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By Michael Lopez

It seems strange to associate legendary banda act Los Tigres del Norte with an over-the-top novela, but that’s exactly what the media is doing. And, by the looks of things, the group couldn’t be happier about it. Based on a 2002 Los Tigres song of the same name, La Reina del Sur is now a huge hit for Telemundo and even inspired the band to re-issue the album that featured their classic track.

Telemundo’s La Reina del Sur is currently seen by nearly 3 million viewers and stars Mexican actress Kate del Castillo. As female drug lord Teresa Mendoza, her weekly escapades include gun running, double-crosses, and hot guy lovers who always seem to meet an unfortunate end.

Interestingly, the entire La Reina plot is based on a novel by Arturo Pérez Reverte, which in turn was inspired by the Los Tigres song. One of their most popular tracks ever, the “La Reina” song lyrics tell a similar story about Teresa, the notorious lady outlaw.

The 2002 Los Tigres album that featured the single went on to win a Grammy for Best Mexican Album and was embraced by fans from around the world. Now the group is reissuing the original La Reina record with new artwork and digitally remastered tracks. Set to arrive on April 5, we imagine it will work as a great soundtrack to weekly drama that Kate’s serving up on Telemundo.

Are you a fan of La Reina del Sur? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Arturo Pérez Reverte, Kate Del Castillo, La Reina Del Sur, Los Tigres Del Norte, Música, Novelas, Telemundo

By: Vanessa Beatriz Soto

After being charged with domestic violence against his pop star then-girlfriend Rihanna back in 2009, Chris Brown’s meteoric rise to fame came to a standstill as fans (his and those of the pop singer) tried to come to terms with his actions. They made a gorgeous pair, to be sure, but their troubled romance ended in violence, late one night in Hollywood. Some sources claim that this wasn’t the first such incident, and cite reports of previous altercations in Europe and Barbados, Rihanna’s country of origin.

The beleaguered rapper was ordered to complete a reported 1400 hours of service as well as domestic violence counseling. At the time, Brown stated that he was sorry for his actions, and hoped that he and Rihanna could remain friends. Now, finished with his community service and counseling, though still on parole, Brown is on the publicity trail promoting his new album and single, 3x. Not surprisingly, reporters are taking the opportunity to ask probing questions about the 2009 incident and his subsequent relations with the singer. Earlier this week on Good Morning America, anchor Robin Roberts got into the act, quizzing Brown during an interview.

But it seems that although the morning show had prepped Brown’s people in advance that these questions would be posed to the rapper, he wasn’t having it.

"Anytime we have a guest here on the program, we let them know ahead of time the subject matter, the topics that we're going to discuss and we, even right before the interview, I said that to Chris and I was shocked like everybody else was."

Roberts got a big surprise after the segment, when the enraged hip-hop star stormed from his dressing room after throwing a chair out a window, which crashed down on the busy streets of Times Square, NYC.

Brown’s Twitter feed  is silent on the matter, after an alleged tweet was quickly pulled down.

“I’m so over people bringing this past s**t up!!! Yet we praise Charlie sheen and other celebs for there bulls**t.”

So Brown is on the apology circuit again, and the inevitable doubts about his ability to manage anger are once more in question. Brown appeared on BET’s show "106 & Park" to discuss the incident, making a statement about how disappointed he is by his own behavior and claiming that Roberts had gone off the script:

"I want to apologize to anybody who was startled in the office, anybody who was offended or really looked disappointed at my actions because I was really disappointed in my actions. A lot of people don't know what went down. When I do shows or I do interviews we always send out a talking points sheet and if the network or whomever doing the interviewing isn't complying with what we want to do so we can equally accomplish a goal we usually back out until it's a better situation."

It’s a little worrisome that Brown isn’t taking full responsibility for his actions. His publicist seems to think so, as this morning brought the news that Brown and rep Tammy Brook have parted ways.

Still, a lot of people are rooting for Chris Brown, and even Robin Robert is keen to have him back on the show:

"We wish [Brown] the absolute best and... we've extended the invitation to him and I sure hope that he takes us up on it, because we'd love to have another chat with him."

Roberts may get her wish. E! Online reported today that ABC is scheming to get Rihanna and Brown together again.

What do you think of the Chris Brown fiasco? Sound off in the comments section below or @MTV3.

Tags ABC, Celebrity Rage, Chris Brown, good morning america, Rihanna, Robin Roberts

By: Vanessa Beatriz Soto

You might be asking yourself: "Who is Rebecca Black, and why should I care, anyway?" Well, the short answer is that Rebecca Black is the most recent in a string of teen sensations making a name for themselves on the worldwide web through the magic of videos gone viral.

Ranging from the Asian Backstreet Boys to Justin Bieber, today’s teens the world over have taken their dreams of stardom into their own hands, bringing their performances to the people on video sharing sites like YouTube. So what’s different about Rebecca Black? And what is she doing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno? Why is Lady Gaga herself calling Black "a genius"? Why is she getting calls from Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest?

Well for one thing, according to an interview with US Magazine, the 13 year old Orange County, California, teenager’s parents have her back.

"My mom is my biggest fan. She is so supportive, and she would always say that everything happens for a good, positive reason. Those people are the people that have no lives sitting on a computer all day thinking about what to say."

"My dad is my bodyguard. He is always so protective, and has always been supportive as well. He's just telling me to do what I love to do. There are going to be haters, but don’t let them bring you down."

