Black Thought has long been heralded as an all-time great rapper by hip hop heads, but his new freestyle is getting serious mainstream attention. The Roots’ frontman recently stopped by Hot 97 for the radio program’s “Freestyle On Flex” series. Black Thought, 46, flexed his clever brain and sharp tongue, tearing through 10 straight minutes […]...
- 12/16/2017
- by Shakiel Mahjouri
- ET Canada
Lin-Manuel Miranda and The Roots take their freestyle rapping to a whole new level. The Hamilton creator already proved he could spit impromptu rap bars on two previous segments of “Wheel of Freestyle”. Black Thought, lead vocalist of the band and one of hip hop’s most respected lyricists, needs no further proof. Related: Lin-Manuel Miranda Releases […]...
- 10/25/2017
- by Shakiel Mahjouri
- ET Canada
Last month Shia Labeouf showed off his freestyle rapping skills during SiriusXM Shade 45’s “Sway in the Morning.” Now the actor is back with a new rap, a response to a feud that began with Soulja Boy. The rapper tried to ban Shia from Atlanta and told him to “stick to acting” after Shia called him out on his previous track “Zapruder,” released last week on the New York radio show “The Breakfast Club.”
Then on Monday (December 5), Labeouf released a quick response in which he talks about the feud and also declares that he’ll make a point to visit Atlanta “when [his] schedule is flexible.” In getting his point across, Shia compares himself to Marlon Brando and Stanley Kubrick, as well as notes his latest film role in the biopic “Borg/McEnroe.”
“I just finished playing tennis like I’m John McEnroe,” he raps. “Compare me to Brando, Eminem,...
Then on Monday (December 5), Labeouf released a quick response in which he talks about the feud and also declares that he’ll make a point to visit Atlanta “when [his] schedule is flexible.” In getting his point across, Shia compares himself to Marlon Brando and Stanley Kubrick, as well as notes his latest film role in the biopic “Borg/McEnroe.”
“I just finished playing tennis like I’m John McEnroe,” he raps. “Compare me to Brando, Eminem,...
- 12/6/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Shia Labeouf wishes he could have a do over on some of his previous comments about legendary director Steven Spielberg. Shortly after completing Spielberg’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” Labeouf told the Los Angeles Times that Spielberg had “done so much great work that there’s no need for him to feel vulnerable about one film, but when you drop the ball you drop the ball.”
‘Man Down’ Trailer: Shia Labeouf Saw Some Things in the War That You Just Wouldn’t Understand, Man
Labeouf later told Variety that Spielberg was “less a director than he is a f---ing company.” Now, Labeouf says he feels he was too harsh on Spielberg. “I f--- up sometimes, you know,” Labeouf told SiriusXM’s “Sway In The Morning” show. “I probably could’ve gone lighter on Spielberg, that was probably something I should’ve backed off of.” Labeouf...
‘Man Down’ Trailer: Shia Labeouf Saw Some Things in the War That You Just Wouldn’t Understand, Man
Labeouf later told Variety that Spielberg was “less a director than he is a f---ing company.” Now, Labeouf says he feels he was too harsh on Spielberg. “I f--- up sometimes, you know,” Labeouf told SiriusXM’s “Sway In The Morning” show. “I probably could’ve gone lighter on Spielberg, that was probably something I should’ve backed off of.” Labeouf...
- 11/14/2016
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Ahead of Lin-Manuel Miranda hosting Saturday Night Live, the Hamilton star stopped by The Tonight Show to play another round of "Wheel of Freestyle."
The game, where Jimmy Fallon gives Miranda three random words to incorporate into a Roots-backed freestyle rap, became a viral sensation when Miranda last played it in November 2015. Since the host admittedly lacks freestyling abilities, Miranda faced off against the Roots' Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter.
Although Miranda left Hamilton in July, his hip-hop skills are still on point as he deftly took down a freestyle featuring the words "robot,...
The game, where Jimmy Fallon gives Miranda three random words to incorporate into a Roots-backed freestyle rap, became a viral sensation when Miranda last played it in November 2015. Since the host admittedly lacks freestyling abilities, Miranda faced off against the Roots' Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter.
Although Miranda left Hamilton in July, his hip-hop skills are still on point as he deftly took down a freestyle featuring the words "robot,...
