Great News: 08/24/10

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Beyonce Bares Her Bikini Bod on Italian Vacation

As the summer winds down, count on Beyonce to do her best to heat things up.

Photographers caught the toned singer sunning herself on a yacht in a colorful bikini, while vacationing in Italy with her husband, rap mogul Jay-Z.

The couple have been traveling in the region with their family and have been photographed enjoying their time off.

Jay-Z, Rick Ross Under Fire in New Track from Christian MC

Bizzle, a self-identified Christian rapper, was not too satisfied with Rick Ross and Jay-Z's recent 'Free Mason' song -- a track off Ross' 'Teflon Don' that strove to address the many accusations that both are involved in Illuminati and free mason secret societies. In a new diss track, Bizzle hops on Nas' 'Ether' beat. He mimics Jay-Z's flow and lyrics on 'Free Mason' and goes on the offensive.

"They talk about the 'Free Mason' record and they sayin' Jay denied it," Bizzle raps. "But what did he deny because to me it sounded like this/ Rumors of Lucifer/ A devil I'm, not though/ But if you listen I said he wasn't the devil on my song/ He didn't say he ain't no mason/ He said he never said it/ Put the devil on you/ Ain't nobody make you wear that sweater."

We aren't sure where Bizzle learned that wearing sweaters makes you part of a secret society. Either way, it seems that Bizzle's biggest bone of contention is not just the debunked conspiracy that all three rappers are Illuminati but that they often wear chains with crosses or make songs like 'Jesus Walks.'

Bizzle also goes hard at Ross, accusing him of identity theft. It's certainly vicious and comprehensive. Check out the track below (via HipHopWired.)

Shontelle, 'Perfect Nightmare' -- New Song

'Perfect Nightmare' is Shontelle's second single off her upcoming studio album, 'No Gravity,' in stores Sept. 21.

Opening with a haunting piano melody, by 1:08 'Perfect Nightmare' turns into to poppy, club-driven anthem, as Shontelle struggles to break free from a damaging relationship: "Keep tellin' myself that it's not worth it / I already know I don't deserve it / But if it's from you I don't mind hurting / This is my perfect nightmare."

The Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins-produced track follows her Rihanna-sounding hit single 'Impossible.' To hear 'Perfect Nightmare,' head over to AOL Radio's New Pop First station.

Martina McBride Takes 'Stand' to Fight Cancer

Martina McBride is joining dozens of celebrities in a widely televised event designed to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. The country songbird has signed on to be part of the upcoming 'Stand Up to Cancer' event. The one-hour special, dubbed 'SU2C,' will feature stories from celebrity cancer survivors, including Sheryl Crow, Fran Drescher, Christina Applegate, Elizabeth Edwards and Lance Armstrong.

Other stars slated to appear include Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Natasha Bedingfield, Aaron Neville and Dave Stewart. The show will be hosted by network news anchors Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and Brian Williams.

Earlier this year, Martina joined several friends, including Sarah Buxton, Big Kenny, Phil Vassar and Blake Shelton in raising more than $400,000 for the TJ Martell Foundation at the annual Eco-Energy Best Cellars Dinner, with all the proceeds going to cancer research at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville.

'Stand up to Cancer' will air commercial-free on September 10 at 8:00 PM (CST) simultaneously on ABC, CBS, NBC, VH1, FOX, E!, HBO, HBO Latino, Discovery Health, G4, MLB Network, Smithsonian Channel, Style Network, Showtime and TV One. Click here for more information.

Blogger Creates Swizz Beatz Greatest (and Worst) Hits CDs

Swizz Beatz has been a monster super producer for years now and his recent turn on Kanye West's 'Power' remix just served to cement his reputation as one of the best hype men in hip-hop. Need a little refresher? On his personal blog, music journalist Sean Fennessey prepared a three-disc trip through Swizzy's history behind the boards.

The collection starts with his early hits such as DMX's 'Ruff Ryders' Anthem' -- a first hit that Swizz scored when he was a mere 20-year old trying to break into the game. Other early favorites include the classic NYC posse cut 'Banned on TV' -- also impressively flipped by Lil Wayne on his recent 'No Ceilings' mixtape -- and Jay-Z's early smash 'Jigga My N----.' Of course, recent efforts that incorporate more sampling and party-oriented ad-libs are also present in tracks like Hov's 'On to the Next One.'

Perhaps the most interesting part of the mix is the third disc, which encompasses what Fennessey considers Swizzy's greatest misses and head-scratching moments. Just check out that solo track that features Metallica and Ja Rule called 'We Did It Again' or his infamous Limp Bizkit remix. It's good for some giggles.

