The set of T.I.’s “Whatever You Like” performance is going to feature many a resplendent scene: a sexy lady in a Marilyn Monroe-inspired body-hugging dress and furs (by the way, that’s Chanta Patton, who was in Kardinal Offishall’s “Dangerous” video), a swish women’s boutique with choice couture on display, and the requisite velvet rope keeping the unwashed have-nots away from the PYTs inside the swank fake club.
But the set’s most valuable player isn’t even T.I. himself. It’s the Rolls Royce Phantom (a 2007, I think, which I hear was an excellent year for Phantoms) that you’ll see T.I. jump inside during his VMA performance Sunday night.
Sticker price? A mind-bending $550,000, and procuring the car for the show was a nightmare of red tape, contractual woes and lots of acronyms like P.O., C.O.D., and SNAFU. But now the ride’s on lock -- literally -- and the whole set-up’s about as heavily protected as Britney’s going to be when she shows up tomorrow (and no, i DO NOT KNOW if she's performing...)
And in case you wanted to rent the ride for prom or a road trip, it runs about $5,000 per day, plus the $150 fee per mile for each extra mile over three miles that MTV rolls onto the Rollie.
Watch video footage shot at T.I.'s rehearsal last night, and check out more photos of T.I. -- and the star car –- at his rehearsal last night. And for all you Everybody Hates Chris fans, the “club” in the photo below is actually the hair salon featured on the show. Hollywood magic!
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+ This just in: Katy Perry takes emergency baby wipe showers! And secretly worships Sugar Ray! Plus, nine more true confessions from the 2008 VMAs' Best New Artist hopeful. (PopEater)
+ Meanwhile, Velvet Revolver's still not ready for a (lead singer) commitment. (Rolling Stone)
+ Christina Aguilera's greatest hits CD will be sold exclusively at Target. (Associated Press)
+ Is Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol the new Jamie-Lynn Spears? (Scandalist)
+ Worst video ever? (Best Week Ever)
+ Gene Simmons is getting sued! But how will that KISS makeup go over in court?? (NME)
+ Kardinal Offishall explains why his new album was inspired by a homemade t-shirt. (The Boombox)
We already told you Kardinal Offishall is the most "Dangerous" man in hip-hop right now. And since nothing's scarier than the fear of the unknown, we suggest you take this opportunity to learn more about the man behind the Most Danceable Song of 2008.
Check out this brand-new video interview, and find out everything you always wanted to know about K.O.! Like, say, the correct way to pronounce his name, his views on communal peeing (take that, Hit the Lights!) and why he's "just saying no" to a strict R&B diet.
(Credit: Brian Appio)
What would you say if we told you that the good looking fellow in the Gucci hat is continually mistaken for Akon? And not because they look alike (although both men do share a predilection for dark shades and neon shirts) but because many incorrectly attribute his smash hit, "Dangerous," to the man who signed him.
Sure, that's Akon's voice on the chorus, but the real credit goes to Kardinal Offishall (born Jason Harrow), the dancehall reggae rapper/producer who's been waiting to burst out onto the scene for just over a decade. And by "waiting to burst out," we actually mean collaborating with big-name talent like Lil Wayne, Rihanna and Busta Rhymes, plus winning a Juno award -- the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy -- for Choclair in '00.
And if that wasn't enough, Kardinal Offishall also has the innate rhythm, smooth flow and explosive delivery of Ludacris and an impressive collection of wide-brimmed hats. So check the rest of his exclusive photos and watch the video that brought the so-called "Canadian ambassador of hip-hop" stateside. Then get ready to see a whole lot more of the Ontarian terror, because Kardinal Offishall has officially arrived.
Everyone knows backstage is the where all the real action takes place. And this Monday through Thursday, TRL is giving a chance to get up close and personal with all your favorite artists. Go to the official Backstage Pass Week site to see pretty pictures of all the participants and check out this handy-dandy schedule below Oh, and don't forget to tune in.
MONDAY 7/28:
The cast of American Teen (Think Buzzin' meets Breakfast Club) will be stopping by to discuss their monster flick, PLUS it's the video premiere of Lil Wayne's "Got Money" video -- but then again, you already knew that.
TUESDAY 7/29
Catch a live performance by TRL host Damien Fahey's band, The Classic Futures, plus check out a behind-the-scenes look at Gossip Girl. (You know you love it).
WEDNESDAY 7/30:
Don't miss an appearance by iPod phenoms the Ting Tings, as well as a First Look at the newest video from their inaccurately-named album, We Started Nothing.
THURSDAY 7/31
It's true what they say -- people generally do save the best for last. Case in point, an action-packed last day lineup featuring a live Q&A sesh with Big Boi, a live performance of "Dangerous" by Kardinal Offishall (featuring Akon), and another revealing glimpse at Katy Perry's off-stage persona.
