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'I could get whatever I want,' 21-year-old Harlem rapper tells MTV News about her new record deal with Kanye West.By Nadeska Alexis Teyana Taylor Photo: MTV News Teyana Taylor collaborated with Kanye West on his 2010 album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and now, as an official member of the G.O.O.D. Music team, the Harlem rapper confirms that she will also appear on the upcoming G.O.O.D. compilation album. When MTV News caught up with Taylor after news broke that she'd officially been added to the Def Jam roster, she said the deal was finalized in April. "I had been actually working with the whole G.O.O.D. Music family for quite a while," she explained. "Around the time we did the 'Dark Fantasy' song, I was still in my contract with Star Trak/Interscope Records, and I asked for release because I wanted to find myself as an artist. I had options to go to different labels, but I felt like G.O.O.D. Music was where I wanted to be, where I fit in. "This is the second go 'round for me, and hopefully, the second time's the charm," the 21-year-old continued. "I signed to Star Trak with Pharrell when I was 15, and now I'm at a new chapter in my life where I'm signed to G.O.O.D. Music, and I'm blessed and happy to be part of the team." The rapper, singer, writer and actress said the new deal will definitely improve her worth ethic. "Being signed to G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam has opened more doors now that I finally have a team behind me that can push me to work harder," she said. Taylor has already recorded her tracks for the upcoming G.O.O.D. Music album, another humbling experience. "Recording 'Dark Fantasy' and recording the G.O.O.D. Music album was both crazy," she shared. "When we did 'Dark Fantasy,' the album had to be turned in in three hours, so that was a song that we made happen so last minute, which happened to be the first song on the album, so that was very exciting. "The same amount of work, same amount of pressure, same amount of heart, intensity, passion [went into recording the G.O.O.D. Music LP]. It was a great experience to be able to work with someone like Kanye and with Pusha T, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, Common and the whole G.O.O.D. family. When it's time to do something, we all come together, we make it work, everyone's focused." Taylor recorded with West in both Los Angeles and New York, laughing off rumors that the crew ticked off the Royal Family while recording in London. Right now, Taylor is simply enjoying her new family circle. "I am the princess of G.O.O.D. Music, the first lady of G.O.O.D. Music, the baby of G.O.O.D. Music," she said, laughing. "I'm kinda the spoiled brat right now. I could get whatever I want." Related Artists Teyana Taylor Kanye West >> Read

Rap superstars get cozy in just-premiered clip, which also features Chris Brown.By Rob Markman Nicki Minaj and Nas in her "Right By My Side" video Photo: Cash Money/Young Money/Universal Music Nicki and Nas —it has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? It's no secret that Nicki Minaj has a flair for the dramatic, and on Wednesday (May 16), when she debuted her "Right by My Side" video on MTV, Nicki surprised many by casting the Queensbridge rap great as her leading man. The bright and cheery video opens with a pensive Nicki seated in a high-backed chair fit for a queen; her mind is clearly elsewhere, unaware of the camera's gaze. Only a few seconds pass before Nas struts into the scene and the two lean in to share a smooch only to find their lives subjected to a rewind sequence before their lips touch. "It all comes down to this, I miss your morning," Nicki sings on cue as the viewer is taken back in time. It's all pretty rosy as the lovesick couple share deep conversation and an inside joke as Nas hands his honey a silver dollar, which she flips into a wishing well. The clip has all the makings of a Nicholas Sparks romance flick: There's PDA, hand-holding, shopping trips and outdoor lunches. In one scene, Nas — who sports his trademark half-moon Caesar and big-framed 1980s-inspired glasses — surprises Nicki with a new car, topped off with a pink bow, of course. The reigning rap queen is so excited she leaps into his open arms. When Chris Brown shows up for his guest verse and duet-styled hook, he is set outside of the video's story line, delivering passionate performance scenes but never interrupting the two lovebirds. Breezy is no doubt a superstar, but he sits as a third wheel on Nicki and Nas' romantic ride. The vibe of the soft love song switches by the time the Female Weezy's rap verse rolls in. It's quite the verbal display as she sits beside Nas, wearing his hoodie and rapping in double-time of her own sexual prowess. "My p---y game so cold, that he always seem to come back/ 'Cause he knows that it be a wrap when I'm riding it from the back," she spits while wearing God's Son's oversized medallion around her neck. For the most part, the couple can't stay away from each other, but there is clearly some separation between the two lovers, even if only for a brief, undefined moment. In the closing scene, a lonely and longing Nicki sits on a park bench under a full moon with a sullen look on her typically animated face. Her frown is quickly remedied when Nas pulls up besides his boo and takes a seat next to her. They first hug and then share a deep and sensual kiss that is sure to get the rumor mill spinning out of control. What did you think of Nicki Minaj and Nas' kiss in the "Right By My Side" video? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Nicki Minaj Nas >> Read