Check out the full list and get some temporary downloads for research purposes here. 'Haute Living,' Swizz Beatz's third solo effort, is on the way later this year.

Zac Brown Band Fired Up for More Eat-and-Greets

The Zac Brown Band are gearing up to release their new album, 'You Get What You Give,' but while their fan base may expand, one tradition they started a while ago isn't going to change.

The backstage "eat-and-greets," which are food-filled parties where fans mingle with the band, are a staple before most every Zac Brown Band show. When the guys were still playing weekend gigs outside of Zac's Place in Dahlonega, Ga., they developed the concept of combining music, food and chats with fans into their own mini-festivals. True, a lot has changed since they were the house band for Zac's Place but the mini-festivals are still a major part of the band's concert experience.

"We are planning on doing that forever," ZBB fiddler Jimmy DiMartini tells The Boot. "It's really important to us to always reach out to fans."

For that reason, the band has a new cooking trailer for the tour. That means the chef who travels with the band will be able to rustle up food for about 150 eat-and-greet participants. On the menu are southern-cuisine specialties created by Zac himself, using his famous spice rub, Georgia Clay Rub, and his Southern Ground Grub Brown Sauce.

"Our days on the road are pretty full," Jimmy says. "The first thing we do after sound check is eat-and-greet, and then after the show we do a signing for all the fans. It's always cool to meet with our fans."

'You Get What You Give' is scheduled for release on September 21.

Woodhands Go Go-Karting

Toronto dance-rock duo Woodhands have been around the track a few times since singer/keytarist Dan Werb and drummer Paul Banwatt first joined forces in 2006. After wowing critics and indie-dance fans with their 2008 Paper Bag debut 'Heart Attack,' the pair followed up with this year's electro-poppier 'Remorscapade.'

The latter is getting a digital "deluxe edition" re-release this week, which includes the studio album and the 'Remixcapade' EP with mixes by like-minded Canadians like Diamond Rings and Mathemagic plus a piano version of the single 'Dissembler.' So we're taking Woodhands around the track one more time -- quite literally -- while the boys pontificate on dance music, keytars and what songwriting and go-karting have in common.

James Otto, 'Soldiers & Jesus' -- New Song

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Soldiers & Jesus' is James Otto's second single off his upcoming third studio album, 'Shake What God Gave Ya,' in stores Sept. 14.

Driven by a catchy, touching melody, the mid-tempo ballad begins with simplistic guitar strumming -- only to complement and nicely highlight James Otto's soothing, emphatic vocals, as he pays tribute to soldiers and Jesus, "the only two people who ever died for me."

'Soldiers & Jesus' follows 'Groovy Little Summer Song,' the lead-off single from his album, co-produced by Otto and Paul Worley (Big & Rich, Lady Antebellum, Dixie Chicks).

"This is a declaration of who I am," James tells The Boot of the country-soul 'Shake What God Gave Ya,' which follows his 2008 critically-acclaimed 'Sunset Man' album.

To hear 'Soldiers & Jesus,' head over to AOL Radio's Patriotic Songs station, which plays nothing but tunes to conjure the American spirit.

Lil' Boosie's 'Incarcerated' Album Out in September

Lil' Boosie is set to drop his fifth album next month, despite his confinement behind bars.

The New Orleans rapper was indicted on charges of first degree murder and conspiracy back in June, but his label Asylum Records will release the appropriately titled album 'Incarcerated' on September 28. 'Incarcerated' is a follow up to Boosie's 2009 album 'Superbad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz,' and it features production from B.J. and Mouse on Tha Track. Guest features include Lil Trill, Foxx and Webbie.

Lil' Boosie -- born Torrence Hatch -- was charged with the shooting death of Terry Boyd in October 2009. He is currently under investigation for his role in five additional murders and he was also charged with three counts of narcotics possession after an attempt to traffic codeine, ecstasy and marijuana into his correctional facility. Prior to his recent conviction, Boosie was already facing four years behind bars for violating the terms of his probation.

Swizz Beatz Renames Third Album 'Haute Living'

After announcing via Twitter that his third album would be titled 'The Perception of Greatness,' Swizz Beatz turned to the social networking site to share his change of plans. While in a studio session with Mary J. Blige last night in New York City, Swizzy unveiled his new album title 'Haute Living,' stating that it's the perfect phrase to represent what he's all about.

"My new album is (Haute Living) because thats my art, fashion, music, life style Haute means the highest level!" he tweeted. "Swizz Beatz present @hauteliving the album for music art fashion for our people ......... Get with the HAUTE LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!"

