The Insider: Contributed by beattrend

Pete Doherty plays at fans wake

beattrend — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:29:27 GMT

Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty was so upset at the news of the death of a fan recently that he came to the wake and played for his fan`s friends. 16-year old Daniel Squires from South Tyneside died from bone cancer on July 4. Doherty had met him backstage at one of his concerts. Pete went to the funeral and then later to the pub where the wake took place. He joined Daniel`s pals on stage and gave a musical tribute to his fan. Pete`s dad Mark reported that after they first met, Pete gave Daniel his mobile number and said he could call him whenever he wanted.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Eminem Back from the Dead

beattrend — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:49:10 GMT

Don’t call it a comeback just yet. Reports are saying that Eminem is about to begin working on his first new album since 2004. A protégé of Slim Shady’s, Bishop Lamont, says that Em is working on the project and that he’s apparently “got a lot to get off his chest”. He says that Em was “emotionally devastated” after his rapper friend Proof was killed in 2006. Lamont says “He went through what he had to go through, and now he’s been able to take all the pain and stress and put it out in his music.” There’s no news yet on when the album will be released. After all this time that he’s been gone, I can definitely wait a couple more decades.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Kanyes Ghost

beattrend — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:08:47 GMT

Kanye West was recently accused of hiring a ghost writer to post blog entries for him on his official blog. The accuser claims “I know you don’t really believe Kanye West updates his blog several times a day while chasing skirts and displaying his astounding ignorance all over the world? Hopefully you’re not that naive. Sure Kanye wrote that one outburst on his blog, but no, he doesn’t find all those neat gadgets or post those videos and photos from the road. Someone else does all that for him.” The rapper retaliated with a blog of his own and cheekily posted pictures of himself looking at the very blog entry he posted.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Alicia Keys says music saved her

beattrend — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:35:45 GMT

Alicia Keys says music saved her from a troubled youth. The ‘No One’ singer grew up in the tough Hell’s Kitchen district of New York and revealed her single mother Terri Augello sent her to dance and music lessons to keep her off the streets. She said: “It was the best thing she ever did for me. I’d go and hang out with my friends, but would only do it for 45 minutes as I had to get to my next class. My extracurricular lessons gave me a real sense of focus and drive and they helped to keep me out of trouble.” The 27-year-old singer has also spoken openly again about carrying a knife for protection when she was a teenager. She added: “Gang culture was everywhere and there were altercations all the time. You’d often find yourself in situations where you wished you had something more than just your hands. So I would carry around a little shank, a home made knife. When my mother found it she was so upset and couldn’t understand why I had it. I needed a knife, just in case. I definitely understand that feeling of wanting to protect yourself.”

[Read full story on The Insider]

Madonna to reunite Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears

beattrend — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:33:33 GMT

Madonna wants to reunite Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. The 49-year-old singer is reportedly trying to get the former lovers to join her on stage for her ‘Sticky and Sweet’ world tour. A source said: “Madonna is always trying to raise the bar and Britney and Justin on the same stage would be perfect.” Madonna is said to be hoping to convince Britney and Justin - who split in 2002 after four years together - to appear with her on the final US date of the tour in Miami, in November. The source added: “They have both been asked but I think they are both a bit reluctant. Britney would find it all a bit emotional and Justin might not be interested. More likely is that they will both appear at different dates. But if anyone can make it happen it’s Madonna.” Britney, 26, has already recorded a video segment to be screened on the tour. Filmed in a lift, it shows her in a white vest getting hot and sweaty as she kicks and punches the walls. Madonna has also asked Britney to appear live with her as a surprise guest at some dates on the tour. Justin, 27, was heavily involved with the making of Madonna’s latest album ‘Hard Candy’, and Madonna has also asked him to duet with her during the tour. Justin appears on her worldwide hit single ‘4 Minutes’ from the new album and has writing credits on five of its tracks. Madonna’s ‘Sticky and Sweet’ world tour kicks off in Cardiff, Wales, on August 23, and takes in Europe, North America and Mexico.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Burning Up Verizon - The Jonas Brothers

