The Week In Pop

Kanye West/G.O.O.D. Music, Pink + The Killers Release Albums; 'MTV Unplugged: Rita Ora' Airs Today!

Posted 9/17/12 12:15 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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, and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

Holy album release week, everyone! The Kanye West/G.O.O.D. Music Cruel Summer compilation debuts just before summer ends, and Pink drops her sixth album. See her Tuesday on "Today" and "Late Show With David Letterman"; Pink also hits "The Daily Show" on Wednesday. The Killers deliver their fourth record, and they'll perform on "Late Show With David Letterman" Wednesday. Meanwhile, Carly Rae Jepsen and Kreayshawn both make their full-length album debuts, and Nelly Furtado, Sean Paul, and Go Radio also release new material. This week also commemorates the late Michael Jackson's 1987 album, Bad, with a 25th anniversary re-release; on Tuesday Bad's anniversary is honored on "BET Presents: BAD 25" with a short films tribute. Also, today at 2 p.m. E.T., watch "MTV Unplugged: Rita Ora" on MTV.com!

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ Kanye West/G.O.O.D. Music, Cruel Summer: After more than a few delays, the highly-anticipated Cruel Summer drops, just before autumn officially sets in. Jam-packed with collabos (R. Kelly, Jay-Z, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, DJ Khaled, Ghostface Killah, Common, John Legend, and more), strong lead singles "Mercy," "New God Flow," "Cold" and "Clique" preceded the set. There was also that bit of controversy around Kanye's "I Don't Like" Chief Keef track remix.

+ Pink, The Truth About Love: We were already loving her "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" video, where she gives a final kiss-off to to a cheater, as well as her stunning performance at the 2012 MTV VMAs. Now, there's more to love with the ballad "Try," the saucy "Slut Like You," and the Eminem collabo "Here Comes The Weekend." So, in summary: the truth about love is don't take crap, dust yourself off after heartbreak and heal, go for what you want, and make sure to enjoy yourself along the way. Cosign.

+ The Killers, Battle Born: Back with their first album in four years, new song "Runaways" sounds like Brandon Flowers channeling Bruce Springsteen with some Tom Petty inflections at the same time, which is to say it's very cool. Also check out their live performance of "Rising Tide," which they played at their tour opener in Asheville, NC. Other album notables include the rousing "Flesh And Bone" and the building ballad, "Miss Atomic Bomb."

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

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Tags 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky, Adam Levine, Ashanti, Band of Horses, Big & Rich, Big Sean, Billie Joe Armstrong, Blake Shelton, Boys Like Girls, Britney Spears, Bruce Springsteen, Carly Rae Jepsen, Cee-Lo Green, Chief Keef, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Common, Cyndi-Lauper, Delta Rae, Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled, Ed Sheeran, Eminem, fun., G.O.O.D. Music, Ghostface Killah, Go Radio, Jay-Z, John Legend, justin bieber, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Kellie Pickler, Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Rowland, Kid Cudi, Kreayshawn, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Mumford & Sons, Nas, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Of Gentleman and Cowards, Owl City, Pink, Psy, Pusha T, R.-Kelly, Rascal Flatts, Rita Ora, Rob Thomas, Sean Paul, The Afghan Whigs, The Avett Brothers, The Week In Pop, The-Killers, Tiesto, Tom Petty, ZZ Ward

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David Guetta, DMX + The xx Release Albums; 'Glee,' 'The X Factor' + 'The Voice' Seasons Premiere This Week

Posted 9/10/12 1:30 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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, and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

It's back-to-school season, which also means television season premieres! "Glee" returns to McKinley High for its fourth season on Thursday; season two of "The X Factor," featuring new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato, airs Wednesday and Thursday; and season three of "The Voice," with Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton opens with a three-night premiere ("The X Factor"'s Simon Cowell is not too happy about that). Also, don't forget to pack some new tracks along with your lunch and schoolbooks. David Guetta rolls out a 2.0 set Stateside, DMX drops his seventh studio album, and The xx release their sophomore record. Meanwhile, David Byrne and St. Vincent have teamed up, and The Raveonettes and Dave Matthews Band have also released new material.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ David Guetta, Nothing But The Beat 2.0: The French DJ has re-released his hit album, but in a 2.0 version that includes eight new songs. In addition to the album's original collabos, 2.0 features a whole new set of collaborations, including "Party Hard" with Ne-Yo and Akon, "She-Wolf Falling To Pieces" with Sia, "Every Chance We Get We Run" with Tegan and Sara, and "In My Head" with Nervo.

