andPOP » Drake

Timbaland’s ‘Shock Value II’ Promises Big Collaborations

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:09:44 +0000

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.

“I’m so fortunate and blessed to be able to create a Shock Value II,” Timbaland says. “I’m really proud of the calibre of artists on this album and all the work they put into making it a success. I can promise that no one has ever heard Katy Perry, The Fray or Brandy sound like this before.

“It’s exciting because not only am I giving fans the best of me on each track, I’m giving them a glimpse of their favorite artist in a completely different light. This is an album that can be listened to from start to finish every single time because each song is so unique and the range of artists is so diverse. I can’t wait for my fans to hear the collaborations.”

Soulja Boy in Studio with Kanye After Arrest

Stephen Baldwin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:48:23 +0000

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.

The incident was characteristic of Soulja Boy’s immaturity. Creating music that hasn’t yet surpassed catchiness, the young rapper’s development and artistic respect lies in the hands of Kanye West. West has contributed to the careers of respected young artist like Drake, Kid Cudi and Lupe Fiasco.

Jay-Z Wraps Up Hottest MC list

Stephen Baldwin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:53:50 +0000

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.

Canadians may be excited, though, to see young Toronto native Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham crack the top three. The MC has been one of the busiest in the music industry this year, quickly building relationships with the most powerful names in Hip Hop. Names like Lil Wayne, Kanye West and most notably Jay-Z.

While his new album, The Blueprint III, isn’t considered by Jay-Z fans as his strongest album, his ranking at the top of Hip Hop is long overdue. He was even given a stamp of approval from New York Governor David Paterson: “I can personally attest to his commitment to New York and the impact he has on New Yorkers of all ages,” he said.

If the list surprises – or angers – you, you’re not alone. Comments on the MTV website aren’t very supportive of the compiled list, and a few fans were especially vocal on omission of Eminem. While the MCs that made the list are deserving of recognition at this point, expect the list to be drastically different next year.

Degrassi: The Next Generation, Makes The Trek From Toronto To Tinseltown

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:55:09 +0000

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.

Fresh off of an SUV limo, former Degrassi mean-girl star Lauren Collins (Paige), 23, seemed ecstatic by the outcome.

“I’m so used to just walking around in the area, and just grabbing a pita or something,” a smiling Toronto native Collins tells andPOP. “But all of a sudden you’re just showing up in a limo with cameras and fans, it’s bizarre- not really used to it.”

“But I’m so happy everyone came out.”

Collins represents the previous generation of Degrassi members who have left the show to move on in their respected acting careers: Jake Epstein (Craig) is currently the lead in the touring Tony-Award winning musical Spring Awakening, Nina Dobrev (Mia) is set to star in the hyped fall CTV series The Vampire Diaries, Aubrey Graham (Jimmy) is gearing up for his Hip/Hop debut as Drake- signing with Lil’ Wayne’s record label, and Shenae Grimes (Darcy) is shooting her second season of 90210 in Los Angeles.

This time around in Paradise City, old meets the new, as the Degrassi alumnus share the screen with the show’s newest characters. The bunch make the cross-continent trek from Toronto to Tinseltown where they try their fare share at making it big in the industry.

Jason Mewes plays himself as a director, who’s holding auditions for his new movie “Mewesical High”- which causes a stir among the students at school. Paige, who’s been living in Hollywood to become a fashion designer, hasn’t had the best of luck- finding herself rather working as an assistant to a reality star. But when her sudden audition catches the eye of Robbie (Dan Levy), a studio producer, she lands the lead role and invites old friends Marco (Adamo Ruggiero) and Ellie (Stacey Farber) down to come along for the ride.

This also causes Manny (Cassie Steele) to carve out her own journey to L.A. -along with Jay Hogart (Mike Lobel) and Degrassi rock band Stüdz- to claim that lead role which she believes is rightfully hers.

“It was amazing,” says Steele, 19, “you know, hanging with Mike Lobel and all the crew, good times laughing.”

But now what would Degrassi be without a little bit of Drama, eh? Well from Paige letting the celebrity life get to her head, to Ellie running into Craig, a former flame who’s been living out west in Los Angeles, clean from his season six coke addiction- the four-part season 8 finale has a healthy balance of everything on the checklist.

Directed by the series’ very own alumni Stefan Brogren (Snake), the movie was shot both in Toronto and Los Angeles. And it’s obvious that “going Hollywood” requires a few celebrity cameos -which the film delivered, sprinkled throughout the story- including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Mewes and Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob), Vivica A. Fox, and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

“Obviously having Kevin and Jason was so exciting,” recalls Collins. “And also Dan levy and then the L.A. people, I can’t pick one, it was just such a fun experience.”

Known to be avid fans of the show, Smith and Mewes made appearances on seasons 4 and 5, and an on-the-carpet Mewes was in high-spirits about the latest experience.

“It was great,” says Mewes, 35, known for playing the drug dealer Jay, in Jay and Silent Bob. “Those guys were great to have called me, and shooting with all of the cast was awesome.”

Degrassi’s latest Queen-Bee Charlotte Arnold (Holly J.), who was featured only in a brief scene, had nothing but praise toward her fellow cast-mates.

“For me this was exciting,” says the 20-year-old former Naturally, Sadie star, “because I had never seen the movie before, and truthfully, I hadn’t even read the script. So this was brand new, and what they did was incredible, so proud of everyone.”

And for Arnold and the rest of the cast, the fall season is just around the corner, which means back to school at Degrassi Community School for the next two months for season 9 filming. A 22-year-old franchise known to just keep on teaching the lessons of life, but the latest advice now: to catch Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood, on CTV on Sunday, August 30 at 8 pm ET.

Drake’s New Video – Best I Ever Had

Robert Ostfield — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:12:22 +0000

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?