When Potter Payper was in prison, he watched from the sidelines as the other inmates would freestyle rap. “I’m just there in the corner like, ‘I think I can do that but I’m not sure,’” recalls the Barking-bred rapper, born Jamel Bousbaa to an Irish mother and Algerian father. “I was doing all of this memenemenem sh**,” he puts an air-microphone to his mouth, mimicking the fast adlibs of garage MCs popular in the early Noughties. “But that’s for guys that don’t have anything to say.”
Bousbaa, it quickly transpires, is a guy with plenty to say. After spending his teens in young offenders centres, Bousbaa served half of a four-year sentence in what he calls the “big man prison” for running a county lines drug smuggling operation. Upon his release in 2020, he wrote a handwritten letter to his fans, apologising for letting them down. Months later,...
Bousbaa, it quickly transpires, is a guy with plenty to say. After spending his teens in young offenders centres, Bousbaa served half of a four-year sentence in what he calls the “big man prison” for running a county lines drug smuggling operation. Upon his release in 2020, he wrote a handwritten letter to his fans, apologising for letting them down. Months later,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - Music
A Dizzee Rascal song has been removed from a government playlist after it was added in “error” following his assault conviction.
The rapper, whose real name is Dylan Mills, had his song “Dance Wiv Me”. featuring Calvin Harris, added to the new playlist, which was created to celebrate the King’s coronation in May.
The playlist addition comes shortly after the grime artist was found guilty of assaulting his ex-fiancé Cassandra Jones. The trial found him guilty in April, and he lost his appeal last week.
The song has now been removed from the playlist, says a spokesperson for the Dcms.
“The playlist has been created to celebrate British and Commonwealth artists ahead of the upcoming coronation,” said the Dcms in response to The Independent.
“A track featuring Dizzee Rascal was included in error and as soon as this was identified it was removed.”
The 38-year-old was found guilty of...
The rapper, whose real name is Dylan Mills, had his song “Dance Wiv Me”. featuring Calvin Harris, added to the new playlist, which was created to celebrate the King’s coronation in May.
The playlist addition comes shortly after the grime artist was found guilty of assaulting his ex-fiancé Cassandra Jones. The trial found him guilty in April, and he lost his appeal last week.
The song has now been removed from the playlist, says a spokesperson for the Dcms.
“The playlist has been created to celebrate British and Commonwealth artists ahead of the upcoming coronation,” said the Dcms in response to The Independent.
“A track featuring Dizzee Rascal was included in error and as soon as this was identified it was removed.”
The 38-year-old was found guilty of...
- 2/6/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Watching the stars of this documentary recall the mid-00s, you get the sense of just how distant the recent past can seem. In 2002, it’s doubtful the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Kano, Jammer or Lethal B expected that that in two decades, the Museum of London would mount an exhibition celebrating this once tiny scene which sprung from a few deprived corners of east London. But 20 years is a lifetime in popular music, and grime, the sound that produced Stormzy, has found fans in US stars Drake and Kanye West, and can claim to have sown the seeds for many UK artists since, now occupies a curious place in 2022. While the crown Stormzy holds is undeniable, who might be carrying it into the future is a little less certain, even as many of its long-serving artists now command a status few would have imagined just ten years ago.
Ewen.
Ewen.
- 7/12/2022
- by Sunil Chauhan
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Think back to June 2010. The air was filled with the sound of World Cup vuvuzelas and Dizzee Rascal. UK cinemas were set to welcome Hot Tub Time Machine. The shine had only recently worn off everybody’s crush on Nick Clegg. And beavers were being bred wild in Scotland for the first time in 400 years. Mad times. Mad times.
Into those mad times, came a mad man with a box. In April 2010, Matt Smith made his debut as Doctor Who’s Eleventh Doctor, with new showrunner Steven Moffat in tow. There were cracks in the universe and Rory dying and Vincent Van Gogh and James Cordon and a Pandorica. The Tardis exploded. A lot. Then just 24 hours after Eleven restored the universe in Series 5 finale ‘The Big Bang’, he also closed Glastonbury Festival.
It was an unusual moment, and a great one. Matt Smith certainly looked like he was enjoying himself.
Into those mad times, came a mad man with a box. In April 2010, Matt Smith made his debut as Doctor Who’s Eleventh Doctor, with new showrunner Steven Moffat in tow. There were cracks in the universe and Rory dying and Vincent Van Gogh and James Cordon and a Pandorica. The Tardis exploded. A lot. Then just 24 hours after Eleven restored the universe in Series 5 finale ‘The Big Bang’, he also closed Glastonbury Festival.
It was an unusual moment, and a great one. Matt Smith certainly looked like he was enjoying himself.
- 6/24/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Grime star Dizzee Rascal will have to wear an electronic tag and follow a 24-week curfew for assaulting his ex-fiancée during a domestic dispute, The Guardian reports.
The Mc, real name Dylan Mills, was sentenced Friday, April 8, after being found guilty last month of assaulting Cassandra Jones during an altercation in June 2021. On top of the community order stipulating the curfew and the electronic tag, the judge gave Mills a 12-month restraining order.
A lawyer for Mills did not immediately return Rolling Stone’s request for comment.
Mills was convicted...
The Mc, real name Dylan Mills, was sentenced Friday, April 8, after being found guilty last month of assaulting Cassandra Jones during an altercation in June 2021. On top of the community order stipulating the curfew and the electronic tag, the judge gave Mills a 12-month restraining order.
A lawyer for Mills did not immediately return Rolling Stone’s request for comment.
Mills was convicted...
- 4/8/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Rapper Dizzee Rascal, the pioneer of the genre of grime, has been charged with assault after a domestic argument in London left a woman injured. Dizzee Rascal, whose real name is Dylan Kwabena Mills, was charged on August 2 after the incident took place at a residential address in Streatham, southeast London, on June 8 […]
The post Rapper Dizzee Rascal Charged With Assault In London appeared first on uInterview.
The post Rapper Dizzee Rascal Charged With Assault In London appeared first on uInterview.
- 8/6/2021
- by Samantha Popovics
- Uinterview
BBC Three is set to air a comedy special celebrating mockumentary series “People Just Do Nothing.”
“Kurupting the Industry: The People Just Do Nothing Story” will follow the group of DJs and MCs behind pirate radio station Kurupt FM. Starring Allan Mustafa, Asim Chaudhry, Hugo Chegwin and Steve Stamp, the first episode of the popular series aired in 2012 on BBC iPlayer and was soon followed by five hit seasons.
The special will also feature celebrity fans including BBC DJ Clara Amfo, “The Hobbit” star Martin Freeman, rapper Dizzee Rascal and singer Craig David.
A feature based on the show, “People Just Do Nothing: Big in Japan,” is set for theatrical release on Aug. 18.
“Kurupting the Industry: The People Just Do Nothing Story” is made by Roughcut TV for BBC Three. Director of BBC comedy, Shane Allen, and BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell commissioned the special.
Ash Atalla exec produces for...
“Kurupting the Industry: The People Just Do Nothing Story” will follow the group of DJs and MCs behind pirate radio station Kurupt FM. Starring Allan Mustafa, Asim Chaudhry, Hugo Chegwin and Steve Stamp, the first episode of the popular series aired in 2012 on BBC iPlayer and was soon followed by five hit seasons.
The special will also feature celebrity fans including BBC DJ Clara Amfo, “The Hobbit” star Martin Freeman, rapper Dizzee Rascal and singer Craig David.
