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Bob Seger Becomes Top-Selling Old Guy Of The Decade

Posted 12/22/09 11:25 am EST by in Music


The Billboard Top Catalog Albums is a curious beast, where classic albums can live on forever. It's where AC/DC's Back in Black is still a constant best-seller, and where legends like the Beatles and Michael Jackson solidify their legacies hundreds of times over. In fact, next year Billboard will integrate catalog titles into the regular charts, which means that Appetite for Destruction will be constantly rubbing elbows with the latest from Lil Wayne. Billboard just named their top-selling catalog album for the decade, and in what can be considered an upset, Bob Seger (and his Silver Bullet Band!) took the top spot with their Greatest Hits.

Past decade champs include perennial best-seller Dark Side of the Moon (which stole the '80s) and Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers (the '90s). Those two albums have some sort of context for their decade-long successes: Dark Side was arguably the best-sounding album during an era when CDs were brand new, while Marley's success can be traced to his lasting influence on hip-hop, pop and a number of rock subgenres.

So what made people go out to buy copies of Bob Seger's Greatest Hits (which was originally released in 1994)? Seger's music isn't available digitally, which means that if you want to listen to "Night Moves," you have to either steal it or actually purchase a physical copy. Seger's music has also stayed in the public's consciousness through a number of advertisements in the past 10 years ("Like a Rock" scored Chevy truck commercials; "Old Time Rock and Roll" served as the official tune of the most recent "Guitar Hero" ads). Plus, his catalog probably got a big boost in 2006 when he released the new album Face the Promise, his first in 11 years.

Even though his surge didn't come until this year, it's a little surprising that Jackson's Number Ones didn't take the top spot (it came in a number nine overall). That being said, Jackson was the top-selling catalog artist, thanks to his hits album plus the high-profile anniversary reissue of Thriller and some buzz surrounding his 2001 album Invincible.

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Jessica Simpson Turns Her Head Into A Candlestick

Posted 12/22/09 10:12 am EST by in Music


Twitter is an amazing corner of the Internet. It's a place where you can keep track of what Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams is watching (she just saw "Avatar," FYI), follow Justin Bieber's travels across the country and get the latest bon mots right from John Mayer's mouth (or fingers, really).

On Monday night, Twitter may have reached its zenith care of Jessica Simpson. She tweeted a series of videos of her holding a lit candle to her head. While it looks like she's trying to shape herself into a Menorah, the candle-to-the-ear technique is actually an old trick to try to break up ear wax (and favored by singers to keep the pressure in their ears down).

The clip was shot by hairstylist Ken Paves, and Simpson seems to be having a pretty unpleasant time: She complains about the heat and the fact that the candle is taking too long to run down. The best part? The piece of cardboard protecting Simpson's face from melted wax and keeping her hair from catching on fire is fashioned from a Papa John's pizza box.

Simpson spent the better part of 2009 traveling around the world taping her new TV show "The Price of Beauty," in which she explores the health and beauty regimens and customs of women from myriad cultures. It's set to debut on VH1 some time in 2010.

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DMX Comes Back For Seconds: Wake-Up Video

Posted 12/22/09 9:00 am EST by in Wake-Up Video


Yesterday, Wake-Up Video was devoted to DMX's ...And Then There Was X, the chart-topping, five million-selling album that debuted in 1999. Today we turn the clock back one year to December 22, 1998, when X's second album Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood hit the market. It dropped only seven months after X's hot debut It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, making him only the second rapper ever to have two different albums hit the top of the Billboard album chart in the same year. (Tupac did it first in 1996 with All Eyez on Me and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.)

Even though Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood was recorded in the wake of It's Dark and Hell is Hot, there was quite a difference in the sound of the two albums. Flesh drilled down deep into X's sound, delivering more claustrophobic beats and even more ultra-violent rhymes. In fact, much of Flesh seems to lean towards horrorcore, especially considering X is covered in blood on the front cover and the album features a guest vocal appearance by Marilyn Manson (he sings the hook on "The Omen"). Even for DMX, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood is particularly dark. Still, the quality of the production kept the rapper on the radio, which is a testament to how hot a producer Swizz Beatz had become by the end of '98. (A few months later, the Ruff Ryders crew dropped the chart-topping Ryde or Die Vol. 1, which was essentially a forum for Swizz to flex his synth muscles.)

Because of its dark tone, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood is pretty light on singles, though the one song that did break through — the introspective "Slippin'" — was a massive hit with a video that perfectly matched the track's intensity.

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Brittany Murphy Belted Out Broadway Blues At The 2002 MTV Movie Awards

Posted 12/21/09 6:05 pm EST by in Movies, Television


By Eric Ditzian

It was only a few minutes into the 2002 MTV Movie Awards when host Jack Black (in his pre-"School of Rock" days) started feeling a little insecure about his ability to kick ass and make fun of A-list celebs at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Dude got such a killer case of the in-show heebie-jeebies that he froze during his opening musical number and asked his duet partner Sarah Michelle Geller, "What if I stink up the joint?"