+ DMX, Undisputed: With six years between albums and some jail time, the Yonkers, N.Y.-bred rapper told MTV News, "The focus is on taking the music seriously, as a job, and less trouble." The rapper seems to have made good on his word: Earlier this year, the Ruff Ryder legend released a free EP called The Weigh In, and has now dropped the full-length effort Undisputed. "I Don't Dance" features guest MGK, while the late Notorious B.I.G. is featured on "Time To Get Paid." Swizz Beatz is among the album's producers.

+ The xx, Coexist: The follow-up to their Mercury Prize-winning debut, singers Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim continue to run with their understated elegance on Coexist. Songs shimmer with achingly romantic vocal interplay, while minimalist beats and instrumentals softly flavor the set, serving to underscore the longing, laconic lyrics. Check out "Reunion," "Sunset," "Swept Away," and "Missing."

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

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Tags A Silent Film, Adam Levine, Akon, Antibalas, Beyonce, Billie Joe Armstrong, Blake Shelton, Britney Spears, Casey James, Cat Power, Cee-Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews Band, David Byrne, David Guetta, Demi Lovato, Divine Fits, Florence + The Machine, Frank Ocean, Glee, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, justin bieber, Keri Hilson, L.A. Reid, Little Big Town, Machine Gun Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Nervo, Nicole Sherzinger, Notorious B.I.G., Pentatonix, Phillip Phillips, Rita Ora, Rob Thomas, Sheryl Crow, Sia, Simon Cowell, St. Vincent, Stephen Marley, Swizz Beatz, Talking Heads, Tegan And Sara, The Avett Brothers, The Dap-Kings, The Head And The Heart, The Hives, The Raveonettes, The Week In Pop, The XX, Tristan Prettyman

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Lil Wayne, Green Day Release Albums; 2012 MTV Video Music Awards Air Thursday!

Posted 9/4/12 12:35 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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, and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

You guys, it's VMA week!! We're sure you iCal'd it, set a Siri reminder, and canceled any possible plans for Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. E.T./P.T. Performers include Rihanna, Frank Ocean, Taylor Swift, Pink, Alicia Keys, One Direction, and Green Day. Speaking of which, a couple VMA notables are releasing albums this week. VMA veterans and 2012 performers Green Day drop a career-spanning box set, and Imagine Dragons, who are VMA-nominated in the "Best Rock Video" category for "It's Time," release their debut full-length album. Meanwhile, Best Video With a Message nominee Lil Wayne drops his long-delayed Dedication 4 mixtape, and two-time nominee Big Sean readies his Detroit mixtape in advance of his high-profile guest spot on G.O.O.D. Music's Cruel Summer. Matchbox Twenty return with their fourth full-length studio album, North, while Cat Power, Animal Collective and Stars unveil new material as well.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ Lil Wayne, Dedication 4 mixtape: Weezy's given us a few reasons for why he's delayed the release of his Dedication 4 mixtape, from not wanting to drop it the week his friend 2 Chainz dropped Based On A T.R.U. Story, to admitting in a video that it wasn't quite done: "I've been skating and s***, falling and breaking s***... But I give it to you like next week." His mixtape collaborator DJ Drama tweeted, "Sep.3rd. #D4 ....." And finally, it's here. Nicki Minaj guests, along with remixes of 2 Chainz "No Lie," Ca$h Out's "Cashin' Out," Chief Keef's "I Don't Like," and Meek Mill and Big Sean's "Burn."

+ Green Day, The Studio Albums 1990-2009: Green Day have been ridic busy this year. Aside from their epic plan to release three albums -- ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and ¡Tré! -- in the next five months and producing two documentaries AND an Angry Birds game in conjunction with the trilogy, they've readied a career-spanning release. The box set contains every single full-length CD Green Day has put out to date (that's eight albums), from their 1,039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours 1990 debut on through 2009's 21st Century Breakdown. The set is available starting Tuesday, exclusively through Best Buy.

