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When a jury determined “Blurred Lines” borrowed from Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” and Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke were ordered to pay millions of dollars in damages, it not only shook up the music industry but also set off a flurry of other lawsuits that made songwriters more willing to give credit, whether it was due or not.

After the 2015 decision, John Legend argued that the verdict would set a bad precedent for artists creating music inspired by others. It certainly set a precedent for legal action as other veteran songwriters decided to go after hitmakers they felt were a little too inspired by their work. Some went to trial, others settled outside the courtroom and a number of artists began extending writing credit to older songs — some because the melodies were similar but others to avoid a repeat of the “Blurred Lines” backlash.

But Ed Sheeran...

Usher’s got it bad for Las Vegas.

The Grammy-winning star, who is currently performing in Sin City for Usher: My Way The Vegas Residency, says he’s moved to Vegas for music — and also for his family.

“I began to curate my own little world here, so much so that I’ve actually put a flag in the ground. I’ve actually moved here,” he told THR. “For one year I’ve been here. I’m not saying that this is the end-all-be-all, but I have a place here so I can accommodate my family.”

The residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM has earned rave reviews, and he returns to the stage Friday. And this week he announced 15 new dates for June and October, with tickets going on sale Saturday.

“I’m trying to figure out how to create balance between my normal life of taking care of...

Even on a specialty level, horror just works post-pandemic with the latest pop from a strong showing by a trio of films, Fear and Infinity Pool, released this weekend, and Skinamarink in week three.

Fear hails from Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group, the all-Black production company behind cult hit Meet The Blacks (2016) and The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2, released into a shaky theatrical marketplace in June of 2021 that made nearly 3 million U.S. Fear, directed by Deon Taylor, was self-distributed by Hidden Empire Releasing on 974 screens, opening to an estimated 1.28 million for a per-screen average of 1,315. The breakdown: Fri: 466.9k (includes 132k in Thursday sneaks); Sat: 504k; Sun: estimated 310k.

Shows were sold out in key markets across the country including LA, New York, Sacramento, Atlanta, Miami, DC, and Chicago. The 50 increase from Friday to Saturday, not including Thursday previews, shows strong...

Lush yet still head-rattling, simple but deceptively complex, horny and consensual: There are few songs in existence better than “Back That Azz Up.” Juvenile’s 1999 song has it all — the New Orleans rapper kindly requesting his paramour “back that ass up” instead of demanding it, a blistering Lil Wayne feature, and, just as importantly, a galaxy-rich Mannie Fresh beat. Nevertheless, deep in the comment sections of Instagram Live, a cavalcade of adults (many of them celebrities) acted like a cheerleading section as they demanded Scott Storch play “Still D.R.

Congratulations are in order for Karlie Redd! The Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star just got engaged to her boyfriend known as Arkansas Mo, and her gorgeous diamond ring is a whopping nine carats. Karlie's beau decided to pop the question at the single release party for her jam "Ferrari Karlie," so her friends and co-stars were there for the special moment! As expected, Karlie lost her mind with excitement as Mo asked for her hand in marriage at the Atlanta club, Buckethead Loft. The reality star was living for the box that her dazzling sparkler came in, because there were a bunch of sweet pics on an Led screen when she opened it. Mimi Faust was even right next to Karlie, congratulating her as it happened! Engagement ring box. (Photo Credit: Karlie Redd's Instagram Stories) "I just want to tell you that I love you, and I'm ready to spend...

Karlie Redd dropped a new single Wednesday ... but that was quickly forgotten when her Bf popped the question. Karlie was hosting a party for her new single, "Ferrari Karlie," at Atlanta club Buckethead Loft when her now soon-to-be husband got down on bended knee and proposed. The pair has only been dating for few months -- he's her first relationship since she split with Grammy-nominated producer Sean Garrett. There's not a whole lot of info...

A new publishing firm called one77 Music announced its launch this week, with a 6,000-song catalog and $27 million in assets backed by private equity firm Virgo Investment Group. Jennifer Blakeman (pictured above), a top creative exec at Universal Publishing and Atlas Publishing, a veteran of Atlantic Records, will serve as the company’s president and chief creative officer; she was also a Warner Bros. recording artists; a touring keyboardist with Billy Idol, Savage Garden and Brian Wilson; and also held creative posts at Atlantic Records, Universal Pictures, and Zomba Publishing.