The name change coincides with Swizz's recent label swap. The 31-year-old hitmaker recently parted ways with Universal Motown Records for Everest Entertainment and Atlantic/Warner Records to release his second solo record.

'Haute Living,' due in stores later this year, is said to feature guest appearances from Blige, Drake, Coldplay, John Legend, T.I. and Jay-Z. It's the rapper's first solo release since 2007's 'One Man Band Man,' which spawned the singles 'Money in the Bank' and 'It's Me Bitches.'

George Strait, 'The Breath You Take' - Story Behind the Lyrics

The Boot sat down with legendary songwriter Dean Dillon and his daughter, Jessie Jo Dillon, to talk about George Strait's latest hit, 'The Breath You Take,' which the father-daughter team co-wrote with Casey Beathard last November.

Dean: It was my daughter's idea. She brought it to the table. I thought it was great. I called Casey, who's a good buddy of mine. We met at my office the next day and did what songwriters do.

Jessie Jo: I had that title for a while. I brought it into the session when writing with Dad and Casey. I threw out the idea and they really jumped on it. We went from there. Casey is really into sports and stuff, so we got off on that in the first verse. It was a really fast write. We finished it in about an hour. It was really neat because we wrote it, and we were really excited about it.

Dean: I thought it would be a great song for George to cut.

Jessie Jo: George liked it so much, which was a huge honor to me. That was amazing! He put it on hold just from the work tape which artists hardly do anymore. Dad went down with George to the studio when he was recording it. I still remember the day they called and said he cut it ... I cried! It was one of the last songs he did for the album.

Dean: 'Twang' is a special album as a whole because of the fact that [George's son] Bubba's on it and Jessie Jo's on it. We felt good about that. George felt good about cutting things that Bubba had been part of and that Jessie Jo had been part of. Both of them have turned into great little songwriters. Jessie Jo reminds me so much of me when I was 23 years old. She's got the gift. She's got a great head for songwriting. Even in high school, her teachers would comment to me how she was a great writer. She never really pushed [songwriting] in front of me until two or three years ago. She never came to me to write a song until she felt she had something to really offer. She brought more than just the title to the table with 'The Breath You Take.' She plugged away line-by-line with us. It's great to see the next generation come along like this.

Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan Are Inspirational Nominees

The Inspirational Country Music Awards have announced their nominees, and several of country's biggest names have made the list.

Carrie Underwood and Craig Morgan lead the pack with nominations in three major categories each: Inspirational Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Mainstream Country Artist. Carrie's No.1 single, 'Temporary Home,' earned her a nomination for both Inspirational Song of the Year and Video of the Year, while Craig's hit, 'This Ain't Nothing,' is also nominated in both categories. Craig and Carrie are also each nominated in the Mainstream Country Artist category.

Chris Young and Miranda Lambert are both double nominees for Inspirational Country Song and Video of the Year. Chris's nominations are thanks to his recent hit, 'The Man I Want to Be,' while Miranda's No.1 hit, 'The House That Built Me,' earned her the dual spots. Other nominees in the Inspirational Country Song category include Lee Brice's 'Love Like Crazy' and Jo Dee Messina's single, 'That's God.'

Trace Adkins hit, 'All I Ask for Anymore, is the final nominee in the Video of the Year category. In addition to Carrie and Craig, other artists nominated in the Mainstream Country Artist category include Jeff Bates, Ricky Skaggs and Josh Turner.

The ceremony, which will be held on October 14 in Hendersonville, Tenn., will also include performances by Love & Theft, Joey + Rory, Ralph Stanley and more. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.

D.M.C. Offers Encouraging Words to Camp Felix Kids

Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, better known as one of the founding members of Run-D.M.C., is all about giving back. The 46-year-old recently co-founded Camp Felix -- a summer camp intended to provide a getaway for foster kids in upstate New York. With 171 campers from New York City currently attending, the camp has become a beacon for kids looking to establish a sense of family outside of their foster homes.

"These kids say, 'I am just a foster kid. I have nothing going for me other than just being miserable," McDaniels told New York Daily News. "I tell them, 'You are wrong. Your situation doesn't define who you are."

McDaniels helped launch the camp after he learned during his mid-30s that he was adopted as a 5-year-old. "I was hurt, confused ... it felt totally unreal," he said. At the time it meant that they are not my mom and pop." The ex-rapper tamed up with 'Sopranos' casting director Sheila Jaffee, who also learned that she was adopted at the age of 11, to form the Felix Organization. The nonprofit spends $500 per child to attend the camp, which has seen more than 350 kids attending the three-week getaway since its inception.

