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Usher Wants 007 Role
November 28, 2005, 3:52:20
USHER WANTS TO PLAY 007
RnB star USHER wants to be the first black JAMES BOND. The singer, who is wowing critics with his first lead movie role in IN THE MIX, admits 007 is his ultimate film hero and he'd love to be considered to play the superspy - in 20 years.
He says, "He dresses the best, has the flyest cars and never loses his composure. I'd be the first black man to play him."
Usher Intruder Causes Hotel Security Scare
November 24, 2005, 6:21:18
Usher Wants 007 Role
November 28, 2005, 3:52:20
USHER WANTS TO PLAY 007
RnB star USHER wants to be the first black JAMES BOND. The singer, who is wowing critics with his first lead movie role in IN THE MIX, admits 007 is his ultimate film hero and he'd love to be considered to play the superspy - in 20 years.
He says, "He dresses the best, has the flyest cars and never loses his composure. I'd be the first black man to play him."
Usher Intruder Causes Hotel Security Scare
November 24, 2005, 6:21:18
USHER FAN
R&B hunk USHER has sparked an investigation at a
The YEAH! singer managed to get the devotee out of his room before she stripped in front of him, insisting he was too tired to mess around with her.
He saw the funny side but the unnamed hotel didn't - especially after bosses discovered the fan had got her hands on a maid's uniform.
Usher says, "I think she was the niece of someone who worked there (at the hotel). They gave her a uniform and a room key, and when I came back to my room, there she was.
"I don't know what she was planning on doing to me, but I said, 'Thanks for stopping by, but I'm tired and you have to go. She left."
Usher Still Cannot Move On From Chilli Thomas
November 23, 2005, 6:42:25 |
American R&B star USHER is still struggling to let go of his feelings for former lover ROZONDA 'CHILLI' THOMAS, even though they split last year (04). Despite having cheated on the WATERFALLS singer towards the end of their three-year relationship, Usher insists the publicity surrounding their break-up has made it even tougher to put the past behind him. He tells the New York Daily News, "It's very hard to let go of, mentally. You can't let go of it because everyone is involved in it - it was such a publicised relationship. |
Usher rips into baggy jeans
November 24, 2005, 4:50:04
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Usher has slammed black men for wearing baggy jeans. The sexy singer said he would like African-Americans to smarten up and wear more tailored clothes, like he does He told America's Complex magazine: "Everything I try to wear is custom-made "If I wear name-brand, it's usually jeans |
"It's about time for we, as young black men, to tailor it up, put a little shape in our jeans
watch usher's new artist for his label.
once chance and rico love
Usher in the holidays with a debit card
LOS ANGELES: Usher fans will be able to give and receive Visa gift cards emblazoned with his image for the holidays.
The prepaid Usher debit cards come in denominations from $25 up to $500, MTV.com reported Friday.
The singer said part of the proceeds will go to his non-profit New Look Foundation, which serves disadvantaged children.
"It's very important for me to give back," Usher said in announcing the new venture.
The cards are available at suntrust.com/usher.
In Brief: Usher, Korn
Usher gets laminated for the holidays, Korn come to the Other Side
USHER's image will grace two new Visa gift cards this holiday season. Proceeds from the sales of the pre-paid debit cards will go to the R&B superstar's New Look Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at giving disadvantaged children better opportunities. The cards are available at suntrust.com/usher . . . KORN will perform a special New York show on November 29th at the Hammerstein Ballroom to celebrate the release of their new album, See You on the Other Side -- their first studio album since the departure of guitarist BRIAN "HEAD" WELCH -- due December 6th. The nu-metal band will also make its debut on Saturday Night Live, performing their single "Twisted Transistor" on November 19th . . . RUN-DMC's RUN, now known as REVEREND RUN, will return to the small screen with a second season of his family reality TV series, MTV's Run's House. The finale for the debut season airs Wednesday, and new episodes are slated for 2006 . . . DESTINY'S CHILD, NELLY and JERMAINE DUPRI will be honored for their community work at the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's Third Annual Action Awards Dinner on Tuesday at New York's Lighthouse at the Chelsea Piers. Past honorees include SEAN "DIDDY" COMBS, JAY-Z, LUDACRIS and his Ludacris Foundation, and MARY J. BLIGE . . . On December 6th, JA RULE is releasing a nineteen-track greatest-hits compilation, Exodus, featuring the hits "Holla Holla," "New York" and "Put It on Me," as well as three new tracks, "Exodus (Intro)," "Exodus (Outro)" and "Me". . . TOMMY LEE will return to the scene of last fall's NBC reality show, Tommy Lee Goes to College, when MOTLEY CRUE bring their Carnival of Sins tour to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus at the Pershing Auditorium on March 31st . . .