- 10/5/2016
- Rollingstone.com
If you haven't managed to see Hamilton yet—don't worry, that probably puts you in the majority—you've probably heard Lin-Manuel Miranda rap with Jennifer Lopez in "Love Make the World Go Round" or perhaps you caught his performance at the 2016 Tony Awards. If not, then here's your chance. While appearing on The Tonight Show Tuesday, Miranda played a game of Wheel of Freestyle, where he faced off against The Roots member Tariq Trotter in a rap battle. Host Jimmy Fallon—admittedly not a freestyle rapper—was in charge of "spinning" the wheel, which churned out three random words. In the first round, Miranda received "robot," "corn maze" and "Harry...
- 10/5/2016
- E! Online
“Ever since I was born, I was dope.”
Read Jim Batt’s positive We Are Movie Geeks review of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Here
Andy Samberg stars in Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, the hilarious comedy as a former boy-band member trying desperately to salvage his failing solo career, which is coming to Digital HD on August 16, 2016, On Demand onAugust 30, 2016, and Blu-rayTM and DVD on September 13, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. This side-splitting comedy goes behind the scenes as music sensation Conner4Real (Samberg) finds his popularity plummeting after a disastrous album release, leaving his fans, sycophants and rivals all wondering what to do when he’s no longer the dopest star of all. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping on Blu-ray and DVD comes with over an hour of outrageous bonus features, including deleted scenes, a gag reel, celebrity interview outtakes and more!
Andy Samberg is Conner4Real, the breakout star...
Read Jim Batt’s positive We Are Movie Geeks review of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Here
Andy Samberg stars in Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, the hilarious comedy as a former boy-band member trying desperately to salvage his failing solo career, which is coming to Digital HD on August 16, 2016, On Demand onAugust 30, 2016, and Blu-rayTM and DVD on September 13, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. This side-splitting comedy goes behind the scenes as music sensation Conner4Real (Samberg) finds his popularity plummeting after a disastrous album release, leaving his fans, sycophants and rivals all wondering what to do when he’s no longer the dopest star of all. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping on Blu-ray and DVD comes with over an hour of outrageous bonus features, including deleted scenes, a gag reel, celebrity interview outtakes and more!
Andy Samberg is Conner4Real, the breakout star...
- 8/11/2016
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and star of the hip-hop Broadway musical Hamilton, stopped by The Tonight Show Friday to talk about his groundbreaking, universally acclaimed show, his charitable efforts and show off his impressive freestyle skills. For the occasion, host Jimmy Fallon unveils the Wheel of Freestyle, where Miranda and the Roots' Black Thought are tasked with creating rhymes around a random trio of terms, like "Rainbow, Pancake, Slam Dunk" and "Mars, Hot Pocket, Channing Tatum." It's only a game but Miranda no doubt showcases the talent that has made Hamilton the talk of Broadway.
- 11/7/2015
- Rollingstone.com
Something awesome happened to TMZ on a random street corner in Hollywood last night ... and no, it didn't involve crack or hookers ... but rather hip hop legend Krs-One. The rap pioneer was coolin' off outside of Av club, where he had just performed a set ... when he decided to bless the TMZ camera with a Freestyle session ... right on the street!!! It's pretty cool -- check out the clip. Read more...
- 12/4/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Music fans, rest assured. Tom Cruise, a bunch of garish costumes and set design, and the hair metal tunes from "Rock Of Ages" won't be your only option this weekend at the movies. For those looking for a more satisfying musical outing, head to your local arthouse for "Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap," a documentary that explores the birth of hip hop and how it has turned into a global phenomenon.
Premiering earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, the film is co-directed by Ice-t and Andy Baybutt ("The Band Aid Story") and takes an in-depth look at the craft of rhyming, with interviews from some of the biggest stars in rap, including Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem, Chuck D, Krs-One, Run-dmc, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. And not only that, it's a great soundtrack to boot. Boastings artists like Nas, Wu-Tang Clan,...
Premiering earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, the film is co-directed by Ice-t and Andy Baybutt ("The Band Aid Story") and takes an in-depth look at the craft of rhyming, with interviews from some of the biggest stars in rap, including Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem, Chuck D, Krs-One, Run-dmc, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. And not only that, it's a great soundtrack to boot. Boastings artists like Nas, Wu-Tang Clan,...
