andPOP » will.i.am

Perez Drops Assault Charge Against Peas’ Manager

Sara Harowitz — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:50:19 +0000

Perez Hilton at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards

Perez Hilton has dropped the assault charge that he filed against Black Eyed Peas’ manager Polo Molina, according to NME.com.

Molina was accused of punching Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, outside a Toronto nightclub at a MuchMusic Video Awards after party in June, after the celebrity blogger allegedly made a homophobic comment about Black Eyed Peas member Will.I.Am.

But the assault charge against Molina was dropped after he issued a written apology to Hilton.

Molina has also agreed not to contact Hilton except through his lawyer, not to carry a weapon for 12 months, not to come within 100 metres of the nightclub where the incident allegedly took place, and to donate $500 to Toronto’s Red Door Family Shelter.

Molina’s lawyer read the apology outside court, saying, “I apologize for what I did on June 22 of 2009. Even though you [Hilton] engaged in highly offensive comments, including a homophobic slur to my clients, I acknowledge that these kinds of issues should not be resolved through a physical response.”

Hilton’s lawyers have said that they are unhappy with the choice of words in the apology, but it was ultimately accepted.

“Although accepting the fact that he shouldn’t resort to violence, he attempted to say that there was a precipitating cause,” said Hilton’s lawyer, Brian Greenspan. “A sincere apology is a sincere apology.”

Following the alleged incident, Hilton filed a lawsuit suggesting battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress and sought unspecified damages totalling $25,000.

Dr. Dre Collaborates with HP

Stephen Baldwin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:20:24 +0000

Dr. Dre has carried his meticulous musical knowledge and expertise into the creation of The HP Envy 15 Beats limited-edition laptop, billboard.com reports.

Dre, alongside acclaimed producer Jimmy Iovine, helped unveil his latest project at Interscope’s Thom Thom club in California on Friday. Iovine noted that contributions were also made by production specialists like Pharrell, Kanye West, Timbaland and will.i.am.

Retailing at $2,299, the laptop will launch in the U.S. on October 22nd, and will be sold at major retailers and through HP direct. The purchase will also include a pair of “Beats by Dr. Dre” headphones, and mixing software from Native Instruments’ Traktor LE.

The laptop will introduce the pinnacle in sound technology, enabling consumers to listen to music at its best.

“What’s out there is not representative of what you hear in the recording studio. As we went on this journey, we found that computers were in the way. Artists and producers want their sound repaired in digital audio. Computer companies charge $1,000 for computers but only spend 50 cents for speakers. With HP, we found a partner willing to take the step to improve the overall sound in the PC. This is for anyone who plays music,” said Iovine at the press conference.

If the Envy 15’s attention to detail is at all reminiscent of Dre’s, whose Detox album is nearly a decade in the making, music fans and specialists have a lot to look forward to.

Under The Rock: Black Eyed Peas Take Partying To New Heights

Emma Renda — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:46:25 +0000

If I could party with any celebrity, it would be The Black Eyed Peas. And I think that’s exactly what they are going for. After all, they have managed to make a living off it.

Their latest album, The E.N.D. is a self-proclaimed party soundtrack and has skyrocketed them to the top of the Billboard charts in a record-breaking leap. Between singles “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling”, BEP clocked in 20 weeks up there, beating legends like Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

The record isn’t a new theme for the group who have made a name for themselves with songs like “Let’s Get Retarded” and “Pump It”. Not much has changed in the four years since their last release. Except the resurfacing of mainstream electro-house music, which the peas were exposed to on various world tours and quickly adapted to fit their hip-pop repertoire thanks to guest DJs like Mstrkrft and Crookers.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Will.I.Am said he was inspired by some nights of clubbing in Australia during the filming of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

“Every song on the record is for the clubs,” Will told Rolling Stone. “I want to own Vegas, Ibiza, St. Tropez, Dubai, London, France and Brazil. And for the college kids who just want to party in their dorm room, you should put this record on beginning to end. It’s already DJ’d for you.”

Mission accomplished.

Their latest single, “I Gotta Feeling” is not only climbing the ranks of songs of the summer 2009, the music video makes me want to party immediately. And it’s 10 a.m. on a Thursday.

Unlike a hoard of other drinking songs that appeared this year, such as “I Love College” by Asher Roth and “Just Dance” by Lady GaGa, this video makes partying look like innocent fun.

Just an honest to goodness house party - if a little glammed up considering it’s Hollywood Blvd. with special guests Kid Cudi and French DJ David Guetta (who produced the track) lurking in the background. Even when two girls are making out in the middle of the living room, something still feels right. It isn’t a crass video about going to college for the rest of your life, nor is it a story about the stupid shit you do when you get so sloppy you lose all your things and turn your shirt inside out.

It’s not a challenge or a boast, it’s just The Black Eyed Peas telling you have a good time, and giving you a soundtrack so hot it will be impossible not to.