DIDDY's latest boy-band, B5, were tackled by fans on November 12th during a free concert at Minnesota's Brookdale Center Mall when a crowd of more than 2,000 screaming fans climbed to the stage. Five people were treated inside the mall while four were taken to area hospitals for minor injuries. The mall was forced to close for a few hours until the melee was controlled . . . Rock & Roll Hall of Famer CAROLE KING will reprise her role as Sophie Bloom, the proprietor of Sophie's Music shop, on the WB series Gilmore Girls, airing November 22nd. This will be the singer-songwriter's third time on the show, which also features her song "Where You Lead I Will Follow" -- newly recorded by King and her daughter LOUISE GOFFIN -- as the opening theme . . . TRACY CHAPMAN's current single "Change" from her latest album, Where You Live, has been chosen by HBO as the music featured on promotional spots for the network's Original Series programming. The commercials will run from November 20th to January 1st on all HBO channels . . . GARTH BROOKS will release the Limited Series box set, available exclusively at Walmart and Sam's Club stores on November 25th. The set will feature the country-singer's three prior albums -- 1997's Sevens, 1998's Double Live and 2001's Scarecrow -- along with the ninety minute All Access DVD and a CD of never-before-heard tracks . . . UB40 will release their new album, Who You Fighting For, which was released internationally this summer, on January 24th. The set will feature covers of the JOHN LENNON/PAUL McCARTNEY rarity "I'll be On My Way" and reggae singer MATUMBI's "After Tonight" . . . R&B group JAGGED EDGE will release their self-titled fifth album, featuring guest appearances by JOHN LEGEND and JERMAINE DUPRI on December 20th . . .
The Friday Reports - Wall, Foxx, Kanye, Usher, Heavy D & 50 Cent
Usher recently told MTV that hes hoping his new film, In the Mix, will support his attempt to become an heir to the Will Smith throne. "There's probably only one ... Will Smith," he said, shinning in admiration. "You look at the overall build of his career ... I'd love to have something similar to that, man." The singer views In the Mix, due in theaters Nov. 23, as the first step on a quest to be filled with solid, quality roles following supporting roles in such films as "The Faculty," and "Texas Rangers."
Ckeck out those two Teasers of Usher's "In The Mix"
Usher, Lewis excite volunteers at Nicholas House project
Associated Press
ATLANTA - As she clutched a poster autographed minutes earlier by singer Usher, 14-year-old Danielle Evans proclaimed "My life is complete."
But it was work by Evans and about 250 other volunteers Saturday that helped make life more complete for families living in the Nicholas House homeless shelter in east
Usher, the Atlanta-based Grammy winner, and U.S. Rep. John Lewis of
In a project that is part of New Hampshire-based Timberland's Community Builders Tour, with help from the Bright Horizons Foundation, Home Depot, Genesco and other businesses, the shelter for homeless families was remodeled in such dramatic fashion that Lewis said he felt he was watching a TV home makeover show.
An area Hilton hotel housed the 48 residents - 35 children and 13 parents - of the Grant Park area home Friday night while it was prepared for Saturday's renovation.
When all the pounding, painting and planting was done and new furniture and appliances installed, the residents were bussed back to celebrate the renovated home. The additions included new playground equipment behind the home and a new "Bright Spaces" room for young children.
There are two
"They can stay here for up to two years," said Nicholas House executive director Doug Mendel.
"The understanding is that safe, stable, secure housing is part of the answer to the homeless."
Lewis helped attract Timberland's program to the area.
"I'm very moved and gratified to see so many volunteers here to make this house over for these families," Lewis said. "These young people and those not so young have been working very hard. It's a different place. It's incredible to see people that are so willing to give of themselves."
Home Depot donated approximately $25,000 in materials, according to Mendel.
Volunteers came from the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Lewis' youth council, Berry College, Georgia State and Georgia Tech and several high schools - including Roswell High, where Evans is in the ninth grade.