A feature based on the show, “People Just Do Nothing: Big in Japan,” is set for theatrical release on Aug. 18.
“Kurupting the Industry: The People Just Do Nothing Story” is made by Roughcut TV for BBC Three. Director of BBC comedy, Shane Allen, and BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell commissioned the special.
Ash Atalla exec produces for...
- 7/20/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
PBS upcoming docuseries, Icon: Music Through the Lens, explores the history and importance of music and concert photography. The six-part series will premiere on July 16th and air on Fridays through August 13th.
A new trailer for the series teases the various facets of music photography that the series will explore, starting with the premiere, “On Camera,” which will delve into what makes an image iconic. “Music photography is like the music itself,” historian Ashley Kahn says in the clip. “It’s part of our cultural heritage; it’s part...
A new trailer for the series teases the various facets of music photography that the series will explore, starting with the premiere, “On Camera,” which will delve into what makes an image iconic. “Music photography is like the music itself,” historian Ashley Kahn says in the clip. “It’s part of our cultural heritage; it’s part...
- 7/16/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Netflix has announced the cast of The House, its upcoming stop motion dark comedy animation anthology from Nexus Studios. The news was revealed Monday at the Annecy International Film Festival.
Directed by leading stop motion animation directors Emma de Swaef, Marc Roels, Niki Lindroth von Bahr and Paloma Baeza and produced by Nexus Studios, The Dark centers on a house and the three surreal tales of the individuals who made it their home.
“The characters in The House, albeit in different ways, are all trying to make sense of the world and their place within it. It’s about their flawed attempt to conform to an idea of who they think they are or who they think they ought to be,” said Charlotte Basso, Producer. “And whether they manage to break free or not. We couldn’t have dreamt of a better cast: they all embraced the heart of those...
Directed by leading stop motion animation directors Emma de Swaef, Marc Roels, Niki Lindroth von Bahr and Paloma Baeza and produced by Nexus Studios, The Dark centers on a house and the three surreal tales of the individuals who made it their home.
“The characters in The House, albeit in different ways, are all trying to make sense of the world and their place within it. It’s about their flawed attempt to conform to an idea of who they think they are or who they think they ought to be,” said Charlotte Basso, Producer. “And whether they manage to break free or not. We couldn’t have dreamt of a better cast: they all embraced the heart of those...
- 6/14/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
PBS has acquired the domestic distribution rights to “Icon: Music Through the Lens,” a docuseries about the history of photography for rock stars and musicians through the years.
Dick Carruthers, a legendary music director who has worked with artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Beyonce, White Stripes, Oasis, Paul McCartney and Black Sabbath, directed and produced “Icon,” and music photographer Gered Mankowitz curated the series’ many iconic photos.
PBS plans to air the series this summer, which is in six, one-hour parts, as part of the network’s primetime lineup.
“Icon” charts the fascinating lives and often crazy experiences of music photogs, from the earliest darkrooms to the digital landscapes of the present day. The series examines famous studio portraits, record sleeves, music magazine shoots, live shows, exhibitions, social media, coffee table books and fine art to ask what makes an image iconic and discover what the future holds for music photography.
Dick Carruthers, a legendary music director who has worked with artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Beyonce, White Stripes, Oasis, Paul McCartney and Black Sabbath, directed and produced “Icon,” and music photographer Gered Mankowitz curated the series’ many iconic photos.
PBS plans to air the series this summer, which is in six, one-hour parts, as part of the network’s primetime lineup.
“Icon” charts the fascinating lives and often crazy experiences of music photogs, from the earliest darkrooms to the digital landscapes of the present day. The series examines famous studio portraits, record sleeves, music magazine shoots, live shows, exhibitions, social media, coffee table books and fine art to ask what makes an image iconic and discover what the future holds for music photography.
- 5/14/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: PBS has acquired U.S. domestic broadcast and digital rights to Icon: Music Through The Lens, a six-episode original series from FilmRise in partnership with Universal Music Group’s Mercury Studios.
PBS will air the one-hour episodes as part of their summer prime-time lineup, Brooklyn-based FilmRise announced today. The series explores studio portraits, record sleeves, music magazines, live shows, exhibitions, social media, coffee table books and the fine art world, and looks at the future music photography.
Musicians featured include Alice Cooper, Craig David, Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Ziggy Marley, Lars Ulrich, (Metallica), Zara Larsson, Stefflon Don and Dizzee Rascal. The show interviews photographers Jill Furmanovsky, Kevin Westenberg, Terry O’Neill, Kevin Cummins, Bob Gruen, Rachel Wright, Deborah Feingold, Baron Wolman, Neal Preston, Roger Sargent, Dean Chalkley, Tom Sheehan, Pooneh Ghana, Michael Zagaris, Danny Clinch, Rankin and Mick Rock.
FilmRise called the series “a thrill ride...
PBS will air the one-hour episodes as part of their summer prime-time lineup, Brooklyn-based FilmRise announced today. The series explores studio portraits, record sleeves, music magazines, live shows, exhibitions, social media, coffee table books and the fine art world, and looks at the future music photography.
Musicians featured include Alice Cooper, Craig David, Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Ziggy Marley, Lars Ulrich, (Metallica), Zara Larsson, Stefflon Don and Dizzee Rascal. The show interviews photographers Jill Furmanovsky, Kevin Westenberg, Terry O’Neill, Kevin Cummins, Bob Gruen, Rachel Wright, Deborah Feingold, Baron Wolman, Neal Preston, Roger Sargent, Dean Chalkley, Tom Sheehan, Pooneh Ghana, Michael Zagaris, Danny Clinch, Rankin and Mick Rock.
FilmRise called the series “a thrill ride...
- 5/13/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
BAFTA-winning “X-Men” actor James McAvoy, “Star Wars” actor Daisy Ridley, musician Dizzee Rascal and Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall are among the luminaries participating in a celebrity version of hit show “The Great British Bake Off.”
“The Great Celebrity Bake Off” is in aid of the Stand Up To Cancer charity and will air on U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 this spring. The five new episodes will feature 20 famous faces from the worlds of entertainment, sport, music and film.
They also include double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes; actor and comedian John Bishop; filmmaker and author Stacey Dooley; comedian and presenter Tom Allen; comedian, author, screenwriter and television presenter David Baddiel; internet celebrity Ksi; TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan; author and broadcaster Philippa Perry; broadcaster Nick Grimshaw; comedian Rob Beckett; singer-songwriter Alexandra Burke; TV personality Anneka Rice; actor Reece Shearsmith; multi-platinum selling artist Anne-Marie; singer-songwriter Nadine Coyle; and comedian,...
“The Great Celebrity Bake Off” is in aid of the Stand Up To Cancer charity and will air on U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 this spring. The five new episodes will feature 20 famous faces from the worlds of entertainment, sport, music and film.
They also include double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes; actor and comedian John Bishop; filmmaker and author Stacey Dooley; comedian and presenter Tom Allen; comedian, author, screenwriter and television presenter David Baddiel; internet celebrity Ksi; TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan; author and broadcaster Philippa Perry; broadcaster Nick Grimshaw; comedian Rob Beckett; singer-songwriter Alexandra Burke; TV personality Anneka Rice; actor Reece Shearsmith; multi-platinum selling artist Anne-Marie; singer-songwriter Nadine Coyle; and comedian,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off’: Daisy Ridley & James McAvoy Among Stars Signed Up For Charity Series
British broadcaster Channel 4 has unveiled an impressive line-up for the celebrity version of The Great British Bake Off, which is made to support Stand Up To Cancer fundraising efforts.
Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley and Atonement star James McAvoy are among those booked for The Great Celebrity Bake Off, a five-part series that will premiere in the spring in the UK.
Other stars include athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, comedian John Bishop, TV host Stacey Dooley, comedian Tom Allen, comedian David Baddiel, Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, YouTuber Ksi, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, author Philippa Perry, broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, comedian Rob Beckett, singer Alexandra Burke, TV host Anneka Rice, actor Reece Shearsmith, musician Dizzee Rascal, musician Anne-Marie, singer Nadine Coyle and comedian Katherine Ryan.
Sarah Lazenby, Channel 4’s outgoing head of formats and features, said, “What we all need right now is more joy. Bake Off is serving up yet another...
Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley and Atonement star James McAvoy are among those booked for The Great Celebrity Bake Off, a five-part series that will premiere in the spring in the UK.
Other stars include athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, comedian John Bishop, TV host Stacey Dooley, comedian Tom Allen, comedian David Baddiel, Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, YouTuber Ksi, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, author Philippa Perry, broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, comedian Rob Beckett, singer Alexandra Burke, TV host Anneka Rice, actor Reece Shearsmith, musician Dizzee Rascal, musician Anne-Marie, singer Nadine Coyle and comedian Katherine Ryan.
Sarah Lazenby, Channel 4’s outgoing head of formats and features, said, “What we all need right now is more joy. Bake Off is serving up yet another...
- 1/28/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne, grime rapper Dizzee Rascal, documentarian Sir David Attenborough and singer Joan Armatrading were among the British artists to receive appointments on the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Lynne received an O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire) for his “services to music”; in addition to his tenures with Elo and the Traveling Wilburys, Lynne produced albums and co-wrote music with artists like Tom Petty, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful to be awarded this honour for my services to music.
Lynne received an O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire) for his “services to music”; in addition to his tenures with Elo and the Traveling Wilburys, Lynne produced albums and co-wrote music with artists like Tom Petty, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful to be awarded this honour for my services to music.
- 10/10/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
YouTube Originals is planning to stay focused on the U.K. market for the present and will release documentaries featuring British personalities, bestselling pop star Anne-Marie, music entrepreneur Posty and gamer Behzinga this fall.
“Currently we are keeping firmly planted in the U.K.,” Luke Hyams, head of YouTube Originals Emea, told Variety. “We are reviewing plans of expansion into other territories, but right now, for this year and the beginning of next year, we really are focusing on the U.K.”
The fall documentary season begins with four-parter “Together We Rise: The Uncompromised Story of Grm Daily.” Launching Sept. 28, it tells the story of YouTube channel Grm Daily, a leading platform for various U.K. rap genres, and its founder Posty, the young, Black, British entrepreneur. It is produced by Warner Music Entertainment and directed by Theo Williams.
Posty said: “The doc showcases the passion and hard work that...
“Currently we are keeping firmly planted in the U.K.,” Luke Hyams, head of YouTube Originals Emea, told Variety. “We are reviewing plans of expansion into other territories, but right now, for this year and the beginning of next year, we really are focusing on the U.K.”
The fall documentary season begins with four-parter “Together We Rise: The Uncompromised Story of Grm Daily.” Launching Sept. 28, it tells the story of YouTube channel Grm Daily, a leading platform for various U.K. rap genres, and its founder Posty, the young, Black, British entrepreneur. It is produced by Warner Music Entertainment and directed by Theo Williams.
Posty said: “The doc showcases the passion and hard work that...
- 8/20/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The Observer’s critics spotlight the major forthcoming movies, TV series, albums, ‘gigs’ and books
Experts from the arts choose the best of summer culture
It’s a cruel summer, for sure. But into the gap where music festivals used to be rides Live from the Drive-In, a socially distanced set of in-car gigs taking over car parks and race-courses from Bolton to Bristol (late July-September). The draws include Dizzee Rascal, The Streets and Tom Brennan.
Experts from the arts choose the best of summer culture
It’s a cruel summer, for sure. But into the gap where music festivals used to be rides Live from the Drive-In, a socially distanced set of in-car gigs taking over car parks and race-courses from Bolton to Bristol (late July-September). The draws include Dizzee Rascal, The Streets and Tom Brennan.
- 7/5/2020
- by Kitty Empire, Guy Lodge, Michael Hogan, Claire Armitstead
- The Guardian - Film News
There’s a scene in Babylon, the 1980 cult classic considered by many to be the great U.K. reggae movie, where a bunch of Brixton residents gather together in a rehearsal space. It’s the meeting place for their up-and-coming sound system, named Ital Lion; one of them has just procured a new dub from a shady record-store owner, who claims to have received the track “straight from the J.” (That’d be Jamaica.) The “harder than steel” tune is going to be their secret weapon when the Lion crew...
- 3/8/2019
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Shut Up and Play The Hits producer Pulse Films has teamed with Paramount Television to option the rights to Dan Hancox’s grime book Inner City Pressure.
The two companies are to adapt the book, which tells the story of the British music genre that spawned the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Stormzy and Skepta, for television.
It is the latest collaboration between the two companies, which are also working on a true-crime series investigating the disappearance of British child Madeleine McCann for Netflix.
The book, which was published in May, tells the story of a group of young MCs in London that went from council estates to becoming the most famous musicians in the country. It explores how the government tried to control their music, the police shut down their clubs and how they were initially ignored by national radio stations. A decade of in-depth interviews with the key figures,...
The two companies are to adapt the book, which tells the story of the British music genre that spawned the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Stormzy and Skepta, for television.
It is the latest collaboration between the two companies, which are also working on a true-crime series investigating the disappearance of British child Madeleine McCann for Netflix.
The book, which was published in May, tells the story of a group of young MCs in London that went from council estates to becoming the most famous musicians in the country. It explores how the government tried to control their music, the police shut down their clubs and how they were initially ignored by national radio stations. A decade of in-depth interviews with the key figures,...
- 11/8/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Poldark and Victoria producer Mammoth Screen is going contemporary with its latest project – an adaptation of DJ Target’s book Grime Kids.
The book is an insider account of grime, written by Target, who was responsible for introducing stars Wiley and Dizzee Rascal. He currently has shows on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra and runs his own label, having been part of the Pay As U Go Cartel and Wiley’s Grime collective Roll Deep.
Playwright Theresa Ikoko, who was born and raised in Hackney, London, will adapt with exec producers Tom Leggett (Room) Preethi Mavahalli (The City & the City) and Damien Timmer (Poldark).
The TV rights were optioned from Marium Raja at No Chiefs and Richard King at Orion.
Target said, “The response to Grime Kids so far has been overwhelming, with both seasoned grime fans and newcomers to the culture learning something or enjoying the trips down memory lane.
The book is an insider account of grime, written by Target, who was responsible for introducing stars Wiley and Dizzee Rascal. He currently has shows on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra and runs his own label, having been part of the Pay As U Go Cartel and Wiley’s Grime collective Roll Deep.
Playwright Theresa Ikoko, who was born and raised in Hackney, London, will adapt with exec producers Tom Leggett (Room) Preethi Mavahalli (The City & the City) and Damien Timmer (Poldark).
The TV rights were optioned from Marium Raja at No Chiefs and Richard King at Orion.
Target said, “The response to Grime Kids so far has been overwhelming, with both seasoned grime fans and newcomers to the culture learning something or enjoying the trips down memory lane.
