On Saturday, the 57th annual Eurovision song competition wrapped up in Azerbaijan, seeing 26 nations go head-to-head in a battle of song. Swedish entrant Loreen destroyed the competition, scoring 372 points, edging out the closest competition by a margin of over 112 points.
Back To Business: Beyoncé wows at comeback show in Atlantic City
May 28, 2012 | Claire Ward-Beveridge
Bey is back. And since she’s on my list of performers-that-if-I-don’t-see-before-I-die-my-life-will-have-been-all-for-nought, I’m just going to imagine that I was there, snuggled in between the Obama girls, front row centre.
Check out photos of Kanye West’s custom-built Cannes screening pavilion
May 28, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel
Last week, we reported that Kanye West debuted his artistic short film “Cruel Summer” at Cannes, in a venue with 7 separate screens for simultaneous playback. After the screening, it was clear that Yeezy wasn’t just trying to make a short film — he was trying to change the way that we watch cinema.
This week on Twitter: Beyoncé is Lady Gaga’s emergency contact, Rihanna’s hair weighs as much as Goliath’s balls, and Lil Wayne calls out Pusha T
May 25, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel
At the end of each week, #Top40Tweets lists a cross-section of artists on the current pop charts and puts their tweets on display (along with their current chart number) for your enjoyment/scrutiny. This week, we look at 5 artists on the Billboard Music Charts.
FRIDAY MIXTAPE: The Best of Boi-1da (Eminem, Drake, Das Racist, Soulja Boy)
May 25, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel
It’s hard to imagine Boi-1da producing his tracks in an unfinished basement in Ajax, Ontario with FL Studio (Fruity Loops) as his only tool, but that’s how some of Boi-1da’s breakthrough beats were created, including the 2009 song that broke Drake to an international audience “Best I Ever Had.” Let’s check out some of his best beats to date on this week’s Friday Mixtape.
Kanye West debuts “Cruel Summer” at Cannes
May 25, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel
A month ago, Kanye West hadn’t shot a single frame of his 30-minute short film that was set to debut at Cannes this week. Critics laughed in his face. Skeptics insisted he wouldn’t finish it. Even the proudest G.O.O.D. Music fans were worried that Yeezy’s film would be an embarrassment to his brand. Though she didn’t voice it, I’m sure that even Kim Kardashian’s teeny, tiny brain was wrought with worry.
Justin Bieber performs “Boyfriend,” announces Believe tour dates on Ellen
May 24, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel
We were puzzled by Justin Bieber’s mediocre performance of “Boyfriend” on the season finale of The Voice a few weeks ago, and I can only assume that Scooter Braun heeded our warnings, because it seems like the kid really got his act together for his appearance on Ellen yesterday. Justin also made a big announcement while on Ellen, letting Beliebers and daytime TV fans alike know that he’d be hitting the road this summer for the Believe Tour.
SAMPLED: Sean Kingston – “Back 2 Life (Live It Up)” feat. T.I.
May 24, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel
SAMPLED is a recurring column that examines the skeletal production of a contemporary Rap/R&B/Hip-Hop or Pop song. From what song did the loop, sample, or chopped up vocal providing the backbone for a new interpretation originate? This week, the sample in question is from Soul II Soul’s late 80s new jack swing hit “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)”
AMERICAN IDOL RECAP: Finale Week (5/22/2012 & 5/23/2012)
May 24, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel
Pop Hunter is re-capping the grotesque display of culture that is American Idol all season, and this is the FINAL INSTALLMENT. Here’s what you need to know from the finale episodes, which aired May 22nd and May 23rd.
Watch Kreayshawn’s new video for “Breakfast” featuring 2 Chainz
May 23, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel
Kreayshawn has just announced that her debut album Somethin ‘Bout Kreay will be released August 14th, and to celebrate, here are the visuals for her first single “Breakfast,” featuring 2 Chainz. Pass the syrup.
May 28, 2012 | Aaron Zorgel