- 6/11/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Before appearing on Wednesday's 'RapFix Live,' Maino talks to Sway about the femcees' appeal, in Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim
Photo: MTV News / Getty Images
Celebrity Favorites: Maino
Do the ladies run this mutha? After being deprived of rap femininity for a few years, it seems that women are once again a hot topic in the hip-hop conversation.
Take Wednesday's "RapFix Live" one-year anniversary show, for instance. Not only is Trina making an appearance, but in two separate pre-show fan polls, Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim are leading otherwise male-dominated categories. Minaj is currently leading for Best "RapFix Live" Freestyle, and the Queen Bee is the leading vote-getter in the Best "RapFix" Moment poll.
It's especially interesting considering that the two ladies were tangled in one of the biggest rap beefs of the year as well. Maino knows both Kim and Nicki,...
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim
Photo: MTV News / Getty Images
Celebrity Favorites: Maino
Do the ladies run this mutha? After being deprived of rap femininity for a few years, it seems that women are once again a hot topic in the hip-hop conversation.
Take Wednesday's "RapFix Live" one-year anniversary show, for instance. Not only is Trina making an appearance, but in two separate pre-show fan polls, Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim are leading otherwise male-dominated categories. Minaj is currently leading for Best "RapFix Live" Freestyle, and the Queen Bee is the leading vote-getter in the Best "RapFix" Moment poll.
It's especially interesting considering that the two ladies were tangled in one of the biggest rap beefs of the year as well. Maino knows both Kim and Nicki,...
- 9/13/2011
- MTV Music News
It's a strangely huge day for birthdays in the music world, as it represents a turn of the calendar for idiosyncratic pop star Ke$ha (who is 24 today) as well as legendary Who frontman Roger Daltrey (he is now 67). But of course the big birthday today belongs to Justin Bieber, who makes the transition from 16-year-old pop superstar to 17-year-old pop superstar. In honor of Bieber's big day, here are the 17 definitive songs in the Bieber catalog.
(Click here for photos of what is in store for Justin Bieber in his 17th year!)
"One Time"
The song that most Beliebers heard first, "One Time" still sounds fresh, tight and emblematic of his entire aesthetic.
"Baby"
Bieber's biggest song, the one with the hugest hook and an underrated guest spot care of Ludacris.
"Eenie Meenie"
Over the course of his career, Bieber has established himself as a clutch collaborator, and this...
(Click here for photos of what is in store for Justin Bieber in his 17th year!)
"One Time"
The song that most Beliebers heard first, "One Time" still sounds fresh, tight and emblematic of his entire aesthetic.
"Baby"
Bieber's biggest song, the one with the hugest hook and an underrated guest spot care of Ludacris.
"Eenie Meenie"
Over the course of his career, Bieber has established himself as a clutch collaborator, and this...
- 3/1/2011
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
Plus: Trey Songz tells Mixtape Daily that Anticipation has a 'sexy feel.'
By Shaheem Reid
50 Cent
Photo: MTV News
Happy birthday to all the cancers out there — including MTV's own Shaheem Reid, Sway and Mixtape Daily go-to girl Whitney, not to mention Jim Jones and the G-Unit General himself, 50 Cent. Fif's born day was Monday, but he's still serving treats. He released his second mixtape in just a couple of weeks, , Forever King, and says in addition to the upcoming G-Unit mixtape, he might put out another free CD prior to Before I Self Destruct in September. Trey Songz is also locked in the studio, and he wants a bigger and better spot. Who's gonna stand in his way?
Finally and obviously, rest in peace to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Thank you for a lifetime of classic songs, videos, performances and moments. Your genius is eternal.
Don't...
By Shaheem Reid
50 Cent
Photo: MTV News
Happy birthday to all the cancers out there — including MTV's own Shaheem Reid, Sway and Mixtape Daily go-to girl Whitney, not to mention Jim Jones and the G-Unit General himself, 50 Cent. Fif's born day was Monday, but he's still serving treats. He released his second mixtape in just a couple of weeks, , Forever King, and says in addition to the upcoming G-Unit mixtape, he might put out another free CD prior to Before I Self Destruct in September. Trey Songz is also locked in the studio, and he wants a bigger and better spot. Who's gonna stand in his way?
Finally and obviously, rest in peace to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Thank you for a lifetime of classic songs, videos, performances and moments. Your genius is eternal.
Don't...
- 7/7/2009
- MTV Music News
Plus: Trey Songz tells Mixtape Daily that Anticipation has a 'sexy feel.'