'I love the effect she has on people,' KStew tells MTV News.By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Charlize Theron in "Snow White and the Huntsman" Photo: Universal Despite their obvious differences both onscreen and off, Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron have formed a bond during the filming of "Snow White and the Huntsman" and even more so during the current press tour in support of the film. When MTV News caught up with Stewart recently, we asked her to compare the familiar scenario of doing interviews with her longtime "Twilight" co-stars Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner versus her new castmate, the lovely Ms. Theron. "When Rob, Taylor and I do interviews together, they usually don't actually ask us anything. We just get to hang out and people like to watch that," Stewart said with a laugh. "It's fine, because I like hanging out with those guys, but it is weird. With Charlize, it's been great, because we're so proud of the movie and we actually only worked together for three days, so we got to know each other probably more or at least on a certain level during press, and it's been nice. It's been fun." Stewart said she especially admires Theron's ability to light up a room with her energy and humor. "Some people intimidate you. Some people's energy is so big you feel like you don't fit in the room, but with her, I really appreciate how different we are. I love the effect she has on people," Stewart said. "I find it hilarious. I love watching it happen. I do not have that. Maybe I have something else, but it's definitely not as visceral. Also, she's really hilarious," she added, noting that the Oscar winner uses the more colorful swear words with particular aplomb. "[She] puts me to shame, to be honest," Stewart said. Check out everything we've got on "Snow White and the Huntsman." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: 'Snow White And The Huntsman' Related Photos 'Snow White And The Huntsman' World Premiere Snow White And The Huntsman >> Read

'I won't name them, but there were a few,' singer-turned-actress tells MTV News of her onscreen role models.By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Rihanna Photo: MTV News Only a few more days until the year's biggest aliens-at-sea adventure movie "Battleship" sails into theaters. In addition to the intrigue surrounding the sheer spectacle of the film and the very attractive cast, the Peter Berg-directed tentpole features the highly anticipated motion-picture debut of pop superstar Rihanna. In the film, Rihanna plays the no-nonsense, tough-as-nails Petty Officer Cora "Weps" Raikes, who delivers one of the film's more memorable one-liners, as well as a believably badass performance. When MTV News caught up with the "Where Have U Been" singer recently, we asked if she looked to any specific action movies or actresses for inspiration. "There were a few — I won't name them, but there were a few," Rihanna admitted of studying other badass onscreen ladies. "[They were] mostly actresses I looked to and looked up to and embodied their characters and tried to see how they would approach the action. I watched a lot of bad bitches," she said with a smile. In looking ahead toward a potential acting career, Rihanna said she doesn't have a specific five-year-plan, but she hopes to be able to explore more opportunities as they come her way. "You can't plan for anything, the unknown really. I hadn't done anything in acting so I didn't feel like it was appropriate to have any plan," she said. "I didn't know if I would like it or be good at it. I really enjoyed the experience and I want to do more, try different types of roles so that I can see what I excel in most or like best." Check out everything we've got on "Battleship." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: 'Battleship' Related Photos 'Battleship' >> Read