"I had an idea Usher would be here, but that's not the reason I came," Evans said. "That was a plus."
Usher and Lewis each were given paintbrushes to help finish murals in the facility.
The only negative was organizers struggled to convince some of the volunteers to return to their work and stop following Usher.
"Back to work! Back to work!" pleaded one man. "We've still got a lot of good work to do. Oh well, I tried."
The slogan for the Timberland's Community Builder's Tour is "Pull on your boots and make a difference." This is the third project for the tour this year, following similar stops in
Usher wore his Timberland boots and a shirt promoting his new "New Look Foundation," which aims to give disadvantaged youth a new outlook on life through education and real world experiences.
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Usher Hopes 'Mix' Will Put Him On Path To Becoming The Next Will Smith Singer's flick 'In the Mix' due in theaters November 23. | ||
 Robert Costanzo and Usher in "In The Mix" |
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The voice was soft, soothing and familiar.
"Hello," it came in so quietly that you had to lean in. "How are you?"
On the other end of the phone was Usher Raymond, who has used that very voice to lure millions of fans to music
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"In the Mix" Trailer
"What the plot of the story is, well, a young city DJ named Darrell Williams, aged 26, has one of the hottest clubs in New York City," the singer began. "He gets himself invited to a party for a mafia princess ... and ends up taking the bullet for a mafia boss played by Chazz Palminteri. After that, my character is asked to be [bodyguard to] Dolly Pacelli, who happens to be played by Emmanuelle Chriqui. After that, basically the plot unfolds, you know life is what happens when you're making other plans."
With "Mix," Usher is altering his own plans for movie stardom, taking on his first starring role after supporting performances in flicks like "The Faculty," "She's All That" and "Texas Rangers."
"Films of the past," he sighed. "Not to say that they weren't great films, but you have to have a portfolio, a healthy portfolio. I'd rather know that the scripts I'm taking on are things that I really feel are going in the direction of the acting that I want to do."
At the time, he admits, he was an up-and-comer who didn't have much say in such productions. Now, nearly five years have passed since the man with the washboard abs last lit up the silver screen, and his stock has risen considerably.
"I'm not looking to just throw that power around," he said of his skyrocketing album sales and recent Grammy success. "I want to have relationships with the right directors out there. I want to come with projects that are well-written, well-respected and have great names, as well as great actors, attached."
Although "In the Mix" may be step one in Usher's plans for cinematic reinvention, he insists that the film will keep one of his feet firmly planted in the aphrodisiac-like qualities that make his music so popular. "There's a heavy amount of romance," he said. "On a scale of one to 10, things get pretty hot I'd say at least a seven or eight. Not 10, 'cause it's not a Billy Bob and Halle Berry [in 'Monster's Ball'], but it certainly is very passionate.
"For the guys, the romance in it is gonna definitely satisfy their ladies. Every man looks cool if he can bring his girl to a romantic film that he can enjoy," Usher chuckled before describing one particularly steamy scene. "We're in the pool, I take all my clothes off well, actually, I leave my pants on but I jump in the pool with [Chriqui] and she's ... we kind of ... well, it's a turning point, let's put it that way."
Usher made it clear that "Mix" is not going to be some Elvis-type movie that casts the star as a singing busboy. "I'm not performing in the movie at all," the Atlanta native said proudly. "Darrell Williams happens to be a DJ; he doesn't sing. He's just grateful to have a record label."
Which works out perfectly for Usher Raymond, music producer. "I am in charge of the soundtrack," he boasted. "Let me give you an idea of the soundtrack, which is on my [US Records] label. You have Christina Milian, as well as my first artist, Rico Love. I'm doing a dual release of my group One Chance, which is a five-guy group out of Chicago they have two songs on the soundtrack. Bobby Valentino [and] Anthony Hamilton are a part of the soundtrack. All the music on the soundtrack are all newly recorded songs. And there's a duet I did [called 'Sweat'] with Rico Love."
Ultimately, Usher reveals, he'd like to establish the kind of mainstream music/movie career currently being trailblazed by one of Hollywood's biggest stars. "There's probably only one ... Will Smith," he said, beaming with admiration. "You look at the overall build of his career ... I'd love to have something similar to that, man."
Check out everything we've got on "In the Mix."
