The 2004 MTV Movie Awards got a lot meaner on Thursday (May 13). The cable outlet announced that "Mean Girls" star Lindsay Lohan will host this year's ceremony, which airs on June 10. D12, the Beastie Boys and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have already been announced as performers for the show. ...

Beyoncé is writing a song for the new Earth, Wind & Fire album, which is due by the end of the year. Beyoncé's father, Mathew Knowles, signed the influential soul band to a new label he recently started. EW&F are also scheduled to record with Sleepy Brown, Pharrell Williams, Angie Stone and Floetry. ... The rumors about Mase's return to rap are no longer rumors. Radio personality Wendy Williams played a Mase track on New York radio station WBLS on Wednesday (May 12) called "Welcome Back," where the rapper rhymes about being welcomed back to the game with open arms. "I'm making money man, without the coca/ Living la vida, without the loca," he raps before singing a chorus reminiscent of the theme song from the 1970s show "Welcome Back, Kotter." ...

BET announced the nominees for the BET Awards '04 on Wednesday (May 12). Outkast raked in six nominations, including nods for both "The Way You Move" and "Hey Ya!" in the Viewer's Choice and Video of the Year categories. Usher got four nominations, including Video of the Year and Best Male R&B Artist, while Beyoncé received five, spanning both music and acting categories, including a nomination for Best Actress. The awards show will be telecast live from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre on June 29 at 8 p.m. ET. ... John Whitehead, one half of the R&B duo McFadden & Whitehead, was shot dead Tuesday in Philadelphia while working on a car on the side of a road. Another man with Whitehead was also shot but is in good condition. McFadden & Whitehead were discovered by Otis Redding and scored a hit in 1979 with the disco-influenced R&B song "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now." Police do not have a motive or suspects in the shooting. ...

No Doubt are auctioning tickets for their upcoming tour to raise funds for Amnesty International's Music for Human Rights initiative. Auction winners will receive two tickets to dates on their tour with Blink-182, two meet-and-greet passes, and signed CDs from both bands. No Doubt released a statement saying that they support Amnesty International's "efforts to secure freedom and equality for every human being on the planet," saying their work "lends a voice to those in need and is an inspiring source of hope for all." You can find the auction at ebay.com. ... Founding guitarist Jacques Brautbar has parted ways with Phantom Planet. In an online post, Brautbar claimed his decade with the band had been extraordinary. ...

A videotape of Vancouver constable Reginald Forster smashing Guns N' Roses fan Robert Parent in the face with his baton was shown Tuesday at the opening of a public inquiry into the police's conduct during the riot that followed a canceled GN'R concert in November 2002. Forster's lawyer argued that his client was really aiming for Parent's shoulder. Although an internal police investigation determined Forster and fellow constable Ryan D'Ononfrio acted appropriately, police complaint commissioner Dirk Dyneveld called for the public hearing. ... Limp Bizkit, Hoobastank and Lenny Kravitz will play on the opening episode of the WB series "Pepsi Smash," now in its second season. The series will premiere May 27. ...

Somebody's rock and roll fantasy is coming true in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on June 26 and 27, when Velvet Revolver and the Darkness headline the inaugural Fantasy Island Festival at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Fountains of Wayne and Robert Randolph and the Family Band are also on the bill. ... Punk stalwart Henry Rollins announced Wednesday that he will head out on a USO/ Armed Forces Entertainment tour during May's National Military Appreciation Month. This is Rollins' second stint with the USO; his first was in December when he traveled to Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Qatar to meet the troops. ...

The flamboyant Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs has directed the new Liars video, "We Fenced Other Gardens With the Bones of Our Own." O's beau is Liars singer Angus Andrew. ... Ras Kass filed a lawsuit Monday against Priority Records, Capitol Records, EMI Music and two Priority executives, claiming breach of contract, unfair competition, restraint of trade and other abuses. Among the rapper's various claims is that he has only received $100,000 during the nine years since he signed with the label conglomerate. He is also accusing the labels of failing to market and promote his first two albums and sabotaging the release of subsequent projects. ...

Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson has been given a trial date of June 14 for his battery case in Naples, Florida. Lifeson is accused of fighting with police officers and pushing a cop down a flight of stairs on New Year's Eve. The guitarist will try to postpone the scheduled trial because Rush will be on the road at that time and more discovery needs to be done for the case. ... Zak Starkey, son of former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, will play drums for Beatles fanatics Oasis when the band headlines the Glastonbury Festival next month. Noel Gallagher told the British Broadcasting Corp. that Starkey has been one of several drummers recording with the band since Alan White was asked to leave in January. As for Starkey's chances of becoming a permanent member, Gallagher said, "If he can get us his dad's autograph, he's in." ...

What could be a second Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is opening early next year in downtown Phoenix. The museum, which will host traveling displays, will be housed in a building near America West Arena for at least five years, with the option to become permanent if the hall is well attended. The original museum is in Cleveland. ... Ministry have hired Bryan Kehoe as the band's newest guitar player. He will join Al Jourgensen and Mike Scaccia in a three-pronged attack onstage with Ministry and in the studio with the Revolting Cocks. Earlier this year, bassist John Monte was hired after longtime member Paul Barker left the group. ...

Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has had a scholarship named after him by the Berklee College of Music. The Steven Tyler Online Scholarship Program will provide talented musicians across the world with the opportunity to attend the prestigious music school. ... Billy Corgan is giving away a Grammy -- to a high school in Chicago. The Neuqua Valley High School, designated a Grammy Signature School for their band, choir and orchestra students by the Grammy Foundation, will be presented with the award -- and $5,000 -- on May 25 by Corgan, who will also give them a private concert. He plans to perform his latest solo material. ...

05.11.2004

Irv Gotti pleaded not guilty and was given a one-year deferred prosecution last week in California's Alameda County, stemming from an August incident in which he was arrested for possessing ecstasy and Viagra. Under California law, if Gotti stays out of trouble for a year, the arrest will be wiped from his record. ...

The first single off the soundtrack to the upcoming Halle Berry flick "Catwoman" will be a remix of the Young Gunz's "Grown Man." The track, which was produced by Kanye West, also features an appearance by John Legend. ... Destiny's Child will reunite in the studio June 1 to begin recording their first album in three years. The LP is scheduled for release in November. ...

Pharrell Williams produced the song where Jay-Z coined the phrase "grown and sexy," and now the Neptunes producer is working on an album that's tailor-made for adults. Williams has joined the roster of collaborators for Sleepy Brown's summer debut, For the Grown and Sexy. Outkast are also featured on the project. ... Jay-Z will be among the artists honored at ASCAP's 17th annual Rhythm and Soul Music Awards on June 28 in Beverly Hills, California. Rick James will also receive a special award. ...

As if "Truth or Dare" weren't enough, Madonna's delving back into documentary fare once again, this time with director Jonas Akerlund. The singer has already started shooting for the untitled project, which will chronicle her upcoming tour and the "new" Madonna, among other things. She plans to release the documentary in theaters, her spokesperson said. ... Eighties icons Duran Duran have begun to track their new album in London. All five original members are holed up with producer Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Good Charlotte) and hope to have the fruits of their labor out this fall. ...

Scott Weiland appeared in a Los Angeles court Tuesday (May 11) to address driving-under-the-influence-of-drugs charges against him, but the case was postponed until June 9. Meanwhile, in a move reminiscent of his bandmates' former frontman, Axl Rose, the Velvet Revolver singer has once again lashed out on the band's Web site against a few rock writers, this time from Revolver and Maxim, threatening to give smack-downs to each and "no more interviews" to other reporters. Weiland, who previously took issue with Rolling Stone, took umbrage with Maxim's description of his "boozy charm" and retorted, "Unless you were born yesterday, you would know I was a dope fiend, not a boozer." As for Revolver, Weiland had more choice words, which he posted Sunday, inviting the magazine's reporter back to his studio to settle things in person. ...