The company has also pacted with Kobalt Music, which will serve as one77’s global administration partner.

The new company’s catalog includes songs by Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Kelly Clarkson, as well as songs by Dr. Dre, Mike Posner, Jeremih, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, T.I., Meek Mill, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Keyshia Cole,...

At 16, Avery Wilson won over the judges on season 3 of The Voice with his blind audition cover of David Guetta-Usher hit "Without You." He joined Team Cee Lo but was booted too soon in a battle round – but three years later, he's doing just fine.

Wilson recently signed with Clive Davis, making him the first artist the megaproducer has taken under his wing in years. (Rounding out his talented team of advisers is manager Sean Garrett, who's produced 18 No. 1 hits.)

Last week, Wilson, now 19, released his first single, "If I Have To," and returned to the NBC talent...

Austin Mahone fans, listen up! Your boy has released his latest single, ‘Banga Banga,’ five days ahead of its Nov. 10 schedule, and we are more than happy to confirm that it will have you totally rocking out.

On Nov. 5, Austin Mahone gave his fans a delectable Tuesday treat by releasing his new, upbeat dance jam “Banga Banga” a full five days early. The song made its world debut on Chicago’s B96 radio Tuesday night, after Austin cheekily tweeted on Tuesday morning, “I have a Surprise for you!!!! Who wants to hear #BangaBanga today?!?!?!” Um, we do!

Austin Mahone Getting More ‘Fiesty’ With ‘Banga Banga’

Trying to differentiate from his previous singles, “What About Love” and “Say Somethin,” the 17-year-old sensation stirred things up a bit with his latest offering, which is a definite departure for the hot young star — in a good way! ”I like different styles of music,...

It’s happening, folks. Two generations of former Disney stars will be colliding as Miley Cyrus teams up with Britney Spears for a collaboration on her forthcoming album, Bangerz. Producer Sean Garrett confirmed the duet to Vibe, telling the publication that he was working with Cyrus and Mike WiLL Made It on the LP when it dawned on...Read more»...

Here comes trouble! Miley Cyrus, 20, and Britney Spears, 31, have been confirmed to work on a track together for Miley’s upcoming album ‘Bangerz.’

If you thought that Miley Cyrus‘ 2013 MTV Video Music Awards performance was outrageous, think again; Miley and the fabulous Britney Spears are going to work on a track together for Miley’s upcoming album, Bangerz, due out Oct. 8! Britney has an album of her own due out later this year as well, so we’re even more pumped!

Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears Will Collaborate On ‘Bangerz’ Album Track

Sean Garrett, producer of Bangerz, confirmed the collaboration on Twitter. A fan tweeted asking him for more details on Miley and Brit Brit’s track, and he replied with, “s**t is nuts!!!”

No word yet on the name of the song, but it’s sure to cause a stir!

Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears Compliment Each Other...

Don't mess with American Express -- that's the lesson for hip-hop mega-producer Sean Garrett, who was just ordered to fork over $108,084 to the credit card company.TMZ broke the story ... Amex sued Garrett -- who's banged out hits with Beyonce, Usher, and Nicki Minaj -- claiming he never paid off the hefty tab on his card. Amex filed a motion for default judgment last month -- because Garrett didn't respond to the lawsuit -- and...

R&B singer Brandy has defied the odds with her latest single, using her iconic vocals -- and yes, a little help from soul crooner and part-time rapper Chris Brown -- to snag a top 10 spot on the Billboard charts.

The songstress told Billboard she wanted to shock people with her new sound and the risk is paying off.

Brandy's single "Put It Down" jumped six spots to No. 5 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart this week, making it her first top ten single on the chart in 10 years. Her last hit on the chart was 2002s "What About Us?" The song peaked at No. 3.

After a four-year hiatus from music, the news was a triumphant moment for the singer who tweeted, "I can't lie - at one point I thought it was over for me in music but God had another plan thank you Father!"

The track...