But wouldn't you know that Buffy Summers had a show-saving plan ready to go? Cue some group-therapy-set-to-song with the help of Andy Garcia and Brittany Murphy. Since the sudden passing of the "8 Mile" actress at the age of 32, MTV News has been taking a look back at Murphy's performances on the big and small screen, seeking to celebrate the her talent during a time of such undeniable tragedy. Her turn at the 2002 Movie Awards is a beauty.

Brief but damn funny, Murphy's cameo is also evidence that the girl possessed a serious set of soul-infused pipes. Her lone line — "Everyone's got insecurities, everyone gets the blues/ But if you can't take it from Andy and me, take it from Mr. Tom Cruise!" — shows off Murphy's ability not only to carry a tune but to belt out a chill-inducing melody no matter how silly the words. It's a skill that served her both on screen and in her still-developing music career.

Take it away, Miss Murphy...

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'Alice In Wonderland' Welcomes All Time Low To Its Soundtrack

Posted 12/21/09 5:40 pm EST by in Music


Last week, All Time Low dropped by to rock the MTV holiday party and also to chat about their crazy tour with Fall Out Boy, their new bra collection and how they plan to spend the holidays. And even though they estimate they played over 300 shows in 2009, they've already gotten a head start on work for 2010, as they recorded a song that is expected to be included on the soundtrack to "Alice in Wonderland," the forthcoming Tim Burton/Johnny Depp joint that promises to be one of the biggest films of next year.

"Until it's 100 percent, I'm still going to say 'tentative,' but yes, we recorded a new song for the soundtrack," said frontman Alex Gaskarth. The untitled tune was written specifically for the movie, though it isn't necessarily a straightforward narrative about the Cheshire Cat. "The song definitely references ideas from the film and from the story, but I wouldn't say that it's obvious," said Gaskarth. "But it's in there, for sure."

It's a good thing the themes of the story are well-known, as the band did not get a sense of where their song would go, nor were they able to see any footage before cutting the tune. In fact, they haven't gotten any sort of Hollywood treatment so far. "We're probably going to have to buy our own tickets to the premiere," joked drummer Rian Dawson. Guitarist Jack Barakat added, "My mom actually asked me if we were going to meet Johnny Depp, and I had to say 'No mom, not unless it's by accident.'" Still, the band is excited for the movie, as well as the rest of their prospects for the coming year.

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Britney Spears Rounds Up Her Favorite Rumors Of 2009

Posted 12/21/09 5:19 pm EST by in Music


According to Britney Spears, there were over 13,000 stories written about the pop singer this year alone. Given how much we love and write about her here on MTV News, that seems completely plausible. So, instead of getting mad with the rumors that were particularly untrue, the singer took to her website to poke fun at a whole bunch of them.

"We ranked the ones we believe were the most ridiculous," she wrote on her site. "Either because they were factually inaccurate, because they reported the patently absurd or because we believe they are simply offensive to the sensibilities."

The list included romance rumors and stories started by Courtney Love, but there were also a few rumors that seemed particularly crazy. Which one? Like the one where Britney was rumored to star in a film described as a "Holocaust thriller." (Never mind that nobody is quite sure what a "Holocaust thriller" actually is.) Then there's one when she hates Australia. Let's be honest: With all the quality beer and emus running amok, how can anyone hate Australia?

Then there's the one where Brit Brit wanted to be a Baptist minster. That just seems silly (though she could have easily ordered a certificate online for that sort of thing). She also was apparently pregnant again this year. The source on that one is ... Ryan Seacrest? Bizarre! Speaking of bizarre, she was also working with Michael Jackson on some posthumous music.

But our favorite comes via Christopher "CJ" Smith of MTV News. He really wanted Britney to headline Coachella. She broke his heart. It's a classic tale.

Congrats to CJ for making Britney's list. His place in history (Britstory?) is set forever.

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Young Jeezy Gives Back For Christmas With Street Dreamz

Posted 12/21/09 4:51 pm EST by in Music


Young Jeezy managed to climb his way out of the street life with the help of hip-hop, but he realizes that not everybody has the same sort of opportunities as he did. That's why Jeezy gives back to underprivileged kids with his Street Dreamz organization. As a holiday treat on Sunday night (December 20), Jeezy brought a group of kids to Justin's Restaurant in Atlanta, where they received food, gifts and mentoring from the Snowman himself. He held a similar event at Thanksgiving, and hopes to continue on with his outreach work moving forward.

