so honored to be receiving this award from the first lady of the United States. I am freaking out," Swift said. (MTV News)

+ But the Big Help Kids' Choice Award wasn't the only thing Taylor Swift won this weekend. She also won Entertainer Of The Year at last night's ACM Awards. (MTV News)

+ While Justin Bieber's keeping his "Boyfriend" video under wraps until it drops, he did reveal to MTV News some details, saying, "It's not like 'Justin follows this girl to this spot.' No, it's a bunch of amazing scenes: Like a fire scene, we have an ice scene." Color us intrigued. (MTV News)

+ Dear Demi Lovato: can we be your video understudies? Her "Give Your Heart A Break" video debuts on E! tonight, and she said, "I always love doing music videos, because they send me, like 20 guys, and they're like 'Pick the cutest one that you want to be your boyfriend.'" If only it were that way IRL.  (E!)

+ We also wouldn't mind being Nicki Minaj, who got to roll in pastel paint and still managed to look natural during the photo shoot for Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded deluxe edition, due out tomorrow. (Rap-Up)

+ Hot damn, you guys! Alabama Shakes' Boys and Girls album, which comes out April 10, is streaming right now. Jump on it! (NPR)

+ Drake hinted at a posthumous collaboration with the late Aaliyah during an interview. "I have some great Aaliyah news coming soon. Some special things," he revealed. (Rap-Up)

+ Godmother of Punk Patti Smith is returning with her 11th studio album, and her first with all original material since 2004. Banga will be released June 5 and includes a song dedicated to Amy Winehouse and another to Johnny Depp. (Rolling Stone)

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New Video: 2:54, 'You're Early'

Posted 3/30/12 3:20 pm EST by in Celebrity, Music, Videos


2:54's 'You're Early' video will leave you haunted, but in the good way.

Sisters Colette (singer/guitarist) and Hannah Thurlow (bassist/backing vocals) are the dreamy darlings behind the lush, shoegazey 2:54, a British act that personally blew me away at SXSW, landing a spot on our 15 SXSW Bands You Need To Know list. Given that all of this worthy buzz began before their full-length album has hit the States (they just inked a deal with Fat Possum in the U.S.), it's clear if you're not yet familiar, the time to get to know 2:54 is now.

+ Watch 2:54's "Your're Early" video after the jump.

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