beattrend — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:13:26 GMT

The Jonas Brothers are burning up with Verizon Wireless as customers who download the band of brothers’ songs, purchase ringtones or ring back tones from their V Cast-capable phones will be entered to win a pair of mobile tickets to see them in concert. Kevin said “We are totally excited to kick off our ’Burning Up’ tour with Verizon Wireless. We look forward to connecting with our fans in cool, new ways through their mobile phones and, of course, in person at our shows very soon.” Verizon Wireless customers can also use V Cast Video to view 10 exclusive episodes of ‘Band in a Bus’ which follow the band at work and play.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Justin Timberlake Writes

beattrend — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:53:33 GMT

Justin Timberlake took some time to write. But instead of writing songs, he wrote an article for The Chicago Tribune entitled ‘Out Loud with Justin Timberlake’. In the article, he talks about knowing Ray Allen and how he wants to meet race car driver Danica Patrick. He also talked about how his hero growing up was Michael Jordan and not the likes of Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson. He says he was pretty convinced that he was going to be a basketball player except he never grew tall enough to be one. He also mentioned how his favorite athlete is Tiger Woods. You can read the full article on the paper’s website.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Nate Dogg Charged with Felony Counts

beattrend — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:18:09 GMT

I guess it’s too late for Nate Dogg to have learned that deciding to chase your lady down the 405 while telling her you’re going to kill her isn’t a good idea and that it could get you charged with a big time crime. The LA County District Attorney has just smacked the rapper, whose real name is Nathaniel Hale, with 3 felony county of making criminal threats, stalking and 1 misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license. As once reported, the rapper was arrested in LA on June 23 after his estranged wife made a frantic call to 911 claiming that Nate was making death threats against her and dangerously following her as she drove down the road. What a douche! Something for the ears Demi Lovato - This Is Me Lyrics Boys Like Girls - Thunder Lyrics Gym Class Heroes - Peace Sing Lyrics Nas - Hero Lyrics Taylor Swift - Teardrops On My Guitar Lyrics Avenged Sevenfold - Almost Easy Lyrics Bow Wow - Get Money Lyrics All Time Low - Remembering Sunday Lyrics Lifehouse - Everything Lyrics Coldplay - Death And All His Friends Lyrics Get your blog’s here.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Amy Winehouse on the warpath

beattrend — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:18:34 GMT

Amy Winehouse made Pete Doherty look angelic last night after punching a fan, spitting chewing gum into the crowd and calling Kanye West a c*** on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. Her obnoxious behaviour tainted what should have been a magical comeback set. The question on everybody’s lips was whether or not she would turn up sober and it was admittedly hard to tell if she was intoxicated, as her stage persona is to play up to her rebellion. But coming onstage with a beaming smile suggested she was over the moon to be in the spotlight again after her hospital spell last week. The songstress started with promise, looking radiant in a blue cocktail dress which squeezed her boobs into an impressive cleavage and detracted attention from her super slim limbs. She sang her heart out during classic tracks Tears Dry On Their Own, Wake Up Alone and Back To Black. Amy also giggled about her wardrobe choice, saying: “It took three women to get me into this dress. Girls, isn’t it funny how it takes so long to get ready but no time to get undressed. What’s that all about?” But things turned sour when she spoke about hubby Blake coming out of jail and fans booed. Amy defended him, saying: “Don’t boo. I’ll find your phone and ring your mum and tell them about your bad manners. Manners cost you nothing.” She then rambled on about never having loved a white man before, adding: “When Blake came along he bashed me over the head with a cricket bat. Not literally.” The performance became more about her declarations of love than entertaining her supporters. Before launching into Hey Little Rich Girl, the precocious star went on a tirade about Jay-Z. She ordered the crowd to welcome him and told everyone to be grateful they weren’t getting Kanye West as he is a “c***”. Amy then played up to the cameras during finale track Rehab, jumping off stage, stumbling around and lapping up the attention from adoring fans. But the final straw came when the troubled star shockingly punched an audience member. Glasto boss MICHAEL EAVIS defended Amy saying: â€Å“The man deserved it. He grabbed Amyâ€™s breasts as she went past him.â€ However another fan in the front row said it was actually a girl called Claire that was hit and she only tried to give the singer a high five.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Madonna Sells Out

