dirtylaundry

Mary J. Blige Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Led Zeppelin Covers

'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.

In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.

But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine.

"I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."

Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon.

"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.

Bruno Mars Adele Jada Kiss P Diddy

Rick Ross, Kreayshawn Don't 'Worry' About Each Other

'Things that happen outside of the music don't really have anything to do with the music,' says Kreay, who also squelched a feud with Gangsta Boo.
By Jocelyn Vena

Kreayshawn
Photo: Getty Images

Kreayshawn made headlines last week when she found herself tied up in a supposed beef with fellow femcee Gangsta Boo. After shrugging off the drama and declaring the pair beef-free, she opened up about why she seems to attract so much drama.

"Sometimes it's shocking just to see the amount of attention your words can have," she told MTV News. "At the same time, it's something you just have to deal with. In my opinion, I think media and music are two very different things, and sometimes people put them together. But things that happen outside of the music don't really have anything to do with the music. And I'm concentrated on the music."

Of course, Kreay and Rick Ross have exchanged some words since her rise to fame, though these days, she insists that the two MCs have decided to squelch the feud. "We don't have no problems," she assured us. "He's busy doing a whole bunch of things, and so am I. We're not worried about each other."

As her profile continues to rise, the singer commented on her life as a celebrity, noting that she's still adjusting to all the madness that goes with a career in the music industry.

"Sometimes it gets scary, but then you have to think about it, [and] like everything, it's just a new opportunity. And when things get thrown at you hella quick, then you might be like, 'I'm not sure I'm ready for this,' " she said. "But everything that's been thrown at me, I've basically been catching, so it's been going really good. I think this is a great opportunity for somebody like me who is a creative and down-to-earth type of person."

Why do you think Kreayshawn attracts so much drama? Let us know in the comments!

2 Live Crew Jay Z Duet Nas Beef Brittany Spears

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Beyonce Doing Regular Mom Things!

MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Beyonce Doing Regular Mom Things!

Jay Z Duet Nas Beef Brittany Spears Katy Perry

Lady Gaga - Lady Is A Tramp

Lady Is A Tramp

Artist: Lady Gaga
Label: Columbia Records

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=3061469&vid=697418

Flo Rida Lupe Fiasco Bruno Mars Adele

Around the Web…

Take a break this afternoon to check out Tuesday’s best links: What to buy, what to skip and what to borrow when shopping for baby – BabyZone.com VIDEO: 50 Cent pens children’s book about bullying – Today Do you feel guilty for employing a nanny? – ModernMom.com Five tips for preventing back talk – BreezyMama.com [...]

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/9wtASqkjxD8/

P Diddy Jay Z Kelis Usher

Beyoncé - Love on Top

Love on Top

Artist: Beyoncé
Label: Columbia Records
Album: 4

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1236911&vid=702484

Talib Kweli Nicki Minaj Drake lil Wayne

Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera Join 2011 AMA Performers

Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Maroon 5 also will perform, joining the likes of Katy Perry and Pitbull, at the American Music Awards.
By James Montgomery

Justin Bieber
Photo: Jack Guez/ AFP

Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige and Maroon 5 have been added to the ever-expanding list of performers for the 2011 American Music Awards, joining a roster of talent that already includes Katy Perry and Pitbull.

While most of this year's performances are being kept under wraps, a spokesperson for Dick Clark Productions announced Monday (October 24) that Aguilera and Maroon 5 will team up on their current smash "Moves Like Jagger" at this year's AMAs, which will air live on ABC on November 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, in a nomination special hosted by Pitbull and Nicki Minaj, it was revealed that Perry would head into the show as one of the night's most-nominated acts (along with fellow females Adele, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift), up for Artist of the Year, Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Female Artist and Adult Contemporary Music: Favorite Artist. It's somewhat fitting, given not only the rather huge year she's had, but that she also delivered a full-throttle version of her hit "Firework" at last year's AMAs.

For the fifth year, American Music Award winners will be determined by online voting. Fans can support their favorites in all categories by heading over to AMAVote.com.

The 2011 American Music Awards will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Related Videos

MTV First: Justin Bieber

MTV Celeb Gossip Talib Kweli Nicki Minaj

Tuesday, November 1, 2011