Mega producer Sean Garrett never leaves home without his American Express card ... but unfortunately, he doesn't always pay his bill ... so says a new lawsuit filed by the credit card company. According to the lawsuit filed in Fulton County, Ga ... Garrett (who has worked with the likes of Beyonce, Usher, and Nicki Minaj) racked up a bil with Amex to the tune of $108,084.62. A sample of Garrett's bill included in the lawsuit listed his credit...

Brandy, you’re a fine girl. And it certainly shows in the artwork for your new album, “Two Eleven,” released today. The standard and deluxe covers feature the same image of Brandy, who looks like a leather-clad glamazon with mile-long legs, a very toned belly, a ponytail that could serve as a whip, and an expression that tells us she is means all business. The album includes “Put It Down”featuring Chris Brown, as well as new single, “Wildest Dreams. Among her collaborators on the album are TImbaland, Sean Garrett, Breyon Prescott, Danja, Jim Jonsin and Frank Ocean “Two Eleven” comes out Ten...

Brandy and Chris Brown have unveiled the music video for her new single 'Put It Down'. The pair are seen flirting and dancing against a colourful backdrop in the clip, which was released online last night (August 14). The song, produced by Bangladesh (Rihanna) and Sean Garrett (Britney Spears), is the first lifted from her sixth studio album Two Eleven, which follows later this year. Timbaland, Mario Winans, Danja, Rico Love, Ester Dean and Frank Ocean are among (more)...

Rihanna is working with David Guetta on her next album, producer Sean Garrett has revealed. Garrett, who has previously worked with the likes of Britney Spears, Destiny's Child and Usher, said that he has been creating a "mish-mash" of genres in the studio with the French DJ. He told the Daily Star: "I was in the studio with David doing some stuff for Rihanna recently. "He finds inspiration in the things I don't like, and I get excited by the things he doesn't like. He wants to (more)...

Hip-hop mega-producer Sean Garrett has worked with the biggest names in the business, but for the foreseeable future, a portion of every dollar ​he makes will go straight to the biggest name of all ... Uncle Sam. According to docs filed by the Georgia Department of Revenue, Garrett owes back taxes for the years 2006 and 2007 to the tune of $732,553.57.So the government is tired of waiting for their cash, they ordered Bmi, which collects royalties for artists,...

Miami, March 19 (Ians/Efe) Puerto Rican pop star Noelia will launch simultaneously on the Us and European markets two singles from the album she is recording in English with music producer and singer Timbaland and composer Sean Garrett.

The artist told Efe Friday that "Exploit", the first single for the Us market, and "Spell" for Europe will be aired on radio stations in three weeks.

"This production makes my greatest dreams come true. It's a joy and an immense achievement that I've been praying to heaven for so much," Noelia said about her eighth disc.

The album, which still has not been given a title, features a range.

Justin Bieber and Lil Wayne... it was bound to happen. Bieber, the teen idol that all rappers love to work with, would appear to be collaborating with Weezy for the Bieb’s next studio album. “Believe,” Bieber’s next project following his No. 1 Christmas set “Under the Mistletoe,” also features production work from Timbaland and Sean Garrett, but Bieber, who is updating fans constantly via Twitter, seems especially excited about Lil Wayne. Wednesday he tweeted “Good time in the studio last night. Back at it tonight... oh yeah...and big bro came through...and when I say big bro I mean @LilTunchi” Lil Tunchi...

Miami's Club Amnesia filled with hip-hop royalty Sunday night in honor of Maybach Music Mc.

By Rahman Dukes

Rick Ross and Dr. Dre at Ross' 36th birthday in Miami on Sunday

Photo: MTV News

Miami — Rick Ross cemented a weekend of jet-set partying for his 36th birthday in ultimate style Sunday night at his home base in Miami, surrounded by some of his closest friends and thousands of fans. Club Amnesia was packed wall to wall with almost no wiggle room, filled with hip-hop heavyweights and club revelers watching closely, competing to get a shot of the action.

Ross ascended from a chauffeur-driven black Maybach shortly after 1 a.m. with companion DJ Khaled by his side. Decked out in his signature coconut-colored silk threads, the hefty Mc was swiftly ushered by his Maybach Music entourage inside the venue.