beattrend — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:47:17 GMT

The Queen of Pop sells out but she does it in the best way possible. Madonna has reportedly sold 1 million tickets for her upcoming tour. It shows that sheâ€™s still got it and why sheâ€™s playing stadiums. To date, Madonna has sold out her shows in Mexico City, Paris, Lisbon, New York, Zurich, Boston, Chicago, Denver, East Rutherford, Oakland, Las Vegas, Houston, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Sources are also saying that Madonna is likely going to extend her tour to do more shows in Latin America. The people obviously want Madonna so it shouldnâ€™t be any surprise if her tour does get extended.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Lil Mama on her Label

beattrend — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:21:06 GMT

If sheâ€™s not careful, she may be out of a contract soon. Lil Mama recently spoke to the press about why her record label sucks saying â€Å“My fan base is out of this world and the youth really look up to me and I know for a fact my album wasn’t promoted correctly because people would come up to me like, ‘Oh your album is out?’ Or, ‘This is the second one? It’s really disturbing to know that I signed with a company that didn’t promote my record properly. Highly disturbing.â€ Honey, the biggest thing Iâ€™ve heard from you is your remix of Avrilâ€™s song. And thatâ€™s not really a good thing to be associated with.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Kanye Caps it Off

beattrend — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:52:30 GMT

Kanye West has just posted a long rant about his performance at the Bonnaroo Music Festival which had fans angrily throwing stuff on stage after he went on really late. He says â€Å“I am sick of negative people who just sit around trying 2 plot my downfallâ€¦ Why???? I understand if people don’t like me because I like me or if people think tight clothes look gay or people say I run my mouth to much, But this Bonnaroo thing is the worst insult I’ve ever had in my life. This is the most offended I’ve ever beenâ€¦ this is the maddest I ever will be. I’m typing so fucking hard I might break my fucking Mac book Air!!!!!!!! Call me any name you wantâ€¦. arrogant, conceited, narcissistic, racist, metro whatever you can think ofâ€¦. BUT NEVER SAY I DIDN’T GIVE MY ALL!â€ And Iâ€™m going to stop at that because all the caps are dangerous to anyoneâ€™s eyes. After that last line, everything was written in caps. Heâ€™s mad people.

[Read full story on The Insider]

MTV Goes Hollywood

beattrend — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:55:52 GMT

The MTV Video Music Awards are usually held in New York City. They changed it up last year when they held it in Las Vegas and this year, theyâ€™re going to Hollywood. The ceremony, which will mark its 25th anniversary, will air on September 7. They will be presenting awards from sound stages, city streets and even rooftops. President of MTV Networks Music Group, Van Toffler said in a statement â€Å“With Paramount Pictures as the ideal setting, the glamour and musical heritage of L.A. are sure to be catalysts for creating explosive pop culture moments that the VMAs are known for.â€

[Read full story on The Insider]

The Wino Beat Goes On

beattrend — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:32:17 GMT

Amy Winehouse may be in a fragile state but thatâ€™s not going to stop her from playing Nelson Mandelaâ€™s 90th Birthday Concert on Friday as well as attending Glastonbury. The British media is reporting that Wino will go on stage with an ambulance crew on standby at the gigs. I hope this is not true. While itâ€™s admirable to not let your supporters down, she should really focus on her health first. Concert organizers are even looking to outfit her backstage area like a private hospital suite complete with massage table and paramedics. If you ask me, she should have just stayed in the hospital where she can get proper care.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Ambassador Rihanna