Massachusetts metalheads Shadows Fall will follow 2002's The Art of Balance with The War Within, their fourth album, due in September. The quintet is also working on its first DVD, a tour documentary titled "The Art of Touring: Drunk and Sh---y in Every City." ... Nivek Ogre and Cevin Key are up to their old tricks on the politically biting The Greater Wrong of the Right, Skinny Puppy's first album in eight years and 13th overall. Tool's Danny Carey and Static-X's Wayne Static make guest appearances on the LP, set for release May 25. Skinny Puppy will kick off a monthlong U.S. tour June 11 in Portland, Oregon. ...

Neurosis have posted their new song "Burn" at http://neurotrecordings.com. The track will be on the band's next album, The Eye of Every Storm, which comes out June 29. ... A two-disc ZZ Top career retrospective, Rancho Texicano: The Very Best of ZZ Top, and a video compilation, "ZZ Top - Greatest Hits - The Video Collection," will be released on June 15. ...

5.11.2004

Irv Gotti pleaded not guilty and was given a one-year deferred prosecution last week in California's Alameda County, stemming from an August incident in which he was arrested for possessing ecstasy and Viagra. Under California law, if Gotti stays out of trouble for a year, the arrest will be wiped from his record. ...

The first single off the soundtrack to the upcoming Halle Berry flick "Catwoman" will be a remix of the Young Gunz's "Grown Man." The track, which was produced by Kanye West, also features an appearance by John Legend. ... Destiny's Child will reunite in the studio June 1 to begin recording their first album in three years. The LP is scheduled for release in November. ...

Pharrell Williams produced the song where Jay-Z coined the phrase "grown and sexy," and now the Neptunes producer is working on an album that's tailor-made for adults. Williams has joined the roster of collaborators for Sleepy Brown's summer debut, For the Grown and Sexy. Outkast are also featured on the project. ... Jay-Z will be among the artists honored at ASCAP's 17th annual Rhythm and Soul Music Awards on June 28 in Beverly Hills, California. Rick James will also receive a special award. ...

As if "Truth or Dare" weren't enough, Madonna's delving back into documentary fare once again, this time with director Jonas Akerlund. The singer has already started shooting for the untitled project, which will chronicle her upcoming tour and the "new" Madonna, among other things. She plans to release the documentary in theaters, her spokesperson said. ... Eighties icons Duran Duran have begun to track their new album in London. All five original members are holed up with producer Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Good Charlotte) and hope to have the fruits of their labor out this fall. ...

Scott Weiland appeared in a Los Angeles court Tuesday (May 11) to address driving-under-the-influence-of-drugs charges against him, but the case was postponed until June 9. Meanwhile, in a move reminiscent of his bandmates' former frontman, Axl Rose, the Velvet Revolver singer has once again lashed out on the band's Web site against a few rock writers, this time from Revolver and Maxim, threatening to give smack-downs to each and "no more interviews" to other reporters. Weiland, who previously took issue with Rolling Stone, took umbrage with Maxim's description of his "boozy charm" and retorted, "Unless you were born yesterday, you would know I was a dope fiend, not a boozer." As for Revolver, Weiland had more choice words, which he posted Sunday, inviting the magazine's reporter back to his studio to settle things in person. ...

Massachusetts metalheads Shadows Fall will follow 2002's The Art of Balance with The War Within, their fourth album, due in September. The quintet is also working on its first DVD, a tour documentary titled "The Art of Touring: Drunk and Sh---y in Every City." ... Nivek Ogre and Cevin Key are up to their old tricks on the politically biting The Greater Wrong of the Right, Skinny Puppy's first album in eight years and 13th overall. Tool's Danny Carey and Static-X's Wayne Static make guest appearances on the LP, set for release May 25. Skinny Puppy will kick off a monthlong U.S. tour June 11 in Portland, Oregon. ...

Neurosis have posted their new song "Burn" at http://neurotrecordings.com. The track will be on the band's next album, The Eye of Every Storm, which comes out June 29. ... A two-disc ZZ Top career retrospective, Rancho Texicano: The Very Best of ZZ Top, and a video compilation, "ZZ Top - Greatest Hits - The Video Collection," will be released on June 15. ...