Fans cheered, "Happy birthday, boss," as an elated Ross made his way to Amnesia's top-level VIP area,...

Jls have teased details about their new album. The group, who released their third LP Jukebox last November, admitted that they are already halfway through their next opus and revealed a number of the producers involved. Marvin Humes told Digital Spy: "We're halfway through it at the moment and we've already put a lot of material together. We're off to Los Angeles tomorrow to work with Babyface, Sean Garrett - who's one of America's biggest songwriters - and Bangladesh (Rihanna, Lil Wayne). "We'll be there for two weeks to wrap it up and then we're back in the UK for our tour. Then we'll prepare to release our new single." (more)...

Getty Singer Brandy speaks during the 2011 Summer TCA Tour held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 29, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.

Brandy is looking to move back to center stage. In recent years, the singer-actress starred as herself on the VH1 reality show “A Family Business” with brother Ray J and had bit roles in shows like the Lifetime series “Drop Dead Diva” and “90210.”

Next up, Brandy has a 10-episode guest starring role as a bartender named “Chardonnay” on the...

Tonight, a very different kind of reality singing competition debuts on the Hub. On "Majors & Minors," 12 talented young performers get the chance to be mentored by some of the biggest and most established artists in music, including Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Avril Lavigne, Sean Kingston, One Republic's Ryan Tedder, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and will.i.am. The kids range in age kids ages 10-16, and though no one is ever voted off the series, one lucky kid will score a recording deal with RCA/Jive and be featured in a cross-country concert tour.

The series' first mentor is Grammy-winner Brandy, and we were lucky enough to talk to the R&B songbird about the show and even got some early news on her buzzed-about upcoming album.

"I was blown away by the idea and they are celebrating kids and their art and their journey into becoming, you know,...

Justin Bieber helped raised $$10,000 (£6,200) for charity last night by leading a celebrity team to victory in a basketball game. The singer took to the court in Atlanta for his 'Baby' partner Ludacris's annual charity event, which raised funds for the rapper's foundation. Bieber's team were able to forge a comeback, winning the game 134-132. Ludacris was joined by the likes of Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and singer Teyana Taylor, while Bieber lined up with Shawty Lo, Sean Garrett and Oklahoma City Thunder player Kevin Durant. Bieber tweeted about his victory shortly (more)...

Justin Bieber won't limit himself in his next studio installment. The Canadian pop idol revealed what he wants to do with the album when promoting his fragrance "Someday" at Macy's last week. To MTV, he dished on his plan to get involved in the production beside continuing to write his own songs.

"I want to work a lot with myself," he gushed. "And [I want to] write a lot myself. I will be working with a lot of other producers and stuff like that, but I'm just writing a lot, writing on tour." He went on, "[I'm] writing about how I feel and producing. I've been producing on my laptop and on my computer."

Talking about what he has worked on so far, Bieber teased, "I've done a lot on my acoustic guitar, so it's gonna have that vibe." He added, "I'm not gonna really limit myself. I think music is music, and genre - I mean,...

HollywoodNews.com: Our selected celebrity to be included in our “Hot Hollywood Celebrity Photo Gallery of the Day” is Rihanna.

Rihanna ◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 9

Rihanna in Concert on NBC's Today Show Summer Concert

◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 9

Rihanna in Concert on NBC's Today Show Summer Concert

Robyn Rihanna Fenty (born February 20, 1988), better known as simply Rihanna (pronounced /riˈɑːnə/ ree-yah-na or /riˈænə/ ree-an-ə), is an R&B recording artist. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers. She subsequently signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for then-label head Jay-z.

In 2005, Rihanna released her debut studio album, Music of the Sun, which peaked in the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart and features the Billboard Hot 100 hit single “Pon de Replay.” Less than a year later, she released her second studio album,...

While traveling across the globe for his world tour, Justin Bieber has started writing new songs. The teen pop singer revealed it on Twitter, writing "Been writing alot of songs on the road. excited to just get this music out later this year and record this summer."

Details about his new album are still scarce, but Ne-Yo and Sean Garrett have previously mentioned their involvement in the project. "I am writing for Justin but I'm finding it kinda hard as it's a long time since I was 16 years old," Ne-Yo once said. "[The songs] are not so grown where it's like, 'He doesn't know anything about that stuff,' but it's not bubblegum kiddie stuff, either."