- 7/27/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Renowned Films, the Critical Content-owned UK production company behind Bravo’s forthcoming reality series Backyard Envy, has hired a number of senior executives as it steps up its next stage of growth including a major focus on the U.S.
The company, which was set up by Max Welch, Duane Jones and Tim Withers in 2012, has hired former Channel 4 exec Mark Raeburn as Chief Operating Officer and Lizzie Wingham as Senior Development Executive.
Raeburn was previously Head of Content Finance at C4, where he financially managed the Channel 4 annual content budget of £700m (Us$958M), while Wingham was Deputy Editor of youth-skewing network BBC Three, and has worked on series including Married at First Sight and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. Raeburn has been tasked with overseeing the operational activity of the business including strategy, legal and human resources, while Wingham has been hired to “amplify” its development and...
The company, which was set up by Max Welch, Duane Jones and Tim Withers in 2012, has hired former Channel 4 exec Mark Raeburn as Chief Operating Officer and Lizzie Wingham as Senior Development Executive.
Raeburn was previously Head of Content Finance at C4, where he financially managed the Channel 4 annual content budget of £700m (Us$958M), while Wingham was Deputy Editor of youth-skewing network BBC Three, and has worked on series including Married at First Sight and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. Raeburn has been tasked with overseeing the operational activity of the business including strategy, legal and human resources, while Wingham has been hired to “amplify” its development and...
- 5/1/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Darcus Beese, president of Island Records U.K., will take over at the helm of the label’s U.S. operation, sources confirm to Variety. The news was first reported in Hits.
A London native with a West Indian background, Beese has been with Island for his entire professional career, joining as an assistant in the promotion department in 1993 and gradually rising to A&R director, in 2008 to co-president, and president five years later. He signed and/or worked closely with a wide array of artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, Disclosure, Taio Cruz, Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, Gotye, Jessie J, and others. He also oversaw the U.K. success of Drake, the Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, and the continued success of U2 — all of whom are signed to the label in the U.K.
He is also an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), a distinction he...
A London native with a West Indian background, Beese has been with Island for his entire professional career, joining as an assistant in the promotion department in 1993 and gradually rising to A&R director, in 2008 to co-president, and president five years later. He signed and/or worked closely with a wide array of artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, Disclosure, Taio Cruz, Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, Gotye, Jessie J, and others. He also oversaw the U.K. success of Drake, the Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, and the continued success of U2 — all of whom are signed to the label in the U.K.
He is also an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), a distinction he...
- 4/24/2018
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Darcus Beese, president of Island Records U.K., will replace outgoing David Massey at the helm of the label’s U.S. operation, sources confirmed to Variety. The news was first reported in Hits; reps for Island and parent company Universal Music Group did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
A London native with a West Indian background, Beese has been with Island for his entire professional career, joining as an assistant in the promotion department in 1993 and gradually rising to A&R director, in 2008 co-president and president five years later. He signed and/or worked closely with a wide array of artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, Disclosure, Taio Cruz, Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, Gotye, Jessie J and others. He also oversaw the U.K. success of Drake, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj and the continued success of U2 — all of whom are signed to the label in the U.
A London native with a West Indian background, Beese has been with Island for his entire professional career, joining as an assistant in the promotion department in 1993 and gradually rising to A&R director, in 2008 co-president and president five years later. He signed and/or worked closely with a wide array of artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, Disclosure, Taio Cruz, Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, Gotye, Jessie J and others. He also oversaw the U.K. success of Drake, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj and the continued success of U2 — all of whom are signed to the label in the U.
- 4/24/2018
- by Shirley Halperin and Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Calvin Harris has an early contender for "Song of the Summer." At midnight, the producer released "Heatstroke," his latest collaboration with Ariana Grande, Pharrell Williams and Young Thug. The song, which was recorded at God's Eyes Studios in L.A. and Circle House Studios in Miami, is the sixth non-album single Harris has released since 2015. Harris did the instrumentation using a piano, an electric piano, a 1965 Fender Stratocaster, a flexitone and a synthesizer, among other tools. Starrah provided additional background vocals. "Heatstroke" follows "Slide" (featuring Migos and Frank Ocean), "My Way," "Hype" (featuring Dizzee Rascal), "This Is What...
- 3/31/2017
- E! Online
Though his love life may have hit a few snags over the last couple of weeks, Scottish producer Calvin Harris has returned today to drop a new single, teaming up with UK rapper and previous collaborator Dizzee Rascal on “Hype.” The new song is just the latest in his continued conquest of pop music, following up on the release of the official music video last week for his hit with Rihanna, “This Is What You Came For.”
“Hype” is a dizzying house cut, opening with rapid fire rap verses from Rascal set alongside a chilled out bell sound. The track then explodes into upbeat drops, featuring four on the floor rhythms and a rowdy synth siren that squeaks and squeals along a bouncy bassline.
All in all, it’s a high energy track with plenty of appeal for the dance crowds, and we expect that Calvin Harris‘ latest offering will...
“Hype” is a dizzying house cut, opening with rapid fire rap verses from Rascal set alongside a chilled out bell sound. The track then explodes into upbeat drops, featuring four on the floor rhythms and a rowdy synth siren that squeaks and squeals along a bouncy bassline.
All in all, it’s a high energy track with plenty of appeal for the dance crowds, and we expect that Calvin Harris‘ latest offering will...
- 6/24/2016
- by Connor Jones
- We Got This Covered
Talk about letting it all hang out! Calvin Harris has been putting in some serious overtime at the gym since his split with Taylor Swift, and now a pal is helping him show off the results of his "break-over" in a very revealing Instagram photo. Harris has pal Emil Nava to thank for oh-so-casually posted a pic showing Calvin and their group of guy friends posing like statues of Greek gods during what appears to be a recent guy's trip. The Speedos are plentiful, as are the abs. It's safe to say those "leg days" he's always talking about on...
- 6/24/2016
- by jordan Runtagh, @jordanruntagh
- PEOPLE.com
Taylor Swift is definitely in Calvin Harris' rearview mirror. The Scottish Edm DJ has been very obviously working on his fitness, as he appeared with friends, including music video director Emil Nava, in an Instagram picture wearing only a Speedo. Let's just say all those "leg days" he has been tweeting and Instagramming about show. Harris might be trying to take attention away from bulging muscles by touching his nipples, but his abs, quads and everything else that are on display are pretty tough to miss. Nava's photo with Harris comes only a few days before the DJ released his newest single, "Hype," featuring Dizzee Rascal. This is the second collaboration for the two artists, having...
- 6/24/2016
- E! Online
Exclusive: Film supported by the Un to be released on World Refugee Day.
A film highlighting the refugee crisis, starring Jack O’Connell (Starred Up, Money Monster) and Holliday Grainger (Great Expectations, Cinderella), has been set for release across the UK on World Refugee Day - June 20, 2016.
Home, a 20-minute short that was shot in three countries, is supported by the Unhcr, the United Nations’ Refugee Agency.
Written and directed by Daniel Mulloy, who won a BAFTA in 2005 for short film Antonio’s Breakfast, the film centres on a comfortable English family who experience a life-changing journey.
Mulloy said: “We want to address the disconnect with refugees and do something to rip down the sense of them and us.”
Artists including Coldplay, Dizzee Rascal and Wiley donated music for the soundtrack.
The project is further supported by augmented reality and visual discovery app Blippar. For the first time ever on World Refugee Day, users will be...
A film highlighting the refugee crisis, starring Jack O’Connell (Starred Up, Money Monster) and Holliday Grainger (Great Expectations, Cinderella), has been set for release across the UK on World Refugee Day - June 20, 2016.