With kids ranging from 8 to 14 years old, the camp has elicited support from celebrities including Mark Wahlberg, who donated $100,000 to the organization, as well as actress Lorraine Bracco who serves as an honorary chairwoman of the camp.

Hottest Bachelors in Country Music

Who is country music's hottest bachelor? The Boot polled our Twitter and Facebook followers to find out your top ten picks for the sexiest, most irresistible, unattached guys on your radio dial. But after a three-way tie, we ended up with a lucky 13 hottest bachelors ... lucky for you, ladies! And after we tallied the votes, we got out our little black book to contact each heartthrob on the countdown to get his thoughts on dating. Let the drooling begin.

10. Jerrod Niemann

Sizzle Factor: Movie star good looks, hilariously dry wit ... and oh yeah, talent, too! Jerrod's vocal range is wide enough that he recorded all nine background vocal parts on his No.1 hit, 'Lover Lover.'

Dating Mantra: "My favorite thing is a sense of humor, because sometimes personalities can clash ... I want to be able to speak freely. Chivalry is still alive. But I just like people who are kind and have a good sense of humor. At the end of the day, that's what lasts."

9. (tie) Gloriana's Mike & Tom Gossin

Sizzle Factor: Despite their chiseled good looks and AMA Breakthrough Artist trophies, these Gloriana brothers stay humble -- and still listen to their mom.

Mike's Dating Dilemma: "One time a girl threw flowers at me in the middle of a song, and they hit me where the sun don't shine! Totally embarrassing, but I loved it!"

Tom's Dating Mantra: "My type is a woman who is smart. Brains are most beautiful to me!"

9. (tie) Jason Jones

Sizzle Factor: That dimple on the blue-eyed boy next door's right cheek gets even bigger when he smiles, which apparently is quite often given Jason's sly sense of humor. And with songs like 'Unlikely Angel' and 'Slow Dance,' the tender tenor can make any girl swoon.

Dating Mantra: "My type is a woman who values tradition and is not afraid to speak her mind, while also being kindhearted, open-minded and having a great sense of humor. I love a wacky sense of humor."

Jason Jones Songs

9. (tie) Lee Brice

Sizzle Factor: Date Lee, and chances are you'll end up the subject of a song ... a huge song! He penned Garth Brooks' 'More Than a Memory' about an ex and keeps several old flames burning on his own critically-acclaimed album, the appropriately titled 'Love Like Crazy.'

Dating Mantra: "I can't believe I'm in the hottest bachelor countdown! Wonder if it could lead to an invite to the Playboy Mansion? Hmmm ..."

8. Josh Thompson

Sizzle Factor: Josh followed his testosterone-fueled debut, 'Beer on the Table,' with something a bit more female friendly, 'Way Out Here,' which shows this hot bachelor's small town charm.

Dating Mantra: "I definitely don't think of myself as a sex symbol, but I appreciate the compliment! Dating is a challenge because I have no time, so any woman would have to understand that, plus be the completely down-to-earth, go-getter, like-to-get-dirty, outdoorsy type!"

7. Keith Anderson

Sizzle Factor: Keith melted hearts everywhere when he put his own heart on the line with the Top 5 single, 'I Still Miss You,' mourning the loss of a loved one. That, and his former life as baseball-player-turned-body-builder makes Keith H-O-T!

Dating Mantra: "My idea of the perfect date is great conversation and a lot of laughs. But it's hard for me to date because I am never in the same city more than a week at a time! Even Nashville."

6. Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood

Sizzle Factor: This Grammy-winning, chart-topping, multi-instrumentalist hasn't let fame go to his head. Dave is still the same Georgia boy who opens doors for ladies and even admits to watching chick flicks every now and then.

Dating Mantra: "I would love to find a girl who loves to travel as much as we do. Someone who likes the ups and downs of a music career. I'm still looking for the right one!"

5. Chris Young

Sizzle Factor: A true family man, the Tennessee-native included his parents, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces in his video for the hit single, 'Voices.' And our readers aren't alone in voting him on a hot list -- Chris was Country Weekly magazine's hottest bachelor in both 2006 and 2009!

Dating Mantra: "My type is a woman who is up for anything. Sometimes I'm a movie-on-the-couch guy, and other times I'm a hop-in-the-truck-and-hit-the-lake guy, so a spontaneous streak never hurts."