Singer will open up about his appearance in the off-Broadway show 'Fuerza Bruta,' as well his new album, during 'MTV First' on Wednesday.By Jocelyn Vena Usher's <i>Looking 4 Myself</i> cover art Photo: RCA Sure, anyone can hold an album-listening party at some record label's headquarters or, to really mix it up, some swanky nightclub. But for Usher, that just wasn't enough. When he was looking for a way to debut tracks off Looking 4 Myself, out June 12, he found another way to spread the word. Last month, Usher appeared in the off-Broadway show "Fuerza Bruta," in which he played the male lead, Running Man, for one night only. During the show, he played all his newest, shiniest tracks for lucky theatergoers. When MTV News spoke to him exclusively during rehearsals, he explained that his part in "Fuerza" provided the perfect pairing between the themes on his album and the visuals of the play. "I mean, life is like that in a lot of ways. This was something that I organically came to," he explained. "When you think about the lyrics of 'Climax,' 'Going nowhere fast/ We reached the climax' ... 'Going nowhere fast' would be running in place," he explained, referring to a part in the show where he runs on a treadmill, never actually ending up anywhere. "Looking 4 Myself, I'm walking with my head down, counting every step," he explained, referring to another act in the show. "I'm always trying to find very creative ways for the music and the art to work together and this is it. I only hoped it would be viewed in that way, in an unprecedented way. I hoped that people would be able to identify with it and become acclimated with my experience in a fun way, creative. This was kind of an emotional experience that leads you into my world." Usher has even more to share about his experience in the show as well as his highly anticipated album release. He will open up during "MTV First: Usher," set to take place on Wednesday, May 16, at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV. He will introduce exclusive footage from "Fuerza Bruta" and his new single, the Pharrell-produced "Twisted," and will stick around for an interview with MTV News' Sway Calloway to discuss it all on MTV.com afterward. Fans can submit questions via MTV.com or Twitter @MTVNews with the hashtag #MTVFirst or #AskUsher. The performances featured in "MTV First: Usher" were shot exclusively by MTV News during a special album-listening experience with the off-Broadway show "Fuerza Bruta" in New York City. Don't miss "MTV First: Usher" on Wednesday, May 16, at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by an interview with the singer on MTV.com! Related Videos Get Ready For 'MTV First: Usher'! >> Read

'When she walks into a room, her energy picks you up," Hov tells MTV News of his Roc Nation signee.By Rob Markman Jay-Z Photo: MTV News Jay-Z sure knows how to make dreams come true. Through the years, Hov has provided platforms for quite a few key artists like Kanye West and Rihanna — maybe you've heard of 'em. He has also lent a hand to a few less notables — Rell, anyone? — but when it comes to Roc Nation's new pop starlet Rita Ora, Hova has high hopes. "She's one of the people that, if you were in the position, you say, 'I'm gonna help her get her dream out and then we'll see what happens,' " Jay-Z told MTV News about the Kosovo-born, West London-bred singer when we caught up with him in Philadelphia on Monday. "I think her energy is infectious, because out the gate, two #1s in London and she'll just continue to grow from there." The later of the two #1s that Jigga references is her current single "R.I.P.," a track that was co-written by Drake and features Tinie Tempah. The fiery electro-love ode finds Ora staking her claim in a convoluted love triangle, making sensual offers that her boo simply can't refuse. "R.I.P. to the girl you used to see," she sings with a sexy wit. What's not to love about Rita? She perfectly balances over-the-top talent with a simple, around-the-way-girl charm. Her debut U.S. single "How We Do (Party)" is a nod to the Notorious B.I.G.'s 1991 underground track "Party and Bullsh--," doesn't get more around the way than that. (She told us last month she's a " huge Notorious B.I.G. fan.") You'll be hard-pressed to find a bigger B.I.G. fan than Jay, and it just so happens he's pretty fond of Rita as well. "She was the cool girl that worked in the sneaker store in the hood and everyone knew of her. She was just in there dreamin' and she just wanted it so bad," he said, describing Ora with awe. "You could just feel the excitement and the energy when she walks in the room, the room really changes. I know a lot of people say that and it gets to be cliché, but when she walks into a room, her energy picks you up." Are you into Rita Ora's energy? Let us know in the comments Related Artists Jay-Z Rita Ora >> Read