"This is a movement that I intend on being hands on with, as well as, I hope to show these same children that being in a position that you are able to help someone or a few that cannot help themselves is much more greater than having this same title and looking pass these same needs," Jeezy said in a statement about the event. "I want to be more than just a mentor that these children see every now and then, but they are also able to depend on as a symbol of hope and support. This is a significant reason why Street Dreamz Foundation was established."

Jeezy's holiday cheer won't end with Sunday night's event, however. Today, Jeezy took control of a gym in Macon, Georgia, filled it with toys and gifts and handed them out to kids in need. The rapper may sling rhymes about dealing drugs and living hard, but he clearly has a generous heart and an open mind.

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Rihanna Wishes She Was From New York: The MTV News Quote Of The Day

Posted 12/21/09 4:36 pm EST by in Music


"'Empire State of Mind' was definitely one of my favorite records of 2009 ... one of the biggest records of 2009, also. It's timeless. It's epic, and it makes me want to be from New York every time I hear it. I'm like, 'Wow, I wish I was in New York, or I wish I was from New York.' It's just that great feeling when you hear it."

-R&B superstar Rihanna on her most favorite tune of 2009. The singer gave a shout-out to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' collaboration from The Blueprint 3, which is currently on top of the Billboard Hot 100 and served as the victory song for the New York Yankees and also closed out the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards (which returned to Manhattan after a three year absence). Rihanna also called out Lady Gaga as one of her favorite artists of the year. "She has a very bold, fearless image," she told MTV News on the set of her latest video "Hard." "I have to say, I have so much respect for original artists ... who aren't afraid to do what they do. That's what I respect the most. She's awesome." Rihanna has had a pretty impressive 2009 herself, as she recovered from a violent run-in with then-boyfriend Chris Brown in February to drop some of the hottest singles and videos of the holiday season, including "Russian Roulette" and the aforementioned "Hard."

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KRS-One And Lupe Fiasco Battle Rap For Nike (And Christmas)

Posted 12/21/09 3:54 pm EST by in Music


By Steven Roberts

Christmas is supposed to be a time for cheer, togetherness and the release of Christmas edition of Nike and LeBron James' Air Max LeBron VII, but leave it to a couple of holiday egos to get in the way.

In the newest three-part installment of Nike's "MVPuppets" series, Blizten (aka the #1 reindeer in the world) calls out Santa Claus, Lebron and Kobe for a game of basketball. In the first video, Blitzen — voiced by none other than Lupe Fiasco — calls Santa at home to unleash a barrage of venomous lyrics straight at Kris Kringle, Kobe and Bron Bron, challenging the three to a game. "B to the L-I-Tee-Zee/ Three suckers plus one me equals too easy/ Believe me the top of your wish list better read/ A chance to beat me/ Because you never got that."

Blitzen's confidence is shaken once the wise-cracking Santa — voiced by KRS-One — appears in the second video rocking a Kangol, a pair of Cazals and gold rope chain. "Y'all got issues and I'm not a subscriber/ You the reindeer, I'm the driver/ Kris Kringle, the gift's in my saliva/ I got every address in the hood, I'll find ya."

Finally, Santa, Kobe, and LeBron meet up with Blitzen and the other reindeer in the third video and proceed to embarrass the antlered one. In the third video, entitled "Dunking on Reindeer," Kobe, LeBron and Santa dismantle Blitzen and his team. "Vixen crying to Blitz like 'Oh no!/ LeBron took one from behind the free throw!'/ LeBron rose up, looked at him again said/ 'Merry Christmas Blitz'/ And shattered the rim."

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Diego Luna And Gael Garcia Bernal Like Kissing Each Other, And Me

Posted 12/21/09 3:02 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes


I've had a great 2009. Why? Well, I got to chill with everyone from the cast of "New Moon" to the Jonas Brothers to Taylor Swift. I got to meet Jordan Knight and David Boreanaz (who wanted to sing karaoke with me, by the way). Plus, I got to meet a few other really cute guys, and I even made a couple of them — namely Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal — fall in love with me.

Yes, you heard me. Fall in love with me. Let's travel back to April when Diego and Gael (we're on a first name basis!) were busy promoting their flick, "Rudo y Cursi." I, of course, wanted to know all about their now infamous make out session in "Y Tu Mama Tambien." They had a lot of fun stuff to say about it and each other. They were delightful and charming and dreamy. We chatted about soccer and more kissing (Diego kissed Sean Penn too! What a floozy!). And then, out of nowhere, just as the interview was wrapping up, Diego asked me for a kiss. (Like I said: Such a floozy!)

I was slightly taken aback (in a good way) and tried to play it cool, like this happens to me all the time. (For the record: It doesn't.) And so, what was a girl to do? Say no? Heck no! So, I went for it right there in the junket, all while the cameras were still rolling. So just in case you don't believe this happened to me, enjoy the video proof.

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