Home, a 20-minute short that was shot in three countries, is supported by the Unhcr, the United Nations’ Refugee Agency.
Written and directed by Daniel Mulloy, who won a BAFTA in 2005 for short film Antonio’s Breakfast, the film centres on a comfortable English family who experience a life-changing journey.
Mulloy said: “We want to address the disconnect with refugees and do something to rip down the sense of them and us.”
Artists including Coldplay, Dizzee Rascal and Wiley donated music for the soundtrack.
The project is further supported by augmented reality and visual discovery app Blippar. For the first time ever on World Refugee Day, users will be...
- 6/2/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Long before Forbes crowned him and Taylor Swift Hollywood's highest-paid power couple, Calvin Harris was just a shy lad making dance music on his older brother's Amiga keyboard. The Early YearsBorn Adam Richard Wiles, Harris - the youngest of three kids born to biochemist David and homemaker Pamela - grew up in Dumfries, Scotland, before moving to London in 2003 to pursue his music dreams. When things didn't pan out, a disheartened Harris moved home - but after he was discovered on MySpace a few years later, he signed with a major label in 2006. A Wary Star Is BornThe deejay-producer got...
- 3/30/2016
- by Jeff Nelson, @nelson_jeff
- PEOPLE.com
Long before Forbes crowned him and Taylor Swift Hollywood's highest-paid power couple, Calvin Harris was just a shy lad making dance music on his older brother's Amiga keyboard. The Early YearsBorn Adam Richard Wiles, Harris - the youngest of three kids born to biochemist David and homemaker Pamela - grew up in Dumfries, Scotland, before moving to London in 2003 to pursue his music dreams. When things didn't pan out, a disheartened Harris moved home - but after he was discovered on MySpace a few years later, he signed with a major label in 2006. A Wary Star Is BornThe deejay-producer got...
- 3/30/2016
- by Jeff Nelson, @nelson_jeff
- PEOPLE.com
Tom Hardy: beard owner, dog lover, and the new embodiment of "Mad" Max Rockatansky. Also, your new favourite lip-sync hero.
As anyone who's seen his rapping-while-holding-a-baby skills will tell you, Hardy is a musical man, and now his Dubsmash clips have gone viral, it is our duty to present you the best.
1. Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You'
It's the hand swoosh half way through the empowering fist clench that really makes it.
2. The Bee Gees' 'Staying Alive'
Why is he holding an Uzi? Why is he wearing camo gear? Come to think of it, why weren't the Bee Gees holding an uzi and wearing camo gear back in the day?
3. Annie's 'It's a Hard Knock Life'
Now imagine Bane singing this. It just got much better, didn't it?
4. Wu-Tang Clan's 'C.R.E.A.M.'
A video posted by...
As anyone who's seen his rapping-while-holding-a-baby skills will tell you, Hardy is a musical man, and now his Dubsmash clips have gone viral, it is our duty to present you the best.
1. Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You'
It's the hand swoosh half way through the empowering fist clench that really makes it.
2. The Bee Gees' 'Staying Alive'
Why is he holding an Uzi? Why is he wearing camo gear? Come to think of it, why weren't the Bee Gees holding an uzi and wearing camo gear back in the day?
3. Annie's 'It's a Hard Knock Life'
Now imagine Bane singing this. It just got much better, didn't it?
4. Wu-Tang Clan's 'C.R.E.A.M.'
A video posted by...
- 8/26/2015
- Digital Spy
DJ Fresh has explained why he decided to turn down the chance to be a judge on Ultimate DJ.
The 'Hot Right Now' hitmaker is the latest star to refuse a spot on Simon Cowell's new venture, joining the likes of Fatboy Slim and Sigma.
Simon Cowell's new DJ show: Our dream judges
Speaking backstage at Thorpe Park Resort's Island Beats Festival, he said: "We spoke to them... I don't really think it's the right fit for me. I have done stuff that gets into charts but I have an underground sort of mentality."
However, he made a point of saying that he wouldn't turn down the opportunity to work with someone who had found fame on the show or one similar.
"I would consider anything. I just like working with people that I'm excited about what they do," he said.
"So if I met someone who I...
The 'Hot Right Now' hitmaker is the latest star to refuse a spot on Simon Cowell's new venture, joining the likes of Fatboy Slim and Sigma.
Simon Cowell's new DJ show: Our dream judges
Speaking backstage at Thorpe Park Resort's Island Beats Festival, he said: "We spoke to them... I don't really think it's the right fit for me. I have done stuff that gets into charts but I have an underground sort of mentality."
However, he made a point of saying that he wouldn't turn down the opportunity to work with someone who had found fame on the show or one similar.
"I would consider anything. I just like working with people that I'm excited about what they do," he said.
"So if I met someone who I...
- 8/17/2015
- Digital Spy
Rinse.FM
Grime has been the UK’s most exciting contribution to the music world of the twenty-first century so far. Although its heyday was in the early 2000s, it has seen a huge revival recently with a bunch of young up-and-comers taking the template laid by legends like Wiley, Dizzee Rascal and Kano and running with it in weird new directions. Even Us hip-hop megastar Kanye West has been promoting grime, with his infamous performance at the 2015 Brit Awards featuring appearances from Stormzy, Skepta, Jammer and Novelist.
This is a beginner’s guide to grime, aimed at those who have come into the genre late and want to know more about its classic releases. Although grime is best known for its improvised battles (usually uploaded to YouTube or played out on pirate radio stations) and its excellent one-off singles, there have been plenty of incredible full-length releases put out...
Grime has been the UK’s most exciting contribution to the music world of the twenty-first century so far. Although its heyday was in the early 2000s, it has seen a huge revival recently with a bunch of young up-and-comers taking the template laid by legends like Wiley, Dizzee Rascal and Kano and running with it in weird new directions. Even Us hip-hop megastar Kanye West has been promoting grime, with his infamous performance at the 2015 Brit Awards featuring appearances from Stormzy, Skepta, Jammer and Novelist.
This is a beginner’s guide to grime, aimed at those who have come into the genre late and want to know more about its classic releases. Although grime is best known for its improvised battles (usually uploaded to YouTube or played out on pirate radio stations) and its excellent one-off singles, there have been plenty of incredible full-length releases put out...
- 7/23/2015
- by Michael Waugh
- Obsessed with Film
Chris Rock writes, directs and acts in the funny, self-aware and uplifting comedy Top Five co-starring Rosario Dawson.
The actor and comedian takes the lead as Andre Allen, a stand-up comic and recovering alcoholic who's desperate to be taken seriously in the shallow world of Hollywood while becoming submerged within a celebrity-obsessed culture.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Chris reveals he's currently writing a script for his next movie. It's not, as previously reported, a sequel to Top Five, but will have a similar tone and some of the same cast.
Chris talks about Jay Z and Kanye West's involvement as co-producers, and how there's perhaps a "dash of Kardashian" in Gabrielle Union's reality TV star Erica Long. He also responds to Woody Allen comparisons, and tells us who us his top five stand-up comedians of all time are:
How much of your own personal experiences did you carry into Top Five?...
The actor and comedian takes the lead as Andre Allen, a stand-up comic and recovering alcoholic who's desperate to be taken seriously in the shallow world of Hollywood while becoming submerged within a celebrity-obsessed culture.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Chris reveals he's currently writing a script for his next movie. It's not, as previously reported, a sequel to Top Five, but will have a similar tone and some of the same cast.