Emma Watson (who tweeted the news) will be on hand with Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller to present the sneak peek Sunday, June 3.By Kara Warner Emma Watson and Logan Lerman in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" Photo: John Bramley/Summit Entertainment We're less than a month away from everyone's favorite cinematic-themed awards show — the 2012 MTV Movie Awards — and with only weeks away from our June 3 show date, you can expect special announcements to start flooding in with teases of this year's special guests, presenters and pre-show moments. Speaking of pre-show moments, we're pleased to announce that the star-studded cast of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" will be on hand to help present the trailer for the highly anticipated film during our pre-show. The lovely Emma Watson helped break the news via her Twitter account on Wednesday (May 16). #PerksOfBeingAWallflower Trailer is going to show at the @MTVMovieAwards pre-show! @LoganLerman and Ezra and I will be there to present. : )— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) May 16, 2012 "#PerksOfBeingAWallflower Trailer is going to show at the @MTVMovieAwards pre-show!" Watson wrote. "@LoganLerman and Ezra and I will be there to present. : )" "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is based on the popular Stephen Chbosky novel of the same name. The story revolves around introverted high school freshman Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he slowly comes out of his shell thanks to new friends, siblings Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). Watson will not only be attending the show as part of the "Perks" trailer presentation, but will also be representing "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," for which the lovely actress is a double nominee in the Best Female Performance and Best Kiss categories. "Deathly Hallows, Part 2" has a chance to take home major Movie Awards gold given their six nominations but faces fierce competition from "The Hunger Games" and "Bridesmaids," which are the most-nominated movies this year. The MTV Movie Awards will air live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET. >> Read

'American Idol' hopefuls Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips have gotten A-List support from Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Julianne Hough.By Gil Kaufman Jessica Sanchez on "American Idol" Photo: FOX U.S. presidents have typically stayed out of the "who is going to win 'American Idol'" fray in the past in order to avoid upsetting any voting blocs. But that doesn't mean that foreign dignitaries can't offer up their two cents. That might explain why on the eve of the penultimate performance night on "Idol," the Associated Press reported that Philippine president Benigno Aquino III has wholeheartedly endorsed his choice for next week's finale: Jessica Sanchez. "Hopefully, she really reaches the top," Aquino said of the 16-year-old top three finalists from Chula Vista, California, who is of Filipino and Latin heritage. The President isn't the only one who has co-signed the pixie-size diva. She's gotten shout-outs and love from everyone from "Idol" mentor Jimmy Iovine and his music industry pal Tommy Mottola to former "Idol" champ Kris Allen. Onetime contestants Jennifer Hudson and Haley Reinhart, as well as singers Billy Joel, Beyoncé, India.Arie and Colbie Caillat have all sung Sanchez's praises. In an interview, Allen said, "I said that Jessica Sanchez was my favorite, and I hate saying that to be honest with you because I remember being on the show and other people being fans of other people on the show that were not me. But I think that she is my favorite to win the show. ... I think it's time for a girl to win, to be honest with you." While a girl has indeed not won since season six, Sanchez isn't the only one getting props from famous admirers. Leading contender Phillip Phillips has been feeling the love on his Twitter account, where he's gotten shout-outs from past "Idol" contestants including Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo and James Durbin, who said Phil reminds him of (shocker) Dave Matthews. Also offering praise over the months: rocker Jonny Lang, new Twitter bestie and Dave Matthews bassist Stefan Lessard, fake crush Julianne Hough and the folks at his favorite hometown restaurant, El Coyote Café. The other male left in the competition, soul sensation Joshua Ledet, is no slouch, either. In fact, over the past four months he's turned into the celeb-crush object of the moment, chatting up former "Idol" finalists Pia Toscano, Alaina and Melinda Doolittle, as well as "X Factor" finalist Stacy Francis. "Idol" champ Allen had high praise writing, "I think @JLedetAI11 is the best singer that's ever been on the show." Hudson sent a note to Ledet in February that he later said brought tears to his eyes, writing, "Joshua Ledet did an amazing performance of 'You Pulled Me Through' on @AmericanIdol last night. Gave me goosebumps!" Show executive producer Nigel Lythgoe sent along a note from the legendary Percy Sledge that said how much he enjoyed Ledet's version of "When a Man Loves a Woman." Oh, and did we mention that Mariah Carey tweeted him? "Joshua, thank you for your kind words and your beautiful performance," she wrote on March 29 after he sang her version of "Without You." "I'm honored you chose to sing my version of the song. God bless." And Rihanna too? "Joshua Ledet!!!!!!! I'm your #1 fan," she gushed. Not to mention Mary J. Blige herself, who wrote on May 10, "I just voted for @JLedetAI11 on #Idol. He slayed his performances." Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. >> Read