+ Imagine Dragons, Night Visions: If the Las Vegas band's uplifting hit "It's Time" from their fourth EP, Continued Silence, is any indication of things to come, Imagine Dragons are about to have THEIR time in an increasingly growing spotlight. After releasing a series of popular EPs, the VMA nominees and PUSH artists (check out the PUSH Live version of "It's Time") unveil their debut LP this week. The positive, hopeful vibes of their hit single continue on songs such as "On Top Of The World" with its infectious hand-clapped rhythms; it will be featured in the game FIFA 2013.

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

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Tags 2 Chainz, Alicia Keys, Amy Millan, Animal Collective, Best Coast, Big Sean, Broken Social Scene, Ca$h Out, Cat Power, Chief Keef, Demi Lovato, Divine Fits, DJ Drama, Frank Ocean, Grace Potter, Green Day, Imagine Dragons, Jason Mraz, Ke$ha, Lil Wayne, Mac Miller, Matchbox Twenty, Meek Mill, Melissa Etheridge, Metric, Miley Cyrus, Milo Greene, One Direction, Panda Bear, Phillip Phillips, Pink, Rihanna, Stars, Taylor Swift, The Heavy, The Wanted, The Week In Pop, Wiz Khalifa

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Alanis Morissette, Slaughterhouse Release Albums; Backstreet Boys Reunite On 'Good Morning America'

Posted 8/27/12 12:57 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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, and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

This week Alanis Morissette releases her eighth studio album. She ushers in the new release on VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live" on Monday. Meanwhile, Slaughterhouse drop their Shady Records debut, which features their label boss Eminem, while another rap crew, A$AP Mob, release their first mixtape since standout A$AP Rocky's debut took the world by storm. Dan Deacon brings his electro-quirk adventures to America, and indie awesomeness unites when Spoon, Wolf Parade/Handsome Furs, and New Bomb Turks' members join forces for Divine Fits, who release their debut album. Last, but far from least, Friday marks the reunion performance with all five Backstreet Boys. Catch them on "Good Morning America."

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ Alanis Morissette, Havoc And Bright Lights: It's been four years since the breakup record Flavors of Entanglement, which was inspired by the end of Alanis' engagement with Ryan Reynolds. In the time between, she switched labels, married Mario "MC Souleye" Treadway, and had her first child. And while family life has brought both contentment and introspection ("Empathy," "'Til You," "Guardian"), she also remains steadfast in her explorations of important topics like gender inequality ("Woman Down"), politics and religion ("Lens"), and self doubt ("Spiral"). Though her ferocity may have softened, there's a quiet roar that fuels her world outlook with the kind of intensity fans expect from the powerful singer/songwriter.

+ Slaughterhouse, welcome to: OUR HOUSE: Their last LP was thrown together in a week, but the Shady Records debut for rappers Royce da 5'9", Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Crooked I took some time to craft. "It's about making songs now, trying to take that next step," label boss Eminem told MTV News. Eminem was hands-on for the project, mixing the set as well as being a featured guest on "Throw That," "Our House" with Skylar Grey, and "Asylum," which appears on the deluxe version. Additional star power comes by way of Busta Rhymes ("Coffin"), Cee Lo Green ("My Life"), Swizz Beatz ("Throw It Away"), and B.o.B. (bonus track "Place To Be").

+ Dan Deacon, America: If you've ever seen Dan Deacon in concert, then you know it's an audience participation-required affair, where fans revisit childhood, making human bridges, and follow Deacon's directives to have fun. He's like a dance-commanding Pied Piper. That adventurous and thrilling spirit fuels America, his latest LP. "True Thrush" pulsates with hand claps, blips, bleeps, and sing-along "ah ah" choruses. The itchy rhythms "Lots" and "Crash Jam" are incredibly dance-inducing and the shimmery "Prettyboy" evokes that crushed-out feeling that comes with love's first blossom. There's also a blissful, four-part epic ode to America, which comprises the last four songs on the album.