In a separate interview, Sean revealed what he has planned for the Beibs. "What we're trying to do with Justin is to segue him into young adulthood," he said. "The one great thing about Justin Bieber...

While traveling across the globe for his world tour, Justin Bieber has started writing new songs. The teen pop singer revealed it on Twitter, writing "Been writing alot of songs on the road. excited to just get this music out later this year and record this summer."

Details about his new album are still scarce, but Ne-Yo and Sean Garrett have previously mentioned their involvement in the project. "I am writing for Justin but I'm finding it kinda hard as it's a long time since I was 16 years old," Ne-Yo once said. "[The songs] are not so grown where it's like, 'He doesn't know anything about that stuff,' but it's not bubblegum kiddie stuff, either."

In a separate interview, Sean revealed what he has planned for the Beibs. "What we're trying to do with Justin is to segue him into young adulthood," he said. "The one great thing about Justin Bieber...

More sneak peek to Beyonce Knowles' upcoming music video is unveiled in a series of new pictures. Unlike the previous ones which feature her wearing an elegant white ensemble, these fresh images boast a fierce look at the R&B singer. She's pictured wearing a gold crown and holding a red "B" flag.

Coming out via Celebrity Mania, the on-location pictures were taken from Tuesday, April 12 filming in Mojave Desert, California. Beyonce is seen waving the flag and leading an army of women in a post-apocalyptic set. Scantily clad, the ladies were snapped striking poses around damaged cars.

Rumor has it, Beyonce filmed the video for a new single called "Girl". Award-winning director Francis Lawrence who previously worked with Lady GaGa and Destiny's Child is said sitting behind the lens, and Frank Gatson reportedly serves as a choreographer.

Details about the single are still scarce. Words are, it's a "female...

HollywoodLife.com stopped by the hottest party in Manhattan this week and tons of A-list celebs were in attendance — It was a night to remember!

If you want to step into dark, incredibly exclusive and mysterious venue, then check out NYC’s The Box. We attended Micah Jesse’s four year anniversary party for his entertainment website MicahJesse.com and it was epic! Even our own Editor-in-Chief Bonnie Fuller partied the night away with The Real Housewives of New York stars Kelly Bensimon and Sonja Morgan.The event was topped off by a performance by Marla Joy and a huge cake brought out by The Real Housewives of Miami – and they couldn’t stop dancing and blowing kisses! We’re guessing they were happy because they had just filmed a taping of “Watch What Happens Live” with Bravo host Andy Cohen.

Other celebs who couldn’t resist stopping by were: DJ Cassidy,...

Hov's Roc Nation partners with luxury brand for exclusive pre-show event.

By Kelly Marino

Jay-z at the Gucci and Roc Nation pre-Grammy brunch on Saturday

Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images

Los Angeles — With the 53rd annual Grammy Awards less than a day away, glossy industry parties have been underway as some of music's biggest names take over Los Angeles. And there's no better way to kick off the weekend than to sip on some mimosas and enjoy an early brunch with entertainment's biggest entrepreneur alongside fashion's leading luxury brand.

Held at the Soho House in West Hollywood, Roc Nation founder Jay-z along with Gucci's creative director, Frida Giannini, joined forces Saturday afternoon (February 12) to host this year's pre-Grammy brunch, celebrating the art of music and the special-edition collection of Gucci Grammy watches and jewelry items.

"I was looking for a partner, a very strong one, the day before the Grammys,...

The arrival of Justin Bieber's 3-D movie "Never Say Never" on February 11 will be followed by the release of his new album "Never Say Never - The Remixes" a few days later. The record is going to come out in the United States on February 14.

A live duet between Bieber and Miley Cyrus on "Overboard" during one of his "My World" concerts appears on the tracklisting. Soundtrack of Jaden Smith's "The Karate Kid" which features the child actor is also included. Usher lends his voice in "Somebody to Love".

Rascal Flatts and Chris Brown who have been mentioned as his duet partners since late last year will be featured in the remixes of "That Should Be Me" and "Up" respectively. A rework of "Runaway Love" which was done by Kanye West and Raekwon makes the cut to the CD as well.

