Upon first glance, Decemberists' frontman Colin Meloy doesn't exactly look like a metalhead. In fact, with his librarian specs and swooping hairdo, he more closely resembles a record-store clerk (though those meaty muttonchops do hint at an inner hesher). But looks aren't everything.

See, on his band's new album, The Hazards Of Love, Meloy get's seriously heavy, swapping sludgy riffs with fellow guitarist Chris Funk (see, the muttonchops don't lie). It's pretty amazing ... he certainly rocks harder than most librarians I know.

But, had he made Hazards a decade ago, things probably wouldn't have turned out this way. As a slightly lanky student at the University if Montana, he didn't have the faintest clue about metal (though he was aware of a tiny band called Metallica), preferring the far more, uh, sensitive work of acts like Morrissey.

Though that would eventually change ... and Hazards is the proof. But it didn't happen overnight. To hear Meloy's tale of metal redemption, keep reading after the jump Read More...

By Rahman Dukes
Icadon

There's been a buzz around the next wave of New York rappers since the beginning of the new millennium, but as the year 2010 closely approaches, many of those budding stars have yet to release a full-length studio album — until now. Brooklyn's Icadon — better known in his earlier days as Icarus, a name earned as protégé to lyrical wizard Redman — drops his first official studio album, Robot-ic, along with partner and platinum producer Rockwilder, Friday (March 20) on Amalgam Digital.

Following in the footsteps of fellow Amalgam artists such as Saigon, Joe Budden, Max B and Termanology, Ic decided to take a different approach to releasing the record that has been years in the making. Fresh off the heels of the successful single, "Robot-Ic," the album is chock-full of hip-hop's finest lyrics added to a mixture of hardcore beats, thanks to the production of Rockwilder.
Read More...

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By Rya Backer

Hello, Newsroom blog readers! Today's HOTD offers up a range of stories — some happy, some... well… that are total downers.

DoSomething.org has released a PSA that re-enacts the alleged altercation between Chris Brown and Rihanna. Disturbing!

President Obama reached out to the country in a different way last night: by appearing on Jay Leno! The prez talked about a variety of things from AIG to "American Idol," but unfortunately, he also made a comment about the Special Olympics that got him into trouble.

Think Mary J. Blige is just a music sensation? Well, you're wrong. Find out how she'll be doing just fine on the silver screen!

Have a great weekend!

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By Jenna Talavera

Lil Wayne is taking over, one city at a time. After his I Am Music Tour kicked off in Providence, Rhode Island, on Tuesday, he stopped in Newark, New Jersey, last night with his Young Money Crew, T-Pain, Gym Class Heroes and Keri Hilson. It was a can't-miss concert and the only one in proximity for the New York/ New Jersey area.

I found myself screaming with the crowd as smoke emerged from the stage before Weezy's entrance. There he was — Mr. Carter himself! It didn't take long until T-Pain joined him to perform their hits and gave previews of upcoming "T-Wayne" collaboration.

Taking off layers of clothing one by one, Wayne performed "Turnin' Me On" with Keri Hilson and was down to nothing but pants and his six-pack and tattoos for "Fireman." After he played several tracks from his mixtapes, he introduced his Young Money Crew. Mack Maine, Lil Twist and Lil Chuckee spit some rhymes, while Jae Millz, Tyga, Gudda Gudda and T-Streets joined them onstage. Together with Wayne and up-and-coming rapper Drake, they performed "Every Girl in the World," the first single from the Young Money album. Drake (also known as actor Aubrey Graham, who plays Jimmy on "Degrassi: The Next Generation") stayed onstage for Wayne's "Mrs. Officer," followed by the rock hit "Prom Queen." Read More...

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Here's the thing. If you live in Los Angeles, New York, Miami or anywhere the "Real World" touches down, you're used to seeing your city on TV. But if, like me, you live in, say, Cincinnati (or, as my colleagues in New York like to call it, Cleveland), not so much.

Which is why watching the debut episode of the Nick Lachey-produced "Taking the Stage" on Thursday night was so exciting. See, for years, I've been trying to convince the folks here at MTV that Cin-city is the kind of cultural magnet where major things happen all the time.

And not just because I live here. I didn't go to the School for Creative & Performing Arts, which is featured in the show, but plenty of my good friends did, and I spent quite a bit of time there hanging out with them, in awe of their talents. I was back there in 2005 when former student and 98 Degrees member Justin Jeffre announced his (ultimately failed) bid for mayor of Cincinnati, with, of course, Lachey by his side. Read More...