4. Jake Owen

Sizzle Factor: A professional golfer before he began his successful country music career, Jake also has aspirations of being a movie star someday. We can see why.

Sweet Spot: "Sometimes my female fans will give me the sweetest gifts. I could mention that I like a certain candy, and the next day in the meet-and-greet, they will present me with that exact sugar sweet. I can't begin to tell you how that makes a person feel."

3. Jimmy Wayne

Sizzle Factor: A velvet-voiced vocalist with a heart of gold, Jimmy just completed a 1700-mile walk across America to raise money and awareness for homeless teenagers. Talk about a sweetheart ... who's obviously insanely in shape!

Dating Dilemma: "Sometimes my female fans will [send] me a sexual proposition on Twitter. I don't respond because it could be ['To Catch a Predator' host ] Chris Hansen and the next thing ya know, he's offering me a cookie. Hell with that!"

2. Jaron and the Long Road to Love's Jaron Lowenstein

Sizzle Factor: This charismatic and hilariously funny Georgia native is still looking for Ms. Right. He may be "Jaron and the Long Road to Love," but the musician jokes that he hopes his next album will be branded "Jaron and He Found Her!" Get in line -- a long line -- ladies.

Dating Mantra: "My type is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin. A woman is most beautiful when she believes she is."

1. Chuck Wicks

Sizzle Factor: Three words: 'Hold That Thought.' If you haven't seen Chuck's steamy new video, just watch it below, and you'll see why the 31-year-old crooner was your choice for the hottest bachelor in country music. He may have lost the girl (ex Julianne Hough) but his head and sex appeal are still held high.

Dating Mantra: "My idea of the perfect date is one that leaves you anxious to have the second one."

Watch Fantasia sing - "Bittersweet at (Sessions)"

Jay-Z Joining U2 on the Road

Jay-Z is hitting the road again. This time it won't be as a headliner, but to join U2 on their worldwide 360 tour later this year. According to reports Jay will link with U2 to promote the launch of Live Nation Australia with performances in Australia and New Zealand.

Beginning this November in New Zealand, U2 and Jay will hit Auckland's Mount Smart Stadium, before making their way to Australia's Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. The 360 tour will finish off December 18 at Perth's Subiaco Oval, commemorating the first time the Irish group has performed in the city since 1998. Tickets go on sale September 3 and range in prices from $39.90 AUD to $100. U2.com subscribers will have the chance to purchase tickets before the general public.

Jay has had a close relationship with band leader Bono, who is known for his philanthropic work around the world. The two most recently worked together on the 'Hope for Haiti Now' telethon that raised over $57 million for Haitian citizens in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that hit the country in January. Hov and Bono recorded the song 'Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)' with all proceeds going to charity.

West and Swift to reunite on VMA stage?

Kanye West and Taylor Swift at the 2009 Video Music Awards.

If host Chelsea Handler has her way, Kanye West will reunite with Taylor Swift at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, 12 months after he disgraced himself by storming the stage and ruining her acceptance speech.
The rapper shocked the star-studded audience at last year's ceremony after he jumped on the stage to protest Swift's win for Best Female Video, saying the prize should have gone to Beyonce for her hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)."
West has kept a comparatively low profile since the incident, but he is reportedly planning to make his return with a performance at the 2010 awards show on Sept. 12.

Funnywoman Handler will take charge of the prizes, and she said on Ryan Seacrest's Los Angeles radio show on Thursday that she'd like to see the pair make up on stage.
Handler said, "I want to go and film some ridiculous stuff and see if we can do something with Kanye, because I always talk about Kanye. I'd like to get them (West and Swift) together. We've never really seen them together since then. ... We'll try to think of something clever to do with them, because that would be really fun."

Dylan takes a stand against ticket touts

Bob Dylan is refusing to sell advanced tickets to an upcoming concert in a bid to tackle internet resellers and give fans an equal chance to catch him live.
Tickets for the folk singer's concert at The Warfield in San Francisco on Wednesday will be sold at the door. Fans will be permitted to line up at midday but will only be allowed to buy one ticket each, in cash.
The plan was established to prevent touts from purchasing large batches of tickets and selling them for an inflated cost online. It will also eliminate handling and processing fees.
David Lefkowitz, the vice president of booking for promoters Goldenvoice, says, "Given the state of touring and how fees have escalated, it was a real breath of fresh air to do something very consumer oriented by eliminating all ticketing charges; it's almost a throwback to another time.
"It's been almost 20 years since Bob Dylan played The Warfield and in my opinion, he is an artist that needs no big promotions or hoopla. He comes, he plays, and it's an incredible experience."