The movie and the remix album are...

Producer says he was 'in NYC tryin' to make tracks' for B and Bells' songwriter/guitarist.

By James Montgomery

Beyonce

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ WireImage

Over the years, Diplo has worked with everyone from Thom Yorke to Spank Rock (and, of course, M.I.A.) so perhaps it should come as no surprise that, for his next collaboration, he's chosen to work with none other than Beyoncé. Oh, and electro-slammers Sleigh Bells, too. It all makes sense, in some bizarre way.

This is according to Dip himself, who posted a message — and a remix of the Sleigh Bells track "Tell 'Em" — on his blog, in which he let it be known that he, his production partner Switch and Sleigh Bells' songwriter/guitarist Derek Miller just wrapped sessions for Beyoncé's follow-up to I Am ... Sasha Fierce. He wasn't quite sure what would come of the tracks they created.

"Me and Switch...

Justin Bieber is aiming to become the next Justin Timberlake and he's hired superstar songwriter Sean Garrett to help reshape his sound. The teenage pop star is currently working on the follow-up to his hit album "My World 2.0." and he's collaborating with Garrett, who has written songs for Usher, Ciara and Britney Spears.

Garrett admits 16-year-old Bieber is aiming for a more grown-up sound on the new record, and they are looking to Timberlake for inspiration. He tells Billboard, "What we're trying to do with Justin is to segue him into young adulthood. The one great thing about Justin Bieber is the fact that his fans are going to grow with him. So we want all the fans that started out with him to still be intrigued and excited about him, but we want to also stretch out a little bit and make the fans that are 22-23 years old love Justin as well.

Sean Garrett has revealed that Justin Bieber's new album will attempt to replicate Justin Timberlake's success after leaving 'N Sync. Speaking to Billboard, the songwriter explained that the tracks chosen for the 'Baby' singer's new album will be more mature and hopefully segue him into an older fanbase. "What we're trying to do with Justin is to segue him into young adulthood. The one great thing about Justin Bieber is the fact that his fans are going to grow with him," he said. (more)...

Songwriter Sean Garrett says former 'Nsync star's success inspires Bieber's new project and also dishes on Beyoncé's album.

By Mawuse Ziegbe

Justin Bieber

Photo: Getty Images

Justin Bieber may have declined the chance to join Justin Timberlake's label, but according to a songwriter in the know, the former 'Nsync crooner is the inspiration for the teen sensation's upcoming album.

Songwriter Sean "The Pen "Garrett, who has been working with Bieber on the follow-up to the chart-ruling My World 2.0., spoke with Billboard about the direction for the teen superstar's forthcoming album, saying the project will feature more grown-up fare.

"What we're trying to do with Justin is to segue him into young adulthood," Garrett said of the project, which is also slated to feature production from hitmaker Christopher "Tricky" Stewart. "The one great thing about Justin Bieber is the fact that his fans are going to grow with him. So...

British rapper K. Koke is the latest star to join the line-up at Jay-z's U.S. record label Roc Nation. U.K. website Soul Culture reports the hip-hop mogul has signed the respected rapper and his Suspect Entertainment in a joint venture deal between Roc Nation/RCA.

In addition to K. Koke, the label's other artists label include Froggy, Grams, Lefty, R9, Skeng, Capo, Bug, Gyro, Leokins and Lil Shan.

It's not the first time Jay-z has tapped into the U.K. market to find new talent - he signed The Ting Tings in 2010. Roc Nation also boasts acts Sean Garrett, Rihanna, Jay Electronica, J. Cole and Willow Smith.

'Power' producer tweets he's 'finishing up some monsters' after week in the studio with B.

By James Montgomery

Beyoncé in the studio with S1

Photo: symbolycone.com

Beyoncé's already taken inspiration from the likes of Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill, hit the studio with a list of producers that includes Ne-Yo, Sean Garrett and Jim Jonsin, and now, she's hoping to capture the surge of Kanye West's "Power."

B — who's already hard at work on the follow-up to her massive I Am ... Sasha Fierce album — just wrapped a week in the studio with producer S1, the man who co-produced "Power" and has logged time with the likes of Ghostface Killah and Erykah Badu.