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Big Boi had himself a rather grande Thursday at South By Southwest. Early in the day, he patrolled the streets of Austin, handing out daps to rather puzzled indie kids, joking with his posse, and taking drags off a Black & Mild cigar.

Later that night, he positively owned the stage at the Austin Music Hall, booming his way through a hit-filled set and previewing material from his much-anticipated (and much-delayed) solo album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty, which he promised would be in stores this year, so long as the folks at Jive Records play ball (note to Jive: please play ball).

But in-between the street and the stage, Boi did perhaps the most amazing thing of all. During a visit to the "Rock Band" Lounge, he decided to channel his inner Dave Grohl, jumping on stage and tackling the drums on Nirvana's "In Bloom."

How'd he do? Keep reading to find out Read More...

South By Southwest is a big deal. Which is why MTV News sent our A-Team down to Austin to cover it ... A crack squad of writers, producers and electronics experts (plus a token indie snob), on a mission to deliver you the best moments from the biggest music festival in the U.S.

Over the next 96 hours, our Team will be blogging their brains out, interviewing their a--es off, and checking out bands, both big and small. They will probably also eat at some point. Sleep is not an option. Sunstroke definitely is.

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. And as such, we figured you'd like to know more about the brave men and women who are forgoing shut eye and leaving their loved ones behind to bring you the news and events of SXSW 2009.

So, let's meet a member of the team, shall we? Read More...

[Insert generic Texas-style greeting here], folks! Welcome to Friday at South By Southwest. We're all still recovering from a rather epic Thursday night in Austin -- the return of Jane's Addiction, a beautiful set by Grizzly Bear, booming hip hop from Big Boi, plus tons more (some of it illegal) -- but we're all professionals here, which means that at 9:30 am, we gathered in our hotel lobby for another Breakfast Briefing.

We've got another big day lined up ... including interviews with a band that may-or-may-not be called Metallica, an in-depth sitdown with Grizzly Bear, and sets from Asher Roth and Kid Sister. But, hey, why read about it when you can watch our A-Team describe the Friday for you:



And in case you were worried, yes, Dee eventually got her coffee. Now, let's go!

MTV News will be all over the South by Southwest festival this week, with blogs, articles and video on all the gigs, the artists and the scene!

By Andrew Ross Rowe

6th Street At SXSW 2009I might be a SXSW rookie, but I must say I've never seen, eh hem, heard anything like Austin, Texas. It sounds like musical chaos.

Every bar, club, coffee shop, barber shop, fitness center, ally way and street corner has a band playing their hearts out for the crowd. And the crowd wants as much as it can get. With a $600 price tag to attend this, they might be getting their money's worth.

It also doesn't matter what kind of music you're into. South By covers the gambit. I saw a New Orlean's type folk band, Sgt Dunbar & the Hobo Banned, at a burlesque house. Sgt Dunbar and the Hobo BannedThen went to a electronic show at a bar. I walked past an outdoor stage with a metal band and ended it out with hip-hop group at the water lock.

But just walking around the street (without using my press pass) I could see a ton of great acts. Elevated outdoor stages and incredibly loud PA systems give you a street seat for free. I wish I grew up in this town.

Check out this awesome video of a metal band below! Read More...

President Barack Obama's appearance on "The Tonight Show" Thursday was memorable for many reasons, including the way he compared life in Washington, D.C. to being on "American Idol" -- with everyone being Simon!

LENO: Now it's only [been], what, 59 days now, right?

MR. OBAMA: Yes, 59 days.

MR. LENO: And so much scrutiny. Is it fair to judge so quickly? I mean --

MR. OBAMA: Well, look, we are going through a difficult time. I welcome the challenge. You know, I ran for president because I thought we needed big changes. I do think in Washington it's a little bit like "American Idol," except everybody is Simon Cowell.

MR. LENO: Wow. Wow. That's rough.

MR. OBAMA: Everybody's got an opinion. But that's part of what makes for a democracy. You know, it's contentious and people are hitting back. I do think, though, that the American people are all in a place where they understand it took us a while to get into this mess, it's going to take a while for us to get out of it. And if they have confidence that I'm making steps to deal with issues like health care and energy and education, that matter deeply to their daily lives, then I think they're going to give us some time.

What do you think? Is America giving the Obama administration a fair shake? Should we be more Paula than Simon? Sound off below!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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