Perez Hilton Plans To Sue Those Involved In Incident

Ilan Mester — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:54:13 +0000

Perez Hilton at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards

After an alleged altercation involving celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, Will.I.Am and his manager, Hilton has released Twitter responses, written statements and a video regarding what happened. And according to a report from “Access Hollywood,” Hilton plans on suing those involved in the incident.

“All persons responsible for this cowardly act of physical violence will be sued and held legally responsible for their actions,” said Hilton’s attorney, Bryan J. Freedman, in a statement. “His First Amendment rights will not be infringed upon through fear, intimidation or violence.”

The blogger was said to suffer a cut below his eye during an altercation between him and Black Eyed Peas manager Liborio “Polo” Molina.

Hilton’s lawyer stated they “are conducting a legal investigation as to whether Will.I.Am encouraged and/or instructed Molina to engage in this physical assault.”

Toronto Police have charged the BEP manager with assault and the 36-year-old must return the city’s Old City Hall Courthouse on August 5 to answer to the charge.

Below is footage with Perez from Sunday night prior to the incident where he discusses the experience behind the scenes at the MuchMusic Video Awards and the way celebrities act around him.

Will.I.Am Responds To Perez Hilton Accusations

Robert Ostfield — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:56:17 +0000

Will.I.Am has created a video response early Monday morning in regards to Perez Hilton’s tweets that the BEP member assaulted him.

Perez Hilton Assaulted By Will.I.Am?

Robert Ostfield — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:08:55 +0000

Perez Hilton at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards

After his walk down the red carpet and presenting at the MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto, Perez Hilton is reporting that he has been assaulted by Will.I.Am of Black Eyed Peas according to his Twitter feed. Below lists the most recent posts by the celeb blogger:

I spoke to my lawyer. I really need to talk to the authorities. Please come to the SoHo Met Hotel. Have called the police. Need them here.
1 minute ago from Sidekick

Still waiting for the police. The bleeding has stopped. I need to document this. Please, can the police come to the SoHo Met Hotel.
16 minutes ago from Sidekick

I was assaulted by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and his security guards. I am bleeding. Please, I need to file a police report. No joke.
24 minutes ago from Sidekick

I’m in shock. I need the police ASAP. Please come to the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel now. Please.
27 minutes ago from Sidekick

andPOP spoke to the blogger only hours ago live from the MuchMusic Video Awards. Please see below for the footage:

Black Eyed Peas Announce New Album

Ilan Mester — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:39:06 +0000

B.E.P members Fergie, apl.de.ap, Taboo and will.i.am have announced the release date for their anticipated studio album, scheduled to hit stores on June 9.

This will mark the group’s first studio recording since 2005’s “Monkey Business” which earned them four Grammy awards.

B.E.P is also expected to go on tour for their upcoming album titled The E.N.D. The acronym stands for The Energy Never Dies. Dates and cities for the tour have yet to be confirmed.

“When [the album] comes out, there’ll be 12 songs on it, but the next day there could be 100 songs, 50 sketches, 1,000 blogs all around The E.N.D., so the energy really, truly never dies.,” will.i.am said to Billboard last year.

Will.i.am told Billboard to expect “a lot of dance stuff, real melodic, electronic, soulful. We call it, like, electric static funk, something like that”.

Diana Inquest Verdict Made: ‘Killed Unlawfully’

andPOP Staff — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:17:35 +0000

The Diana inquest was finished yesterday when jurors found that the Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed “were unlawfully killed by the reckless driving of their chauffeur, Henri Paul, and the paparazzi who chased them,” the UK Guardian reports.

Paul was revealed during the inquest to have been three times over the French blood alcohol limit, with blood tests and other samples.

Princes William and Harry were present to hear the verdict, and later thanked the jury for the “thorough way in which they have considered the evidence”.

“We agree with their verdicts,” the Princes stated, “and are both hugely grateful to each and every one of them for the forbearance they have shown in accepting such significant disruption to their lives over the past six months.”

The Princes said they were also grateful to the people who came forward with evidence, and to “all those who fought so desperately to save our mother’s life on that tragic night.”

Mohamed Al Fayed, Dodi’s father, said he was “disappointed” by the verdict. He believed that his son and the Princess had been killed deliberately, as part of a conspiracy involving the royal family and MI6.

During the six-month inquest, more than 240 witness testified. It is estimated to have cost upwards of £10m.

Police Question Peas’ will.i.am

andPOP Staff — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:11:21 +0000

Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am is being investigated in connection with a nightclub brawl at an after-show party.

The musician (real name: Will Adams) was allegedly part of a scuffle that broke out early on Thursday morning at the 40seconds club in downtown Berlin.

Police spokesman Ronny Frank said that the conflict started with a fight between the club’s doorman and the group’s bodyguard, according to the Associated Press.

“A champagne bottle was used, but as far as what the singer did, there are various reports that contradict one another, and it’s not yet clear what happened,” Frank said.