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

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Tags A$AP Mob, A$AP Rocky, Alanis Morissette, Andrew W.K., B.o.B., Backstreet-Boys, Ben Taylor, Brit Daniels, Busta-Rhymes, Carly Rae Jepsen, Cee-Lo Green, Christina Perri, Crooked I, Dan Boeckner, Dan Deacon, Divine Fits, Eminem, Emmylou Harris, Grandaddy, Gutter Twins, Handsome Furs, Jason Mraz, Joe Budden, Joel Ortiz, Joshua Radin, Liela Moss, Marcus Canty, Mark Lanegan, Neon Trees, New Bomb Turks, Owl City, Royce da 5'9, Sam Brown, Screaming Trees, Silversun Pickups, Skylar Grey, Slaughterhouse, Spoon, Swizz Beatz, The Bad Seeds, The Duke Spirit, The Script, The Velvet Underground, The Week In Pop, Train, Tristan Prettyman, Willie Nelson, Wolf Parade

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Owl City, Trey Songz Release New Albums; 'Do Something Awards' Air Tuesday

Posted 8/20/12 12:01 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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 and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

This week begins and ends with Adam Young (better known as Owl City), who releases The Midsummer Station on Tuesday; he and Carly Rae Jepsen stop by "Today" on Thursday and "VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live" on Friday. Tuesday also marks a couple reunions: The Darkness return with Hot Cakes, and Bloc Party end their hiatus with Four. Meanwhile, DJ Khaled and a bevy of stars populate his Kiss The Ring, and Trey Songz turns up the R&B for Chapter V. Also, Yeasayer stir up the dancefloor with the percolating, dark Fragrant World. On Tuesday, see which young world-changers win during VH1's "Do Something Awards." Presenters include Beyoncé and Ne-Yo, with performances by Flo Rida, fun. and Kids These Days. Finally, scream yourself into a frenzy and into the weekend on Friday when The Wanted hit "Good Morning America."

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ Owl City, The Midsummer Station: Adam Young, a.k.a. the guy behind the synth-pop of Owl City, took a different approach for his new effort. For the first time, he enlisted co-writers and co-producers for his new album. This helped him expand a bit on his sound, like on the anthemic "Shooting Star," while still maintaining his positive-vibed, sugared songwriting and lyrics. He also teamed up with Carly Rae Jepsen for the summery "Good Time," which has been certified gold, and for "Dementia," blink-182's Mark Hoppus adds some vocals to the more rocking tune.

+ Trey Songz, Chapter V: On his fifth album, the R&B crooner enlists some stars for songs, including T.I. ("2 Reasons"), Rick Ross ("Don't Be Scared"), Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy ("Hail Mary") and Meek Mill and Diddy ("Check Me Out"). However, the majority of the 18 tracks feature Songz front and center, such as on the woman's-body-as-swimming-pool saucy ballad "Dive In" and the emotive "Heart Attack." Related: does anyone else look at the album cover and feel the urge to shop at H&M?

+ Bloc Party, FOUR: The quartet took a hiatus in 2009 and pursued separate projects for the next four years. This is their first album since they reunited, and fourth overall. Though they spent years apart, here on FOUR, it seems like they hadn't lost a step at all. "V.A.L.I.S." seems to speak to this, ruminating on the past and future. "Octopus" encapsulates a similarly jittery, angular spirit they showcased on debut Silent Alarm, though with a poppier vibe. "3x3" sounds extra sinister thanks to Kele Okereke's vocal theatrics, and on "Coliseum," he adds a funky sway and romance that finds its way on to "Truth."

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

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Tags Beyonce, Big K.R.I.T., Birdman, Blink-182, Bloc Party, Busta-Rhymes, Carly Rae Jepsen, Chris Brown, Diddy, DJ Khaled, Emeli Sande, Flo Rida, fun., J. Cole, Jordin Sparks, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Kids These Days, Lil Wayne, Mark Hoppus, Meek Mill, Morning Parade, Nas, Ne-Yo, Nick Lachey, Nicki Minaj, Owl City, Phillip Phillips, Radiohead, Rick Ross, Scarface, Smashing Pumpkins, T.I., The Darkness, The Walkmen, The Wanted, The Week In Pop, Train, Trey Songz, Walk The Moon, Yeasayer, Young Jeezy

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2 Chainz, Yellowcard Release New Albums; 98 Degrees Performs Friday + 'Married With Jonas' Premieres Sunday

