andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

Jason Derulo is like one of those multi-purpose Swiss Army knives that presents a new feature every-time you use it.

At any moment he can be a well-rounded singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, and would technically boast a quadruple threat, but you can’t be too sure with a guy like this.

You never know when he’s going to show you another part of his versatility.

His most recent example of  those surprise features, was his role in MTV’s made-for-TV-movie Turn The Beat Around which premiered on February 26. Derulo shows off his skills by playing a recording star, and also delivers a high-energy dance performance.

But his role on the TV screen is just a small ripple effect of the Miami-born’s overall talent- which people have begun to take note of.

It’s the reason why he’s been the opening act for Lady Gaga during her Monster Ball tour since November 2009. And it’s the reason why his two singles so far -Whatcha Say and In My Head- have both ranked in the top ten on a bunch of music charts across the globe. Whatcha Say has made the most headlines, grabbing the no. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and gaining double-platinum status in the U.S.

Oh yea, and this is all been accomplished before the release of his self-titled debut album, which drops on March 2.

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Before a camera begins recording on a film set, there’s an iconic chant that is heard time and time again.

“Lock it up. Rolling sound. Sound speed!”

If you’re an actor, then you know it’s a verbal-cue that tells everyone on-set to shut-up and listen because a scene is being recorded. And it’s also an acting reference that a few actors from Degrassi: The Next Generation have taken to heart in their new venture into the music scene as one of Toronto’s up-and-coming alternative bands, dubbed SoundSpeed.

But with such a unique sound, combination, and debut EP, it can be said that the six-man band has the same message in mind as that of the chant back on the film set. Before you judge, question, or make an opinion, first…just shut-up, and listen.

“I think we represent something different,” drummer Shane Kippel, 23, tells andPOP. “We have such a refreshing sound, yet you can’t really figure it out. It’s just a blend of all of our input and musical interests.”

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According to MTV, rapstars Eminem, Drake and Lil Wayne will team up with Blink-182’s legendary drummer, Travis Barker, for a special performance at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards.

They will be performing Drake’s collaborated track titled, “Forever.”

On the recorded version of the track, Kanye West also contributes his vocal talent. However, he will not be performing (perhaps keeping him away from award ceremonies is a good thing for a little while – especially when Taylor Swift is around).

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Timbaland has always been known for big-star collaborations, and his upcoming studio album Studio Value II is no exception. The roster features an abundance of guests, with the biggest surprise being Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger.

According to chartattack.com, Kroeger, Drake, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Chris Daughtry, Brandy, The Fay and Keri Hilson make guest appearances on Timbaland’s radio platform-spanning follow-up to 2007’s Shock Value, which is out Nov. 23 through Universal Music.

Furtado guests on the album’s first single, “Morning After Dark,” which will be available to buy on iTunes beginning this coming Tuesday (Oct. 27). Furtado previously guested on Shock Value, as did Timberlake and Hilson.

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After a party at an abandoned Atlanta suburb house had Soulja Boy running from the police, the rapper told fans on Monday that he was in studio under the production of Kanye West, MTV.com reports.

The unusual pairing was enhanced by a previous rumour that West had fled to India after missing the BET hip-hop awards last weekend.

Soulja Boy was reportedly booked during the filming of the music video for his new track “Gangsta Muzik.” After spending a night in prison he was released on $550 bond.

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Last night MTV’s expert panel capped off their top ten “Hottest MC’s” with long-time heavyweight Jay-Z coming out on top. The controversial list was compiled by Hip Hop critics and enthusiasts, and for the first time included the opinion of fans across North America. The criteria: lyrics, flow, impact, buzz, sales and intangibles.

The final list: 1. Jay-Z, 2. Lil Wayne, 3. Drake, 4. Kanye West, 5. Rick Ross, 6. Gucci Mane, 7. Young Jeezy, 8. Fabolous, 9. 50 cent, 10. Raekwon

A few names are mysteriously absent from the list, most notably, Eminem. The rapper should not only have appeared on the list, he should have been in the top five. His recent album wasn’t his best of all time but its popularity continues to grow, and his verse on Drake’s new ‘Forever’ remix was the best on the track.

Kid Cudi’s name has spread like wildfire in the music industry, and TI continues to maintain his popularity; yet neither of them appear on the list.

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Eight seasons running. A cult in Canadian pop culture. Winners of the Gemini, Teen Choice and Directors Guild of Canada Awards.

And now Degrassi: The Next Generation finally boasts its first red-carpet TV movie.

But known as a “show of the people”, the season 8 finale Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood premiere last Wednesday night at Toronto’s Bloor Cinema, allowed tons of lucky special-bracelet-wearing fans bask in Degrassi glory. A free-for-all for snagging autographs and pictures from their favorite cast members, and what’s more- the opportunity to enjoy the movie side-by-side with them too.

And the word got out not only to lucky fans. Among a packed-to-the-brim theatre audience was Camp Rock 2 stars Jordan Francis and Matthew “Mdot” Finley, So You Think You Can Dance Canada winner Nico Archambault, MuchMusic VJ Devon Soltendieck and MTV Live’s Nicole Holness.

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Drake has finally released his video for “Best I Ever Had”. The Toronto native has been in the spotlight recently due to his relationship with Rihanna. Perhaps Rihanna is the best he has ever had?