S1 broke the news via his Twitter account and also posted a photo of himself and B over on his official site. And from the sound of things, the sessions, which took place in New York City,...

The last three months of 2010 have one common trait which is getting stronger as the year inched closer to holiday season. Despite reasons to gather with family at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, a lot of celebrity couples chose to split. Meanwhile, the awards season were shaping up with the announcement of nominees and lots of artists were given "the most" and "-est" titles.

Through this Kaleidoscope, AceShowbiz presents the important events happening in the entertainment world in the last 12 months. Divided into quarters, the annual Kaleidoscope is published between December 28 and 31.

October

Having been praised for her performance in "Easy A", Emma Stone emerged as a strong contender for a female lead in untitled Spider-Man reboot among other rising stars such as Mia Wasikowska and Dianna Agron. Her red locks subsequently linked her to the role of Mary Jane. But when the studios published an official press release on...

Next week, Britney Spears will give the first taste to her new album via its lead single "Hold It Against Me". The news was revealed by Sharon Dastur, program director for New York's Z100, in an interview featured in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly.

"It's produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin," Dastur spilled the beans. "And the beat that they give her is really unique compared to other artists - this infectious bass beat beneath the song. Plus, the hook is just amazing. It will be out on January 7."

Lyrics of the song have been circulating on the web, and audition for dancers in the music video has been held. On top of that, Dr. Luke revealed on Twitter that one of the instruments used to record the single has been donated for good cause. He wrote, "The guitar donated for charity in sweden was used on britney's 1st single.

Sean Garrett , the multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer is working with Britney Spears on her next album, and he tells TooFab that her album is going to offer fans a whole new sound. "We're working on some stuff already for her, and I definitely plan on being on her album," Garrett, who recently inked a solo deal with Columbia Records, tells TooFab. "I think it's going to take things to the next level, as far as breaking out a new sound." Meanwhile, Garrett is also in the recording studio with "Glee" star Charice Pempengco , and says it's a match made in heaven--and he'd be game for a "Glee" cameo himself! "I love working with Charice," he tells TooFab. "She's a really cool girl, and I like her energy. The opportunity to work with her is great. She's a lot of fun, and a very smart little girl. She's got a great,...

Just hours after Chris Brown took to Twitter Tuesday morning saying he was "proud" that he finally completed his domestic violence classes, Sean Garrett told TooFab he's "very happy" his pal and collaborating partner has finished the program and is ready to start a new chapter. "I'm just very, very happy that he completed [the classes], and I'm wishing the best for him," Garrett, a multiplatinum singer/songwriter/producer, told TooFab of Brown completing the 52-week domestic violence classes, that were part of his sentence for assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna . "I'm about to go into the studio with him, as well, so we're going to bring out some new smashes." On Monday, Brown tweeted a photo of his certificate showing he completed the classes, and on Tuesday, he tweeted, "I have enough self respect and decency to be proud of accomplishing this Dv class..Boyz run from there [sic] mistakes..Men learn from them!

Earlier this week, rumor has swirled on the web suggesting Britney Spears upcoming first single will be titled "Don't Hold It Against Me". Along with the news, it is also reported that the new single will debut on January 3 next year and an audio stream which might be a demo for the track hit the web.

While Britney's camp who is usually quick to address any misleading info about the pop singer remains mum, Dr. Luke steps up to clarify the report. On his Twitter, he wrote, "I/ we never wrote a song called 'don't hold it against me'.... BewaRe of InaccuraTe info kids."

Later, the top-notch producer who is involved in the making of Britney's next studio installment added, "We did write 'hold it against me' but those lyrics are Not the lyrics...." He didn't say anything about the release date and the audio stream though.

Beside Dr. Luke,...

Tracks by Drake, B.o.B, Willow Smith and more make the cut.

By Jocelyn Vena

Rihanna

Photo: Getty Images

MTV News has been counting down our picks for the Top 25 Songs of 2010, and with everything from Lady Gaga's "Telephone" to Drake's "Fancy" making the list, it's pretty clear that we just wanted to party this year. So when MTV News caught up with some music megastars, we wanted to know what they were jamming to this year.