Chris talks about Jay Z and Kanye West's involvement as co-producers, and how there's perhaps a "dash of Kardashian" in Gabrielle Union's reality TV star Erica Long. He also responds to Woody Allen comparisons, and tells us who us his top five stand-up comedians of all time are:
How much of your own personal experiences did you carry into Top Five?...
- 5/8/2015
- Digital Spy
James Corden admitted he’s nervous about his new post as host of CBS’s “Late Late Show” during Monday’s Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California.
“There’s nothing more creative than trying to make an hour of television every day,” he said of the choice to turn away from his movie career to sign on as Craig Ferguson‘s replacement. “In terms of creativity, I couldn’t feel less like I’m putting the brakes on — more like I’m putting my foot on the gas, really.
“It’s daunting, don’t get me wrong,” he continued.
“There’s nothing more creative than trying to make an hour of television every day,” he said of the choice to turn away from his movie career to sign on as Craig Ferguson‘s replacement. “In terms of creativity, I couldn’t feel less like I’m putting the brakes on — more like I’m putting my foot on the gas, really.
“It’s daunting, don’t get me wrong,” he continued.
- 1/12/2015
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
Former MP Edwina Currie spiced up the jungle with her frank sex chat and honest camp conversations – but the 68-year-old couldn't be more happy to be back in the real world.
Sipping a Diet Coke by the pool of the plush Palazzo Versace, Edwina opens up about her experiences on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!:
How are you feeling, Edwina?
"Right now, I feel tired. You don't get enough sleep in there. I'm a bit spaced out, too. But I'm terribly pleased. I think it went very well. I lasted far longer than I thought I would. I was quite convinced I'd be the first out. Remember in Strictly, I was the first out? I was gutted about that. This time, I thought, 'You know what? With this crowd, I will be the first out but it will be fine.' But here I am. I survived.
Sipping a Diet Coke by the pool of the plush Palazzo Versace, Edwina opens up about her experiences on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!:
How are you feeling, Edwina?
"Right now, I feel tired. You don't get enough sleep in there. I'm a bit spaced out, too. But I'm terribly pleased. I think it went very well. I lasted far longer than I thought I would. I was quite convinced I'd be the first out. Remember in Strictly, I was the first out? I was gutted about that. This time, I thought, 'You know what? With this crowd, I will be the first out but it will be fine.' But here I am. I survived.
- 12/8/2014
- Digital Spy
Los Angeles was hopping tonight as another magical award show took place at the Nokia Theater. On Sunday (June 29), the 2014 Bet Awards went off without a hitch thanks to a hilarious hosting job by funny man Chris Rock.
In addition, talented celebs like Pharrell Williams took to the stage for amazing performances.
Big winners of the night included Lupita Nyong'o taking home the prize for Best Actress for her role in "12 Years a Slave." In the music category, August Alsina beat out Ariana Grande for Best New Artist.
Check out the full list of winners from the 2014 Bet Awards below!
Best New Artist
Winner August Alsina
Ariana Grande
Mack Wilds
Rich Homie Quan
ScHoolboy Q
Best Gospel Artist
Winner Tamela Mann
Donnie McClurkin
Erica Campbell
Hezekiah Walker
Tye Tribbett
Best Actress
Winner Lupita Nyong’o
Angela Bassett
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington
Oprah Winfrey
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Winner...
In addition, talented celebs like Pharrell Williams took to the stage for amazing performances.
Big winners of the night included Lupita Nyong'o taking home the prize for Best Actress for her role in "12 Years a Slave." In the music category, August Alsina beat out Ariana Grande for Best New Artist.
Check out the full list of winners from the 2014 Bet Awards below!
Best New Artist
Winner August Alsina
Ariana Grande
Mack Wilds
Rich Homie Quan
ScHoolboy Q
Best Gospel Artist
Winner Tamela Mann
Donnie McClurkin
Erica Campbell
Hezekiah Walker
Tye Tribbett
Best Actress
Winner Lupita Nyong’o
Angela Bassett
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington
Oprah Winfrey
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Winner...
- 6/30/2014
- GossipCenter
A complete list of winners from tonight's Chris Rock-hosted ceremony: Best Female Hip Hop Artist Nicki Minaj (Winner) Angel Haze Charli Baltimore Eve Iggy Azalea Best Male Hip Hop Artist Drake (Winner) Future J. Cole Jay Z Kendrick Lamar Best Group Young Money (Winner) A$AP Mob Daft Punk Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Tgt Best Collaboration Beyoncé f/ Jay Z – "Drunk In Love" (Winner) August Alsina f/ Trinidad Jame$ – "I Luv This" Drake f/ Majid Jordan – "Hold On (We're Going Home)" Jay Z f/ Justin Timberlake – "Holy Grail" Robin Thicke f/ T.I. & Pharrell Williams – "Blurred Lines" Yg f/ Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan – "My Hitta" Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Beyoncé (Winner) Janelle Monáe Jhené Aiko K. Michelle Rihanna Tamar Braxton Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Pharrell Williams (Winner) August Alsina Chris Brown John Legend Justin Timberlake Best New Artist August Alsina (Winner) Ariana Grande Mack Wilds Rich...
- 6/30/2014
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
See who won and who went home empty handed at the Bet Awards.
The 2014 Bet Awards were broadcast live from the Nokia Theater at La Live in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday night, and comedian Chris Rock dominated in his role as host.
Hip-hop artist Drake and the power couple Beyonce and Jay Z started the evening with five nominations each. However, the night seemed to be kindest to one Happy singer in particular.
Related: 1 Stabbed, 5 Shot At Bet Preshow Parties
Pharrell Williams - who opened the show with a surprise appearance by Missy Elliott - took home two of the biggest awards of the evening, while Drake beat out Jay Z for the coveted Best Male Hip-Hop Artist honor.
Here are all the winners from the 2014 Bet Awards:
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: Pharrell Williams
Other Nominees:
August Alsina
Chris Brown
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: Beyonce
Other...
The 2014 Bet Awards were broadcast live from the Nokia Theater at La Live in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday night, and comedian Chris Rock dominated in his role as host.
Hip-hop artist Drake and the power couple Beyonce and Jay Z started the evening with five nominations each. However, the night seemed to be kindest to one Happy singer in particular.
Related: 1 Stabbed, 5 Shot At Bet Preshow Parties
Pharrell Williams - who opened the show with a surprise appearance by Missy Elliott - took home two of the biggest awards of the evening, while Drake beat out Jay Z for the coveted Best Male Hip-Hop Artist honor.
Here are all the winners from the 2014 Bet Awards:
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: Pharrell Williams
Other Nominees:
August Alsina
Chris Brown
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: Beyonce
Other...
- 6/30/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Gearing up for its summer broadcast, the Bet Awards announced its 2014 nominees on Wednesday (May 14). Musicians take over this year as Jay-z, Beyonce Knowles and Drake lead the back with five nominations each.
In addition, Pharrell Williams and Best New Artist nominee August Alsina scored four nods each.
"This year's nominees represent the best of the culture," Stephen Hill, Bet's President of Music Programming and Specials, said in a statement. "It's great to see our talented new artists right alongside our more beloved ones with long careers."
The Bet Awards will air on Sunday, June 29! Check out the full list of nominees below!
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Janelle Monáe
Jhené Aiko
K. Michelle
Rihanna
Tamar Braxton
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
August Alsina
Chris Brown
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Pharrell Williams
Best Group
A$AP Mob
Daft Punk
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Tgt
Young Money
Best Collaboration...