Posted 8/13/12 12:15 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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 and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

It seems like 2 Chainz has been everywhere lately, from releasing mixtapes to featured guest spots on nearly everyone's singles to playing huge shows, and this week he drops his major label debut. Also, Yellowcard release their sixth studio album. The boys have been going nonstop since coming out of hiatus; in fact, fresh off the Warped Tour, they're headed straight into their European tour. Meanwhile, Fleetwood Mac gets the cover treatment by some of indie rock's finest, Incubus culls a career-spanning live CD/DVD set and Insane Clown Posse make three versions of their latest effort. Incidentally, they recently gave "Guy Code" pointers on "The Juggalo Code," in case you're planning to hit the Gathering of the Juggalos. It's also a big pop-on-TV week: 98 Degrees reunites for "VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live" and "Today" on Friday, and on Sunday, E! premieres "Married To Jonas," featuring Kevin Jonas and wife Danielle.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ 2 Chainz, Based On A T.R.U. Story: One of the most in-demand rappers in the game as of late (with assists on Kanye West's "Mercy," Justin Bieber's "Girlfriend" remix and Nicki Minaj's "Beez in the Trap," as well as opening for Nicki and Drake on tour), the Atlanta MC takes center stage for his major label debut album, with help from some famous friends of course. Check out he and Minaj's "I Luv Dem Strippers," "No Lie" with Drake and "Birthday Song" with Kanye West. As for the acronym "T.R.U."? "T.R.U. is an acronym for The Real University. It was something that I felt like hip-hop was missing for a while," he told RapFix.

+ Yellowcard, Southern Air: The pop-punk quintet took a three-year break before returning in 2011 to drop When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes, followed by relentless touring. The time off also reinvigorated their creativity, as they immediately recorded their follow-up, Southern Air, which references frontman Ryan Key's return home to Athens, Ga., during their hiatus. The catchy "Here I Am Alive" was cowritten by Patrick Stump, and We Are The In Crowd's Taylor Jardine pitches in with vocals. All Time Low's Alex Gaskarth and Hey Monday's Cassadee Pope also guest on the album. Other highlights include "Always Summer" and "Awakening."

+ Various Artists, Just Tell Me That You Want Me - A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac: After nearly five decades of making music, Fleetwood Mac have a wealth of landmark songs, and the all-star indie cast on this album does an wonderful job covering them with reverence along with their own personal takes. Universally adored "Landslide" (which in the past has been covered by Smashing Pumpkins and Dixie Chicks) is lovingly rendered by Antony and the Johnsons's Antony Hegarty. Other highlights come by way of The New Pornographers ("Think About Me"), Best Coast ("Rhiannon"), Lykke Li ("Silver Springs"), The Kills ("Dreams"), Washed Out ("Straight Back"), and MGMT ("Future Games").

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

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Tags 2 Chainz, 98 Degrees, Alabama Shakes, All Time Low, Antony and the Johnsons, Best Coast, Brandon Boyd, Carrie Underwood, Cee-Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Dixie-Chicks, Drake, Fleetwood Mac, fun., Glen Hansard, Grimes, Grizzly Bear, Ice Cube, Incubus, Insane Clown Posse, Joe Jonas, Jordin Sparks, justin bieber, Kanye West, Kevin Jonas, Kreayshawn, Limp Bizkit, linkin park, Lionel Richie, Lykke Li, MGMT, Michael Jackson, Mutemath, N.W.A., Neon Hitch, Neon Trees, Nicki Minaj, Norah Jones, Patrick-Stump, Regina Spektor, Rick Ross, Rodriguez, Santigold, Smashing Pumpkins, T.I., The Flaming Lips, The Kills, The New Pornographers, The Week In Pop, Washed Out, We Are The In Crowd, Whitney Houston, Yellowcard

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Wiz Khalifa + Curren$y And Niki And The Dove Release Albums; Olympic Closing Ceremony Airs Sunday

Posted 8/6/12 1:00 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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, and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