'I can't even begin to think who the final is going to be between,' Nigel Lythgoe tells MTV News.By Jocelyn Vena Nigel Lythgoe Photo: MTV News And then there were three. The final trio of contestants will face off this week on "American Idol," and if you think you know who might win, "Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe points out that there's really no way to predict the winner. With it all down to Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and judge-favorite Joshua Ledet, the chances of predicting who will be the season 11 champion is nearly impossible, especially given the show's history. "I guess I was shocked at Colton [Dixon] going so early. I thought he might even make the final. We've had very talented singers all this season. I'm thrilled with the three people who are left," he told MTV News at an event announcing Fox's fall lineup on Monday. "I can't even begin to think who the final is going to be between. "And then whichever combination you look: If Joshua is sent home, where does Joshua's votes go to, Jessica or to Phillip? Where does Jessica's votes go, if she's sent home? Where do Phillip's votes [go]?" he continued about any final combinations ahead of the May 23 finale. "So... I still don't know with the combination of just moving it around who is going to win." That being said, Lythgoe must have some gut feeling about who will join the ranks of Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Kris Allen as the "Idol" victor this time around? "I don't have to use my gut," he said. "I know the results every week and nobody has won two weeks on the run. It's so dependent, I think, on song choice now and how they do. The judges can critique, America makes its own decision at the end of the day." Do you think you can predict the next American Idol? Leave your comment below! Related Photos 'American Idol' Season 11 Performances >> Read

KStew wants to 'get together really weird, freaky actor people' for the Nick Cassavetes-directed film, her first producer credit.By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Kristen Stewart Photo: MTV News Kristen Stewart might be the light in the darkness of "Snow White and the Huntsman," but in her next film, "Cali," Stewart is fully embracing the unsavory. The Nick Cassavetes-directed flick is expected to shoot this summer and, from the looks of it, it exists in a world that couldn't be farther from the fairytale world of "Snow White." "Hopefully after all of this we can go and we can do it in the summer, like lock ourselves away for a few weeks in the Valley [in L.A.] in a little production office and get together really weird, freaky actor people," she told MTV News. "It's filled with like the coolest characters." The film centers on Mya (Stewart) and Chris, a couple from San Fernando Valley who sell a fake snuff film and disappear with the money. But Mya, who's thought to be dead, must head back to Cali years later to save the younger sister she left behind. When she and Chris return, they're faced with an array of characters, including "angry former business partners, homicidal porn stars, stoner vet techs [and] an unstoppable killing machine in a cowboy hat." Michael Diliberti ("30 Minutes or Less") wrote the script. "I'm from the Valley. It's been a while since we captured that world and it's super extreme, everything about it. I think it's like, it's extremely violent, it's extremely funny, extremely emotional," she explained about the film, which will be Stewart's first producer credit. "But all very kind of, not hard to watch, but real." Until she gets real in "Cali," KStew will close the "Twilight" chapter of her career when "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" opens this November. She's expected to hit up the Cannes Film Festival to premiere "On the Road," in which she'll showing another real side of herself when she appears nude. "I wasn't scared, honestly," Stewart told MTV News of the sex scenes, including a ménage à trois with co-stars Garrett Hedlund and Sam Riley. "It's kind of insane to watch now. I'm like, 'Who is that?' But I think — as every actress says when they do this is — it just felt so right," she said. "It was so within a different world and so within a different environment that I don't even really feel — I mean, I am personally connected to it, of course — but it is something outside of myself." Which Kristen Stewart movie are you looking forward to most? Leave your comment below! Check out everything we've got on "On the Road" and "Breaking Dawn - Part 2." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: 'Snow White And The Huntsman' Related Photos Snow White And The Huntsman >> Read