Visit Movies on MTV.com for more from Hollywood, including news, interviews, trailers and more.
Usher Brings The 'Truth' On Live DVD
By Gail Mitchell, L.A.
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"The 'Confessions' album was all about confessions but also about truth," Usher tells Billboard.com. "And that's what is displayed on this DVD. It shows the truth of the past, now and the future. It shows insight as to where I came from. It talks about the next steps in my career, including my record label [US Records], my philanthropy/foundation [New Look Foundation] and my other business endeavors [including his part-ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers and fashion line]."
Usher worked with the production company Tall Pony to develop special camera technology for the DVD shoot. "This show was shot with 30 cameras," he says. "The modern technology allows viewers to choose which camera they want to view the show from: in close-up so you can see the dance movements or from the audience's perspective."
As previously reported, US Records will bow next month with the soundtrack "In the Mix," which will introduce label artists Rico Love and One Chance. US is also home to Atlanta-based R&B singer Rayan, of whom Usher says, "He's a natural talent, who's passionate like a Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder or Brian McKnight. When you hear his voice, you hear a little church and a lot of emotion."
"The one thing that attracted me to him was his way with words," Usher says of Rico Love. "He's a great writer. And he never writes anything down; he keeps it all in his memory. That was a sign to me that this guy is on the ball."
As for Chicago-based male quintet One Chance, "These guys are real performers who can sing," Usher says. "I want to bring back the era of the Temptations, Four Tops, Boyz II Men, Jodeci: classic R&B acts who represent the total package."
Usher To Remake The Bodyguard
USHER REVAMPS THE BODYGUARD
R&B star USHER's new movie IN THE MIX is a new take on classic movie THE BODYGUARD.
In the film, the YEAH! hitmaker is hired to protect a Mafia boss's daughter, played by EMMANUELLE CHRIQUI, when she is caught up in a gang war.
Chriqui, who starred opposite 'N SYNC in pop film ON THE LINE, admits the new film leans heavily on the hit 1992 film, which starred WHITNEY HOUSTON and KEVIN COSTNER: "It's a little bit like that film."
Ushers Record Label- November Launch
USHER'S RECORD LABEL TO LAUNCH NEXT MONTH
R&B star USHER's record label will release its first material next month (NOV05) - three years after its foundation.
The film soundtrack to romantic comedy IN THE MIX, which features the YEAH! hitmaker starring alongside CHAZZ PALMINTERI and EMMANUELLE CHRIQUI, marks
It has taken so long for Usher to launch the label because he has been nurturing his signed artists.
BMG North America chairman CLIVE DAVIS says, "(Usher's) priorities were finding the right artists and then waiting until he strongly believed they were ready."
The In The Mix soundtrack will act as a sounding board for the US Records roster of acts including rapper RICO LOVE, R&B group ONE CHANCE and solo singer RAYAN.
Usher, who is credited as writer/producer on the project, only contributes one song, saying, "I didn't want to take all the light. (US acts) can hold their own. They don't need me on all their songs."
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Usher Lures Emmanuelle Chriqui Away From Lesbian Roles 'In the Mix' stars R&B singer as DJ-turned-bodyguard, Canadian actress as mob boss' daughter. | ||
Emmanuelle Chriqui in "In The Mix" |
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Whenever you cross a music superstar with a bodyguard film, you're bound to get comparisons.
OK, so it's not "The Bodyguard," but in the Usher-starring "In the Mix," the reigning king of R&B plays a hot New York DJ hired to protect a mob
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"It's a little, a little bit like that film," Chriqui said. "But it's got influences of [many] different things, that being one of them."
Chriqui calls her relationship with Usher in the film "something that begins bitter and becomes sweet." In the flick, out November 23, the 27-year-old Canadian actress plays Dolly Pacelli, the daughter of an Italian don. After getting caught up in one of her father's crossfires, Usher is assigned to watch over her, but not without some coaxing.
"[His character] is an old friend of the family's. We've grown up together," she said. "[After the] shootout on our family, my dad says to me, 'You can't go out unless you have a bodyguard.' So I choose Darrell, thinking he's going to let me do whatever I want, [but instead] he says, 'No, I have to respect your dad.' " That type of friction leads to some major sparks between Dolly and Darrell.