This week, it's Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y's How Fly mixtape birthday, and they're giving us the gift of new mixtape Live In Concert. #HappyBirthdayToUs! I'm adding another awesome Swedish act, Niki And The Dove, to my infinite list of reasons why I want to go to there. The duo release their impressive Instinct debut album stateside on Tuesday. Also, Rob Zombie curates remixes of his work on Mondo Sex Head (I don't even know what that means... but it's provocative). The popular CD compilation series, Now, releases two albums brimming with star power, and "American Idol" season seven runner-up David Archuleta drops his third album. The week ends spectacularly with Olympic Closing Ceremony, which features rumored performances by Ed Sheeran with One Direction. Meanwhile, there are reports Spice Girls, The Who, George Michaels, Emeli Sandé and Take That will perform.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ Wiz Khalifa And Curren$y, Live In Concert: We like when artists mark musical anniversaries with more music. Aug. 9 is Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y's third anniversary of their popular mixtape, How Fly, and to celebrate they're giving us tunes. "We did that all in 48 hours. We probably would've done it in less time, but I was on crutches getting from the couch to the booth," Curren$y said of the seven-song set on "RapFix Live." "When me and him work, there is never a structure to it," he added. "So, some stuff might be 11 minutes; some songs might be 30 seconds. But in that 30 seconds, you would've got like two hours' worth of game."

+ Niki And The Dove, Instinct: The Swedish electro duo featuring Malia Dahlstromm and Gustav Karlof release their first album, which may sound familiar as it houses several of their singles that have been ruling the blogosphere the last couple of years. Instinct is an apt name for their debut. The two have an instinctual understanding of electro-pop's most appealing elements: percolating dance beats, catchy refrains and evocative lyrics -- with added indie edge via Malia's cool, lissome vocals. Fans of the gothy, icy beauty of Fever Ray, The Knife and Zola Jesus will dig this addictive album. Highlights include "Tomorrow," "The Gentle Roar" and "DJ, Ease My Mind."

+ Rob Zombie, Mondo Sex Head: He's gearing up to play the "Twins of Evil" tour with Marilyn Manson and Korn, where the trio promise animatronic robots and other spooky theatrics in September, but for now the rocker releases his latest effort: a remix album. He's been playing the remix game through several albums long before EDM was a catchphrase, having released Super Sexy Swingin' Sounds back in 1996. Here, Rob handpicked the tunes to be remixed. Check out the 20-year-old "Thunder Kiss '65," which gets a fresh take via J Devil (aka Korn's Jonathan Davis). Also listen to Photek's seven-minute spin on "Living Dead Girl."

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

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Tags Blake Shelton, Carly Rae Jepsen, Curren$y, David Archuleta, David Guetta, Delta Rae, Demi Lovato, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sande, Fever Ray, Grouplove, Jonathan Davis, justin bieber, Katy Perry, Korn, Lady Gaga, LMFAO, Marilyn Manson, Maroon 5, Melissa Etheridge, Niki And The Dove, Norah Jones, One Direction, Photek, Rob Zombie, Sia, Sixpence None the Richer, skrillex, Take That, The Imagineers, The Knife, The Lumineers, The Week In Pop, The Who, Usher, Wiz Khalifa, Ziggy Marley, Zola Jesus

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Rick Ross, 'Sparkle' Soundtrack + Blur Release Albums; Ne-Yo Performs On 'Good Morning America'

Posted 7/30/12 12:15 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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 and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

This week, Rick Ross reminds us why he's the Bawse on his #soboss fifth studio album, and the late Whitney Houston's final recordings are released on Sparkle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Also, Blur celebrates the 21st anniversary of their debut album with a box set (incidentally, Blur penned two new songs for their headlining gig at the Olympics Closing Ceremony Concert in Hyde Park Aug. 12). Meanwhile, Benny Benassi curates a new EDM compilation for your dancing pleasure, and Joss Stone drops a sequel via her sixth effort. You might also recall us mentioning that 98 Degrees are reuniting? Well, start getting amped by watching Nick Lachey guest cohost on "Live With Kelly" Wednesday (with Joss Stone) through Friday, and catch Ne-Yo performing on "Good Morning America" on Friday, too.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ Rick Ross, God Forgives, I Don't: GFID leaked a week early, but unlike the album title implies, he rolled with it, tweeting, "#GFID out there so vibe to it..enjoy it..buy it Tuesday!!!" We agree; he is the Bawse, after all. He expresses duality -- the need for forgiveness and being street -- cinematically throughout GFID, and his collab list reads like a hip-hop encyclopedia. He taps rap legends on songs like "3 Kings" (Dr. Dre and Jay-Z), "Sixteen" (Andre 3000) and "Triple Beam Dreams" (Nas). There's also smooth added to the rap ("Maybach Music IV" with Ne-Yo, "Touch'n You" with Usher and "Rich Forever" with John Legend). Of course, he also stands tall alone, such as on "Hold Me Back."