Katy Perry showed her girl some love with her pick, choosing a seriously fun Rihanna track. "I love 'Only Girl (In the World).' Of course I gotta give it up to my girl!" she said. Rihanna returned the favor to Perry, saying, "My favorite song of the year has to be 'Teenage Dream,' Katy Perry."

Snooki gave a shout-out to Pauly D and his "Beat the Beat" remix, Far East Movement...

On December 2 as she turned 29, Britney Spears gave her fans a special announcement. The pop singer revealed on her Twitter that she almost finishes her new album and plans to release it in March 2011. "I'm almost done with my new album and it will be coming out this March," she wrote. "I Am In L-o-v-e With It!"

Prior to the album announcement, Britney thanked her devotees for their support, "Just wanted to thank all of you for the amazing birthday wishes you guys have been sending all day. My fans mean the world to me & waking up to all of your wishes really made me smile, so here's something that I hope will make you smile..."

She also shared about what she is going to do to celebrate her birthday, tweeting "Ok, off on a romantic weekend with Jason for my birthday." Later, she added another note, referring to rumor...

'This is passion, this is love, this is music right here,' crooner Ray J says of awards show, which airs Sunday on Bet.

By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Joel Hanek

Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard host the 2010 Soul Train Awards

Photo: Moses Robinson/ Getty Images

Decades after the groovy soul-music showcase "Soul Train" arrived on television sets across the nation, the 2010 Soul Train Awards are keeping the phenomenon's legacy on track by spotlighting a new generation of R&B voices.

This year's show will air Sunday, November 28, on Bet and Centric, and MTV News hit the red carpet before the taping of the event to check in with some of the most respected songsmiths around today about "Soul Train" 's cultural impact.

"This is the platform for urban music and to be here today, for it to have so much longevity, this is it," "Sexy Can I" crooner Ray J said.

"I'm not in a box. It's not R&B. It's not typically pop. It's not rock. It's just everything I love all mixed together in my own little gumbo of music. [I'm inspired by] Fela Kuti, the Stylistics. How random, right? So many people ... Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, of course, Michael Jackson's Off the Wall ... all of those things I'm kind of mixing together."

-Recording artist, fashion icon and star of the "I Am ... World Tour" DVD and television special Beyoncé, discussing the types of sounds that are going into her currently-in-the-works new album (which will be her fourth solo effort. According to Beyoncé, the new project — the follow-up to her hugely successful I Am ... Sasha Fierce — will be something entirely new for her (as well as her fans). "I wouldn't say I'm inventing a new genre," she told MTV News during a screening of "I Am ... World Tour," which will air...

'I'm mixing every type of genre that I love,' singer says of follow-up to I Am ... Sasha Fierce.

By Jocelyn Vena

Beyoncé

Photo: MTV News

Recently Beyoncé revealed that she wants to make her "own genre of music" for her next album. So when MTV News caught up with the singer at the New York screening of her concert special, "I Am ... World Tour," we asked her to clarify what exactly it is that she's creating in the studio.

"Well, I wouldn't say I'm inventing a new genre," she said. "I'm mixing every type of genre that I love and I'm inspired by every type of genre."

Beyoncé went on to say that people should throw any preconceived notions about the follow-up to 2008's I Am ... Sasha Fierce out the window. "I'm not in a box," she said. "It's not R&B. It's not typically pop. It's not rock.

Despite rumor that Justin Bieber was not the real winner of Artist of the Year at the recent American Music Awards, fellow celebrities like Sean Garrett and Muse have nothing but good words for the young star. They agreed that the Canadian singer is now the hottest guy in the game.

"He just kind of came out of nowhere," Garrett told MTV when asked about his opinion of Bieber's domination at the awards show. "He's excited. He's the youngest in charge, and he's definitely got the ladies." Muse's drummer Dominic Howard added, "Tonight he's won all the awards even though he's not quite a man yet. Boy of the year!"

Justin Bieber himself credited fans for his success. "I think that my fans have been such a supporting factor that, I mean, I couldn't be doing this without them, so this has just been amazing," the pint-sized idol gushed. "I...