In addition, Pharrell Williams and Best New Artist nominee August Alsina scored four nods each.
"This year's nominees represent the best of the culture," Stephen Hill, Bet's President of Music Programming and Specials, said in a statement. "It's great to see our talented new artists right alongside our more beloved ones with long careers."
The Bet Awards will air on Sunday, June 29! Check out the full list of nominees below!
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Janelle Monáe
Jhené Aiko
K. Michelle
Rihanna
Tamar Braxton
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
August Alsina
Chris Brown
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Pharrell Williams
Best Group
A$AP Mob
Daft Punk
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Tgt
Young Money
Best Collaboration...
- 5/14/2014
- GossipCenter
No surprise here: Queen B leads the nominations in this year’s Bet Awards.
Bet announced the nominees Wednesday, with Beyoncé and Jay Z leading the pack with four nods each. Voters include big names in various media fields, including TV, film, music, sports journalism, and social media.
The Bet Awards air live from L.A. on June 29 at 8 p.m. Et. Check out the list of nominees below:
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Janelle Monáe
Jhené Aiko
K. Michelle
Rihanna
Tamar Braxton
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
August Alsina
Chris Brown
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Pharrell Williams...
Bet announced the nominees Wednesday, with Beyoncé and Jay Z leading the pack with four nods each. Voters include big names in various media fields, including TV, film, music, sports journalism, and social media.
The Bet Awards air live from L.A. on June 29 at 8 p.m. Et. Check out the list of nominees below:
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Janelle Monáe
Jhené Aiko
K. Michelle
Rihanna
Tamar Braxton
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
August Alsina
Chris Brown
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Pharrell Williams...
- 5/14/2014
- by Ariana Bacle
- EW.com - PopWatch
London, May 7: The Ocr exam board has been criticized for introducing Russell Brand's testimony on drug as part of their new A-level English course, it has been revealed.
According to the Guardian, the A-level which also includes Times journalist Caitlin Moran's Twitter feed, Samuel Pepys's diary entries, interview of rapper Dizzee Rascal and work of former Guardian columnist, the Secret Footballer, has been denounced as 'rubbish' by the Department for Education.
A senior source of DfE warned the schools saying that pupils may not get through good universities and they expect better from other exam boards.
But despite all the condemnation, the exam board sustained the course and met the latest Ofqual and DfE guidelines,.
According to the Guardian, the A-level which also includes Times journalist Caitlin Moran's Twitter feed, Samuel Pepys's diary entries, interview of rapper Dizzee Rascal and work of former Guardian columnist, the Secret Footballer, has been denounced as 'rubbish' by the Department for Education.
A senior source of DfE warned the schools saying that pupils may not get through good universities and they expect better from other exam boards.
But despite all the condemnation, the exam board sustained the course and met the latest Ofqual and DfE guidelines,.
- 5/7/2014
- by Diksha Singh
- RealBollywood.com
After 25 years, Jeremy Paxman is quitting BBC Two's Newsnight.
No longer will we see politicians quaking in their boots, producers being slammed live on TV and awkward chats with rappers.
To mark the end of an era from quite possibly Britain's greatest news broadcaster of the last two decades, Digital Spy has rounded up just some of the classic moments of Paxo on Newsnight.
1. Paxman/Rascal
Possibly the sign of things to come in terms of Newsnight incorporating surprising guests and skits (see Cookie Monster and 'Thriller'). Paxman took part in a rather bizarre interview with Dizzee Rascal following Barack Obama's presidential victory in 2008. When asking Dizzee he believed in political parties in Britain, the rapper replied: "Yeah, they exist, I believe in them. But I don't know if I care," adding: "If you believe, you can achieve, innit." The awkward silences after Dizzee's points are also classic.
No longer will we see politicians quaking in their boots, producers being slammed live on TV and awkward chats with rappers.
To mark the end of an era from quite possibly Britain's greatest news broadcaster of the last two decades, Digital Spy has rounded up just some of the classic moments of Paxo on Newsnight.
1. Paxman/Rascal
Possibly the sign of things to come in terms of Newsnight incorporating surprising guests and skits (see Cookie Monster and 'Thriller'). Paxman took part in a rather bizarre interview with Dizzee Rascal following Barack Obama's presidential victory in 2008. When asking Dizzee he believed in political parties in Britain, the rapper replied: "Yeah, they exist, I believe in them. But I don't know if I care," adding: "If you believe, you can achieve, innit." The awkward silences after Dizzee's points are also classic.
- 5/1/2014
- Digital Spy
Sky has won a High Court case after being accused of plagiarism with its show Must Be the Music.
Waif Productions co-founders Brian Wade and Geraldine Perry had accused the broadcaster of stealing their idea for the 2010 show, which saw contestants battling it out with original songs.
The duo alleged that Must Be the Music ripped off their format The Real Deal, which would see contestants performing original songs for a panel of songwriters, with the songs available to download after each episode.
However, Broadcast reports that Mr Justice Birss found in favour of Sky.
"Sky's evidence was cogent and taken as a whole presented a clear and persuasive picture," he said. "I find that Must Be the Music was created entirely independently of The Real Deal."
Meanwhile, a Sky spokesperson said: "We are pleased that the court has found that Must Be the Music was independently created, as we have maintained throughout.
Waif Productions co-founders Brian Wade and Geraldine Perry had accused the broadcaster of stealing their idea for the 2010 show, which saw contestants battling it out with original songs.
The duo alleged that Must Be the Music ripped off their format The Real Deal, which would see contestants performing original songs for a panel of songwriters, with the songs available to download after each episode.
However, Broadcast reports that Mr Justice Birss found in favour of Sky.
"Sky's evidence was cogent and taken as a whole presented a clear and persuasive picture," he said. "I find that Must Be the Music was created entirely independently of The Real Deal."
Meanwhile, a Sky spokesperson said: "We are pleased that the court has found that Must Be the Music was independently created, as we have maintained throughout.
- 3/12/2014
- Digital Spy
To celebrate the upcoming release of the Now That’s What I Call Running 2014! CD on Monday 10th March, we’re giving 3 lucky WhatCulture.com readers the opportunity to win a copy of the compilation album.
After success with Now Running in 2012, Now That’s What I Call Music has is back with Now Running 2014, just as lent begins and people start to think a little bit more about shedding the pounds they’ve picked up over the Christmas period (and failed to shift with that underused brand new gym membership).
Need some motivation for your early morning run? From warm up through to warm down, three CDs of high energy music to accompany your workout. Now Running 2014 is the only album you will need to get you going. The Perfect album to tackle any park or road with including hits from Ke$ha, Pink, Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding.
To enter the competition,...
After success with Now Running in 2012, Now That’s What I Call Music has is back with Now Running 2014, just as lent begins and people start to think a little bit more about shedding the pounds they’ve picked up over the Christmas period (and failed to shift with that underused brand new gym membership).
Need some motivation for your early morning run? From warm up through to warm down, three CDs of high energy music to accompany your workout. Now Running 2014 is the only album you will need to get you going. The Perfect album to tackle any park or road with including hits from Ke$ha, Pink, Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding.
To enter the competition,...
- 3/6/2014
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Sky is being sued over its 2010 reality show Must Be the Music.
The competition - hosted by Fearne Cotton and judged by Jamie Cullum, Sharleen Spiteri and Dizzee Rascal - saw contestants battling it out with original songs, which were available to buy after the episode had aired.