beattrend — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:48:00 GMT

Rihanna was on The Today Show in New York Cityâ€™s Rockefeller Center on Friday. She was there to perform her songs â€ËœUmbrellaâ€™, â€ËœPlease Donâ€™t Stop the Musicâ€™ and â€ËœTake A Bowâ€™. In between songs, she also talked about being the official ambassador for her home country of Barbados. The 20-year old singer says â€Å“I am the official ambassador for cultural youth, which is perfect for me because I love dealing with young people. Barbados will always be home. Theyâ€™re very, very supportive. Theyâ€™re my backbone. Itâ€™s where I started. I couldnâ€™t ask for a better place to grow up in.â€ Song update N-Dubz - Ouch Lyrics Prima J - Corazon (You’re Not Alone) Lyrics Coldplay - Lovers In Japan Lyrics Chris Brown - Forever Lyrics Vanessa Hudgens - Set It Off Lyrics Pharrell Williams - Heartbeat Lyrics Coldplay - 42 Lyrics Brianna Taylor - Summertime Lyrics Jonas Brothers - Play My Music Lyrics Vanessa Hudgens - Vulnerable Lyrics More blog tools found here.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Lil Waynes Big Money Problems

beattrend — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:50:02 GMT

Lil Wayne may be celebrating having a huge #1 album but the good comes with the bad. The rapper has just been slapped with another lawsuit. This time, it’s for failing to pay for work done on his custom Bentley way back in 2005. The suit was filed back in December 2007 when LeMarck deAndre failed to receive payment for modifying Dwayne Carter Jr.’s Bentley. Now, deAndre is filing another suit for $123,800 in damages. Why? Shouldn’t he just have sued for whatever money he was owed? If you ask me, it looks like someone’s just looking to drain Lil Wayne’s cash flow.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Madonnas Set List

beattrend — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:25:27 GMT

If you don’t want any spoilers for Madonna’s new tour then skip on this bit of news. The latest draft of her ‘Sticky and Sweet’ tour set list has been leaked. And let me just say, excellent song selection! The Queen of Pop is pulling out some songs she hasn’t performed since the 80s! The latest draft of songs include ‘Heartbeat’, ‘Candy Shop’, ‘Open Your Heart’, ‘Borderline’, ‘Miles Away’, ‘Dance Tonight’, ‘Everybody’, ‘Vogue’, ‘Beat Goes On’, ‘Who’s That Girl’, ‘Spanish Lesson’, ‘You’ll See’, ‘La Isla Bonita’, ‘Dress You Up’, ‘Rescue Me’, ‘Rain’, ‘Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You’, ‘She’s Not Me’, ‘Hung Up’, ‘Music’, ‘4 Minutes’, ‘Holiday’ and ‘Give it to Me’.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Rihanna at MuchMusic Awards

beattrend — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:03:22 GMT

A dateless Rihanna, or at least looking dateless, sizzled on the red carpet at the 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards which was held at the Chum/City Building on Sunday in Toronto, Canada. The 20-year old R&B singer was awarded the first trophy of the night, Best International Video for her single ‘Don’t Stop the Music’. The Barbadian babe also won an MMVA for the MuchMusic.com Most Watched Video award for her smash hit ‘Umbrella’. Rihanna won both awards that she was nominated for. Congratulations! Now where exactly was your boyfriend when you were off cleaning house at awards shows? Where’s the support? Upcoming songs Coldplay - 42 Lyrics Just Surrender - Your Life & Mine Lyrics Serj Tankian - Sky Is Over Lyrics Miley Cyrus - Whatever Comes Lyrics Metro Station - Control Lyrics Coldplay - Violet Hill Lyrics Game - I Dare You Lyrics Chris Brown - Forever Lyrics Yung Joc - What’s Really Good Lyrics Coldplay - Lovers In Japan Lyrics Get tools for your blog here.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Jay-Z Lawsuit

beattrend — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:04:53 GMT

In another crazy lawsuit, a guy wants $88 million out of Jay-Z for his rap – not for a lyric he copied or a sample he stole but for stealing the ultra-exclusive technique of rapping in a low whisper. What the heck? I wish I was kidding. Mitchell Rose, a boxer/lawyer/rapper, has filed suit alleging that he created the technique of whisper rapping. Rose says that Jay-Z adopted the technique without properly crediting him so now he wants to get paid. If his name is familiar to you, he’s the same Mitchell Rose who once wrote a book called ‘Mike Tyson Tried to Kill My Daddy’. Go figure.

[Read full story on The Insider]