The three men were taken into custody for questioning and released. All are being investigated on possible charges of causing bodily injury and causing serious bodily injury.

A Hip-Hop Makeover for Sergio Mendes

andPOP Staff — Tue, 23 May 2006 05:24:07 +0000

For the last ten years, the best place to find a Sergio Mendes record was in the grungy bins at Goodwill. In fact, second-hand stores were so overloaded with his albums that the situation became a joke on Seinfeld; when Kramer and Newman have problems unloading their Mendes vinyl at a used record store, they argue that the singer is so famous “he can’t even walk down the street in South America.”

But long before the time of Seinfeld, that was the case in North America, too. In the late 1960s, Mendes was the biggest Brazilian artist in the United States. Along with his band, Brasil ‘66, he had a platinum-selling LP, numerous top 10 hits, and even performed at the White House for Presidents Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson.

While he continued to find success throughout the world, Mendes’ popularity in America dropped off through the 1970s. He did have one more U.S. hit, 1983’s “Never Gonna Let You Go,” but that was it. Outside of the adult contemporary and world music scenes, Mendes became a remnant of the past.

And then, a few years ago, everything suddenly started to change.

“I got a phone call from the president of A&M Records who told me he had a band called the Black Eyed Peas,” recalls Mendes from Los Angeles. “And that the leader of the band, will.i.am, was a big fan of mine. I didn’t know the Black Eyed Peas, nor will.i.am. And the question was could he come to meet me at my house. He wanted to talk to me, and I said, ‘Okay.’”

Two days later, will.i.am (real name: Will Adams) showed up at Mendes’ door with a stack of the samba legend’s old albums. According to Adams, Mendes’ “Slow Hot Wind” was the first song he ever sampled.

“The story was when he was 15 or 16 years old in L.A. he went to a record store and discovered my music, and my music was a big influence in his life,” says the 65-year-old Mendes. “I was really touched by that.”

Soon after the visit, Adams, 31, invited Mendes to guest on the Black Eyed Peas’ 2003 album, “Elephunk.” The two struck up a friendship immediately in the studio, where Mendes contributed a piano solo to the track “Sexy.”

“I really liked the way he was doing things and the way the whole thing sounded,” says Mendes of the session. “So I had an idea a couple days later. I called him and said, ‘Why don’t we do something together? I’ll bring the Brazilian classics, the music that you love, and you bring the hip-hop world and we’ll make this great encounter of those two cultures and rhythms.’ And he said that’d be a dream come true for him.”

The musical lovechild that spawned from the collaboration is called “Timeless.” Released in February on Concord Records, the album includes both new songs and reworked versions of Mendes standards like “Mas Que Nada” and “The Frog.” The structure of the record sees Mendes’ classic Brazilian sound used as a foundation, while Adams builds on that base with his urban production values and hip-hop artistry.

“I felt it was like working with a great musician, a young musician full of fresh ideas,” Mendes says of Adams. “We had a great time in the studio ? everything was like no pressure, no deadline. We just experimented with things and tried things out. The whole process was very natural, very organic. I brought some of my musicians in. My wife sings on the album. And he brought his world to it also.”

Another thing that Adams brought to “Timeless” was an impressive lineup of guests. Erykah Badu, Q-tip, India Arie and Justin Timberlake all contributed to different tracks at Adams’ request. But the album’s most impressive guest appearance came out of a lucky coincidence.

“We’re in the studio one day here in L.A.,” remembers Mendes, “and Stevie Wonder was next door. He knew who I was, he’s an old friend, and he came to the studio and listened to the song (”Berimbau”) and he loved it. He asked for a copy of the tape. The next day he brought a harmonica and did an incredible solo.”

The recording of “Timeless” was also a big learning experience for Mendes. It’s his first new album since 1996’s “Oceano,” and a lot had changed since he was last in the studio.

“Last time when I did a record, there was no ProTools,” says Mendes, referring to the popular recording software. “It was still the old heavy tapes and you had to make slaves and to punch in took a long time and the editing? Now, the speed is so fast, but also the quality so good and transparent. And Will’s a genius at that ? he operates the ProTools like it’s just amazing. The new way to make records is really good and really efficient.”

And Mendes couldn’t be happier with the finished product. More than 20 years after his last major hit, “Timeless” marks a new opportunity for the musician to bring Brazilian music to a wider audience.

“I think it’s a wonderful new marriage of Brazil and hip-hop ? bossa nova hip-hop,” he says. “It’s two cultures meeting each other out of mutual attraction and interest in trying to discover new things, new rhythms, new melodies. And the idea of introducing those classic Brazilian melodies to the young generation ? that’s why I’m very interested in doing it.”

As far as the future of his career is concerned, Mendes is already musing about a follow-up to “Timeless.”

“I really enjoyed working with Will,” he says. “I think I’d love very much, and I think he would too, to do a volume two and continue the adventure.”