During a set visit, Usher called the film "a real story about love." The singer, who also executive produced the film, had nothing but praise for his new leading lady. "She is just a natural talent, a graceful, truly beautiful, charismatic woman," he said. "I think that every Italian woman would feel like, 'That's my story. That's me.' "
The film, directed by Ron Underwood ("City Slickers"), also features Chazz Palminteri as Dolly's gangster father. "Getting to work with Chazz has been a dream come true," said the actress, who starred opposite 'NSYNC heartthrob Lance Bass in 2001's "On the Line." "Truly, he is such a pro, and I just feel like the luckiest actress [to be able to work with him]."
The rising starlet, who just wrapped up a recurring role as Sloan, Kevin Connolly's love interest, on the recent season of HBO's "Entourage," can also be seen in the gross-out comedy "Waiting," which hit theaters earlier this month (see " 'Waiting' Staffers Ryan Reynolds, Justin Long Come Clean With Raunchy Recipes"). The film follows the long days of stoned busboys, frustrated waiters and stingy tippers at a generic restaurant. "I play a lesbian bartender," she laughed.
Chriqui, who also appeared in two episodes of last season's "The O.C." as a jilted lesbian's ex-girlfriend, has more projects in the works. She will appear in "After Sex," a witty romantic comedy that examines relationships between nine diverse couples. It's due in March 2006.
Last on deck for Chriqui is "Waltzing Anna," a heart-tugging romantic comedy that tracks an egocentric doctor's journey after he is ordered to work in a nursing home for six months. The actress will step into the shoes of Nurse Jill, an in-house physician who catches the doctor's eye. No release date is set as of yet.
Check out everything we've got on "In the Mix."
Visit Movies on MTV.com for more from Hollywood, including news, interviews, trailers and more.
Usher throws the birthday party of all parties
The singer took over the historical Roosevelt Hotel on
Usher threw the party of all parties on Monday, October 17, 2005.
The singer took over the historical Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard to celebrate the launch of his new three DVD set 'Truth Tour' and, belatedly, his 27th birthday, which was last Friday. Hundreds of A-list celebrities from the music and film world were invited to help the Grammy winner celebrate his double whammy.
The DVD set, which is only available at Best Buy stores, contains five hours of footage from Usher's hometown Truth Tour performance in Atlanta, an in-depth view of his life so far, as well as a fly on the wall look at the charity work he's been doing.
Usher was in good form when he arrived at the party and looking forward to a good night with his friends and family.
"Tonight we're celebrating the release of my DVD," shared Usher, "You know, after all the hard work of 2005, I'm just going to lay back and enjoy this night, enjoy my friends and family, my celebrity friends and family who are inside."
The Black Eyed Peas' Fergie kept her tongue firmly in her cheek when she was asked to describe Usher.
Paris Hilton also invited
"Well I think I would take a thirteen year old," mused Usher, "make him scream in the highest pitch they could, and I think that that would sum up Usher."
As always,
The guest list was an eclectic one, which included former boxing champion, Mike Tyson and jazz great, Herbie Hancock.The latter told Associated Press that Usher's popularity was no mystery.
"I think because he has this presence that electrifies the stage," explained Hancock, "his movements are so stellar, I mean the fact that he can dance, really dance, makes all the difference in the world, there's a confidence that emerges from him that is because he's so multi-talented, and he's a great singer, I mean, he's done well for himself."
As for what to buy the birthday boy himself, best friend and host of the event, A J Calloway had the perfect gift. 'His DVD, it's a great present,' insisted Calloway, not least because the recipient was highly unlikely to tell anyone he didn't like his gift.
J. Lo 'Get Right' and Usher 'Ride'
Well, it looks like Usher won't be coming out with his song 'Ride.' If you haven't heard already, J. Lo is coming out with a new album soon and her first single is called 'Get Right,' which happens to be the exact same beat as Usher's 'Ride.' Wanna hear J. Lo 'Get Right' - Click Here
Usher's Confessions The Most-Shipped Album Of 2004
If you came anywhere near a radio this year, it should be no surprise that Usher's Confessions was named the most-shipped album of 2004. The Recording Industry Association of
The smash single "Yeah!" also took honors in the RIAA's digital-awards program, earning a digital platinum certification for more than 200,000 downloads. "Burn" and "My Boo" were awarded digital gold for more than 100,000 downloads.
USHER IN BLENDER MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE.