+ Various Artists, Sparkle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: As Whitney Houston's final film and with the soundtrack housing her most recent recordings before her untimely death, the album has poignancy, despite the music being uplifting. Songs from her costars Jordin Sparks and Cee Lo Green are also featured. Check out Houston's "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" solo track, her duet with Jordin Sparks on the R. Kelly-produced "Celebrate" (the video is dedicated to Whitney), and the funky, horn-infused and rollicking "I'm a Man" by Cee Lo Green.

+ Blur, Blur 21: The Box: The box set comprises all of their seven studio albums, and marks the 21st anniversary of their underrated debut, Leisure. This limited edition set houses 18 CDs (Woo hoo!) with a whopping 65 previously unreleased songs, three DVDs and a 7-inch vinyl of a tune they recorded when they were called Seymour. It's the definitive release for the seminal Brit-pop group. In conjunction with the set, they're re-releasing the seven albums from their catalog individually, each with bonus material, for those who want to pick and choose.

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

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Tags Andre-3000, Benny Benassi, Blur, Broken Bells, Cee-Lo Green, Dr. Dre, Drake, Jason Mraz, Jay-Z, John Legend, Jordin Sparks, Joss-Stone, Kaskade, Kid Cudi, LeAnn-Rimes, Marshall Jefferson, Nas, Ne-Yo, Nick Lachey, R.-Kelly, Rick Ross, Skylar Grey, The Chi-Lites, The Dells, The Fray, The Week In Pop, Travis Barker, Usher, Wale, Whitney Houston, Wolfgang Gartner

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Jennifer Lopez & Passion Pit Release Albums; No Doubt Performs on 'Good Morning America'

Posted 7/23/12 12:35 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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 and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to.)

This week, we are treated to all the best hits over more than a decade from pop-queen and girl from the block, Jennifer Lopez. Make sure to watch her "Goin' In" video premiering on Wednesday at 7:50 p.m. ET. There's also a battle of the synth bands this week, and everybody wins. Passion Pit releases Gossamer, which chronicles frontman Michael Angelakos working through personal struggles; last week he also announced July tour date cancellations "to work on improving my mental health" via Passion Pit's website. This week, Purity Ring make their stellar full-length debut with the synth-poppy Shrines, The Gaslight Anthem drop their fourth album of rousing anthems (watch them play "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" Friday) and metalheads Slipknot also drop a "best-of" compilation. The weekend kicks off with No Doubt performing live during "Good Morning America" and Hot Chelle Rae on "Today" Friday.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ Jennifer Lopez, Dance Again...The Hits: This is J. Lo's first greatest hits album, and it spans her work from 1999 on through today. It includes classics cuts such as "Love Don't Cost A Thing," a Track Masters remix with Styles P and Jadakiss for "Jenny From The Block," and her current hits "Goin' In" with Flo Rida and "Dance Again" featuring Pitbull. Her Pitbull-assisted megahit, "On The Floor," also makes the set. Other guest collabs and remixes come by way of Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Fabolous and Ja Rule. The Deluxe Edition includes three bonus tracks and a DVD with 11 music videos of her hits.

+ Passion Pit, Gossamer: Singer Michael Angelakos told MTV News their sophomore album was very personal, saying "Everything on the record's true, everything happened to me, I'm the one that made the mess and everyone else had to clean up around me." So where "Take A Walk" sounds like a bouncy political tune, it's actually about specific family members. "I'll Be Alright" plays like a codependency cautionary tale in reverse, pleasingly juxtaposed in a synth-swathed buoyancy. Even the slow jam "Constant Conversations" incites a soulful, hip-swaying groove. Dance yourself to catharsis.