By Shaheem Reid
50 Cent
Photo: MTV News
Happy birthday to all the cancers out there — including MTV's own Shaheem Reid, Sway and Mixtape Daily go-to girl Whitney, not to mention Jim Jones and the G-Unit General himself, 50 Cent. Fif's born day was Monday, but he's still serving treats. He released his second mixtape in just a couple of weeks, , Forever King, and says in addition to the upcoming G-Unit mixtape, he might put out another free CD prior to Before I Self Destruct in September. Trey Songz is also locked in the studio, and he wants a bigger and better spot. Who's gonna stand in his way?
Finally and obviously, rest in peace to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Thank you for a lifetime of classic songs, videos, performances and moments. Your genius is eternal.
Don't...
By Shaheem Reid
50 Cent
Photo: MTV News
Happy birthday to all the cancers out there — including MTV's own Shaheem Reid, Sway and Mixtape Daily go-to girl Whitney, not to mention Jim Jones and the G-Unit General himself, 50 Cent. Fif's born day was Monday, but he's still serving treats. He released his second mixtape in just a couple of weeks, , Forever King, and says in addition to the upcoming G-Unit mixtape, he might put out another free CD prior to Before I Self Destruct in September. Trey Songz is also locked in the studio, and he wants a bigger and better spot. Who's gonna stand in his way?
Finally and obviously, rest in peace to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Thank you for a lifetime of classic songs, videos, performances and moments. Your genius is eternal.
Don't...
- 7/7/2009
- MTV Music News
Nicki Minaj is a 23-year-old rapper hand-picked by Lil Wayne to be the First Lady of Weezy’s Young Money Entertainment. An accomplished Mc with a great mixtape to her name, Minaj is also a trained actress, singer and dancer. Where did she learn all these skills? At Laguardia Performing Arts High School, the famed institution that was the focus of TV’s “Fame” and that boasts hip-hop alumni like Kelis, Slick Rick and Mc Serch. Though she was given plenty of opportunities to express herself in school, she still felt the need to occasionally sneak away. “I was a drama major in high school, so we had a dressing room. It probably didn’t help me too much because it allowed us to cut class and go somewhere and be silly all day. But we would go and pound the table and make up rhymes and freestyles.”
Minaj wants...
Minaj wants...
- 6/15/2009
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
Nicki Minaj is a 23-year-old rapper hand-picked by Lil Wayne to be the First Lady of Weezy’s Young Money Entertainment. An accomplished Mc with a great mixtape to her name, Minaj is also a trained actress, singer and dancer. Where did she learn all these skills? At Laguardia Performing Arts High School, the notable institution that was the focus of TV’s “Fame” and that boasts hip-hop alumni like Kelis, Slick Rick and Mc Serch. Though she was given plenty of opportunities to express herself in school, she still felt the need to occasionally sneak away. “I was a drama major in high school, so we had a dressing room. It probably didn’t help me too much because it allowed us to cut class and go somewhere and be silly all day. But we would go and beat on the table and make up rhymes and freestyles.”
Minaj...
Minaj...
- 6/15/2009
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
Paul Devlin has been involved with two of the better documentaries of the ‘00s: Power Trip, a film he directed, about the politics of making money off electricity in a post-communist Georgia; and Freestyle: The Art Of Rhyme, a film he produced and edited, about the importance of improvisation in hip-hop. Devlin’s documentary Blast! has a more personal origin, though the director doesn’t really delve into it. Blast! follows Devlin’s brother Mark, an astrophysicist working on launching a Balloon-borne Large Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope, designed to peer back in time and map the history of the stars. Mark ...
- 6/11/2009
- avclub.com
Palm finds stroke with 'Freestyle'
NEW YORK -- Indie banner Palm Pictures has acquired North American, U.K. and Caribbean distribution rights to helmer Kevin Fitzgerald's 2000 feature documentary Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme. The film explores the world of improvisational rap and specifically follows the exploits of MC Supernatural and his rival Craig-G as they battle it out for freestyle supremacy. The film also features footage of more established hip-hoppers Mos Def, Jurassic 5 and DJ Cut Chemist. The deal was brokered by Palm's David Koh and the film's producer Henry Alex Rubin. Freestyle has played festivals including the Urbanworld Film Festival, Florida Film Festival and Woodstock Film Festival.
- 7/20/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.