The show ran for just one series before being dropped by Sky because of its cost and low ratings, with Cullum later suggesting that the format "wasn't cruel enough".
However, Waif Productions co-founders Brian Wade and Geraldine Perry have filed a lawsuit claiming that the format was their idea, Broadcast reports.
The duo say that they had the idea for a talent show featuring original compositions, with songwriter judges and the ability to download the songs after the show.
A Sky spokesperson confirmed that the broadcaster will fight the lawsuit, saying: "A format infringement claim has been brought against Sky relating to...
The competition - hosted by Fearne Cotton and judged by Jamie Cullum, Sharleen Spiteri and Dizzee Rascal - saw contestants battling it out with original songs, which were available to buy after the episode had aired.
The show ran for just one series before being dropped by Sky because of its cost and low ratings, with Cullum later suggesting that the format "wasn't cruel enough".
However, Waif Productions co-founders Brian Wade and Geraldine Perry have filed a lawsuit claiming that the format was their idea, Broadcast reports.
The duo say that they had the idea for a talent show featuring original compositions, with songwriter judges and the ability to download the songs after the show.
A Sky spokesperson confirmed that the broadcaster will fight the lawsuit, saying: "A format infringement claim has been brought against Sky relating to...
- 2/18/2014
- Digital Spy
When Troy came into the Digital Spy office and displayed my debit card Pin code to the office via the medium of playing cards, we knew he wasn't messing around. Once I'd just about recovered, I chatted to Troy about his brand new E4 series, so read on to find out why he's not the new Dynamo, which magician is his idol, what kind of tricks you can expect in his show, and why he's not interested in tricking celebrities right now...
Troy on... not explaining his tricks
"Don't explain what you do, especially with something like magic. The whole fun of it is the mystery - how did he do it? If I just said, 'It's this, this and this', that's not fun. Magic's not like that anyway. You can't just say, 'Bish, bash, bosh, that's how it's done'. There's a lot more to it than that. There's no explaining,...
Troy on... not explaining his tricks
"Don't explain what you do, especially with something like magic. The whole fun of it is the mystery - how did he do it? If I just said, 'It's this, this and this', that's not fun. Magic's not like that anyway. You can't just say, 'Bish, bash, bosh, that's how it's done'. There's a lot more to it than that. There's no explaining,...
- 2/11/2014
- Digital Spy
One more reason Harper Beckham is one of the luckiest kids alive? The pint-sized Lady Gaga fan got to meet her favorite musician, Mother Monster herself, backstage at the Jingle Bell Ball in London on Dec. 8 — and she was so starstruck!
Victoria and David Beckham‘s 2-year-old daughter Harper is such a little monster! The toddler got to meet her pop idol, Lady Gaga backstage at London’s O2 arena after the Dec. 8 Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball with Coca-Cola. The Beckhams told the singer that Harper’s such a devoted fan that she even sings along to her hit songs!
Harper Beckham Meets Lady Gaga: ‘Little Monster’ Sings Gaga’s Hit Songs
“Victoria and David, along with Harper, were taken to meet Lady Gaga backstage, and proudly told her that their daughter is her biggest fan,” a source told The Daily Mail.
Lady Gaga 'Applause' Take Our...
Victoria and David Beckham‘s 2-year-old daughter Harper is such a little monster! The toddler got to meet her pop idol, Lady Gaga backstage at London’s O2 arena after the Dec. 8 Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball with Coca-Cola. The Beckhams told the singer that Harper’s such a devoted fan that she even sings along to her hit songs!
Harper Beckham Meets Lady Gaga: ‘Little Monster’ Sings Gaga’s Hit Songs
“Victoria and David, along with Harper, were taken to meet Lady Gaga backstage, and proudly told her that their daughter is her biggest fan,” a source told The Daily Mail.
Lady Gaga 'Applause' Take Our...
- 12/10/2013
- by Kristine Hope Kowalski
- HollywoodLife
The Science of Doctor Who: BBC Two, 9pm
With the 50th anniversary celebrations taking place this month, everyone's favourite rock-star professor Brian Cox demonstrates the science behind the Doctor's time travel at the Royal Institute of Great Britain. The show also features Matt Smith's Doctor taking Cox on a journey in the Tardis.
The Big Bang Theory: E4, 8.30pm
Raj decides to set up a scavenger hunt between the group in order to see how strong their scientific knowledge and life skills are. Unsurprisingly, the results are mixed, with Howard and Amy bonding over Neil Diamond, while Bernadette's competitive personality is forced against Leonard's laid-back nature.
Children in Need Rocks: BBC One, 8pm
Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton host the benefit concert from the Hammersmith Apollo, organised by Gary Barlow. The diverse bill includes Dizzee Rascal, Barry Manilow, Rizzle Kicks, Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon, The Lumineers,...
With the 50th anniversary celebrations taking place this month, everyone's favourite rock-star professor Brian Cox demonstrates the science behind the Doctor's time travel at the Royal Institute of Great Britain. The show also features Matt Smith's Doctor taking Cox on a journey in the Tardis.
The Big Bang Theory: E4, 8.30pm
Raj decides to set up a scavenger hunt between the group in order to see how strong their scientific knowledge and life skills are. Unsurprisingly, the results are mixed, with Howard and Amy bonding over Neil Diamond, while Bernadette's competitive personality is forced against Leonard's laid-back nature.
Children in Need Rocks: BBC One, 8pm
Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton host the benefit concert from the Hammersmith Apollo, organised by Gary Barlow. The diverse bill includes Dizzee Rascal, Barry Manilow, Rizzle Kicks, Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon, The Lumineers,...
- 11/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Jeremy Paxman has paid tribute to David Dimbleby's recent tattoo with a surprise ending to Newsnight.
On last night's (November 12) edition of the BBC Two programme, Paxman closed with tattoos on each finger spelling "Good nite".
> Dizzee Rascal, Cookie Monster, Thriller: 8 unexpected Newsnight moments
Paxman's fake tattoos follow the real tattoo inked on 75-year-old Dimbleby.
The current affairs and political presenter fulfilled his life-long dream of getting a tattoo, choosing the image of a scorpion on his shoulder.
Dimbleby had the tattoo done during the filming of his new maritime TV series Britain and the Sea for an episode focused on how body art was brought to the UK via Captain Cook's trips on the South Sea.
Celebrity tattoos - photo gallery:...
On last night's (November 12) edition of the BBC Two programme, Paxman closed with tattoos on each finger spelling "Good nite".
> Dizzee Rascal, Cookie Monster, Thriller: 8 unexpected Newsnight moments
Paxman's fake tattoos follow the real tattoo inked on 75-year-old Dimbleby.
The current affairs and political presenter fulfilled his life-long dream of getting a tattoo, choosing the image of a scorpion on his shoulder.
Dimbleby had the tattoo done during the filming of his new maritime TV series Britain and the Sea for an episode focused on how body art was brought to the UK via Captain Cook's trips on the South Sea.
Celebrity tattoos - photo gallery:...
- 11/13/2013
- Digital Spy
London – Breaking Bad star Rj Mitte and British rapper and grime star Dizzee Rascal have been added to this year's roster of trophy presenters at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards extravaganza. MTV said Mitte, best known as Walt Jr. on Breaking Bad, is confirmed to present during the main show, while Rascal will be on hand to present one of the first two awards of the night from live on the red carpet during the 2013 MTV Ema Red Carpet Show, which airs ahead of the main awards broadcast. Photos: Miley Cyrus' Most Controversial Moments The "Biggest Fans" nod
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- 11/6/2013
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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