+ The Gaslight Anthem, Handwritten: The Jersey boys return with another great album of fist-pumping straight-up rock 'n' roll anthems on their first album for new label Mercury Records. Brian Fallon's tales of driving, loving, losing and dying are delivered with his passionate grit-dusted vocals, with plenty of searing, soaring strutty guitar lines and "whoa-oh-oh," "Sha la la" and "Hey-ey-ey" shout-alongs. From the raucous "45" and the excellent "Howl" distilled into 2 minutes of awesome, to the wistful and reflective "National Anthem," it's a perfect soundtrack for a road trip or arena-level rock-out.

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

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Tags Aretha Franklin, Beach House, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Flo Rida, Hot Chelle Rae, Ja Rule, Jadakiss, Jay Sean, Jennifer Lopez, John Rich, Joss-Stone, Lil Wayne, Nas, No Doubt, Passion Pit, Pistol Annies, Pitbull, Purity Ring, R.-Kelly, Rick Ross, Rob Thomas, Rufus-Wainwright, Slipknot, Styles P, Tennis, The Gaslight Anthem, The Head And The Heart, The Lumineers, The Week In Pop, The XX, Trey Songz, Wilco

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Boys Like Girls, Nas + Michael Kiwanuka Release Albums; 'Teen Choice Awards' Airs Sunday

Posted 7/16/12 12:35 pm EST by Althea Legaspi 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 and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to.)

Let's talk being real, bravery and beauty this week. Boys Like Girls mine rock and dance influences, being real for old fans while expanding their sound. Frank Ocean fearlessly and bravely opened up about his sexuality and many have embraced his openness; Channel Orange was digitally released early and physical copies drop Tuesday. Nas gets real about his personal life, too, on Life Is Good. Also, the February MTV UK's PUSH Artist of the Month Michael Kiwanuka and Milo Greene drop debut albums, while JEFF The Brotherhood hit with their first major label effort. The week ends with "Teen Choice Awards," hosted by Demi Lovato and "Glee"'s Kevin McHale. Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen, Flo Rida, No Doubt and DJ Pauly D perform.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

+ Boys Like Girls, Crazy World EP: In early 2011, the quartet was frustrated and took a break that lasted almost a year. "I think we took a break because the music industry had sort of moved on to dance, and it was scary for a rock band," frontman Martin Johnson told MTV News. The break seemed to rejuvenate them, and when they met to record, they mined both rock and dance. The teaser EP includes "Be Your Everything," "Life Of The Party" and "The First Time." The full album hits in the fall.

+ Nas, Life Is Good: On his 10th record, Nas traces relationships, from the tumultuous one with ex-wife Kelis on "Bye Baby" (the album cover features his ex's green wedding dress. Yet, Kelis took it in stride, giving props to his artistry despite their marriage's demise. "Daughters" is a father's ode to his teenage daughter Destiny and his shortcomings as a dad, and "Cherry Wine" features the late Amy Winehouse, the two imagining the ideal soul mate. It seems life is good with honest perspective.

+ Michael Kiwanuka, Home Again: The British soul singer's debut gets a Stateside physical release. He's already made waves overseas, having won the BBC Sound of 2012 prize. His warm tone and acoustic-to-lush renderings conjure legendary singers and songwriters (Otis Redding, Randy Newman, Bill Withers) on the vintage stylings of "Home Again" and "Rest," delivering a refinement that's impressive for a newcomer. The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach produced the bonus U.S. track "Lasan."

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

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Tags A$AP Rocky, Amy Winehouse, Best Coast, Beyonce, Bill Withers, Boys Like Girls, Carly Rae Jepsen, Curren$y, Dan Auerbach, Demi Lovato, DJ Pauly D, Flo Rida, Frank Ocean, Glee, Hot Chelle Rae, Hot Chip, JEFF The Brotherhood, Jennifer Nettles, John Legend, Josh Groban, justin bieber, Kelis, Kelly Clarkson, Kevin Mchale, LCD Soundsystem, Matisyahu, MGK, Michael Kiwanuka, Milo Greene, Missy Higgins, Nas, No Doubt, Otis Redding, Randy Newman, Rob Thomas, Robin Thicke, Serj Tankian, The Black Keys, The Week In Pop, Walk The Moon, Zac Brown Band

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