They were central to the genesis of Black’s hit single, "Friday," paying the aptly-named Ark Music Factory (click if you dare!) for Rebecca to record the song (she's not the writer) and produce the video, which was then launched on YouTube. Mere days later, Rebecca Black was a star. In fact, posted on February 10 of this year, the song has already garnered more than 47 million views, jumping to #72 on the US charts. (it’s #33 in New Zealand, if you can believe it. I guess Kiwis like the weekend even more than the rest of us…) 

In fact, the video is a shrewdly crafted bit of postmillennial fluff that’s overflowing with the classic tropes of modern pop. It doesn’t spare the auto-tune, nor yet the rap interlude (it’s at 02:30.) It features the kind of special effects often seen on local TV commercials, including poky after-effects graphics and scenes clearly filmed in a car in front of a green screen. It also co-stars some less-than-enthused kids who don’t appear to be completely committed to their characters. Black herself is perhaps not the most musically talented sensation ever to spring from the worldwide web. But maybe it’s the material. With lyrics such as "Tomorrow is Saturday/And Sunday comes afterwards," it’s not be surprising that the video has scored 66,083 'likes' and a whopping 561,747 'dislikes.'

And this was her pick! Black told Jay Leno on the Tonight Show earlier this week that she was previously offered a song on the subject of love, but turned it town because, as she’s fond of saying, "I’m only thirteen. Not appropriate."

"Friday" has also spawned tons of parodies the sure sign of a web sensation. They range from sweet to snarky. "Friday" has even been called out by Comedy Central’s tosh.0 in a piece called "Songwriting isn’t for everyone."

Which brings us back to the original question: should we care? Why is this friendly-looking California girl on one of the most famous variety shows of all time? Well, she’s charming, modest, cute, squeaky-clean, totally accessible, and she appears to have the means to get her face out there. Why not? She charmed the heck out of Jay Leno and fellow Tonight Show guest Bradley Cooper.

And do you know what else? She’s donating the proceeds from her record to the victims of the Japanese Earthquake Disaster!

As for myself, I’m going to reserve judgment. After all, it is Friday.

Nessacrest out.

Tags Rebecca Black, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Viral Videos

By: Sugey Palomares

What is a party without a little perreo? Puerto Rican duo Alexis y Fido officially dropped their fifth album Perreologia this week, which offers up fourteen new tracks to shake inappropriately to at the club or in the privacy of your own home. The duo, who have been involved in Puerto Rico's reggaeton movement since childhood, are known for their raw approach to the classic reggaeton beat. Alexis y Fido's new album offers many infectious tracks including one of our favorites titled, "Energía." The song has hooks full of energy and gallant-like lyrics honoring the special ladies in their lives. Unlike their last hit studio album Down to Earth, Perreologia includes a slew of collaborations with top-grade artists like Daddy Yankee, Franco el Gorila, Tony Dize, and so many more. Overall, the album is pouring with creative energy that's aimed to please.

Tr3s was granted exclusive access to the album release party at the Katra Lounge on Wednesday night. We got to hang out with the fellas and find out what the socially conscious group thinks about the university protests in Puerto Rico, what fans can expect from their new album Perreologia, and even got a special message for fans!

What can your fans expect from your new album Perreologia?

Alexis: Bueno, this album was made with lots of love for the fans. It’s dedicated to everyone that enjoys our music and el perreo that makes you want to have a good time on the dance floor. We were so lucky to collaborate with so many people like Tony Dize, Daddy Yankee, Flex, Eddie Avila, Franco el Gorila, Nova y Yori and so many more. We really produced this album with so much love for the fans. If they end up grabbing it, I know they won’t regret it.

You guys are known for being masters of wordplay. What inspired the lyrics in this album?

Alexis: Fido is the one that comes up with all of it. He is the mastermind.
Fido: Bueno, the fans are who really inspire us. We started to build on the songs based on what we thought our fans would really enjoy. I am very observant and like to stay on top of current events and what is going on in this world. All those things inspire us.

Speaking of current events, what are your thoughts on the university protests going on in Puerto Rico right now?

Fido: I support the students completely because I was a student at the University of Puerto Rico. There were always problems when it came to access to grants and scholarships. It’s true that financial aid is there to help us, but it wasn’t enough to cover the cost of books. This happens to so many students and they need more support to build a future for themselves.

What message do you give to those students in Puerto Rico that are struggling with this situation right now?

Fido: To keep going with their message. I know that a lot of artists from our industry are supporting them and they have our support too.

What can fans look forward to next from you guys?

Alexis: We are working really hard to promote the album. Right now we are planning on touring the States and getting the word out on this album. So far the response has been crazy. We really want to thank our fans for all the love.

Fido: We are also hitting up Panama City and Ontario in April. So you know, just traveling and trying to get the message out. Like Alexis said, this wouldn’t be possible without the fans.

Tags Alexis y Fido, Daddy Yankee, Eddie Avila, Flex, Franco "el Gorila", Latinos, Nova y Yori, perreo, Perreologia, Puerto Rico, Reggaeton, Tony Dize

By Michael Lopez

Believe it or not, TV networks are already furiously preparing new series for fall, winter, and early 2012. Though audiences won’t see Charlie’s Angels or Good Christian Bitches any time soon, advertisers are already getting glimpses at television upfront presentations in New York. Interestingly, the Cartoon Network is generating some of the heaviest buzz right now with their announcement of several high-profile animated shows.

Animation fans of all ages have something to get excited about with the newest Cartoon lineup. Old school Warner Bros. aficionados will be treated to the all-new Looney Tunes Show. Featuring updated versions of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, it promises new character designs, tons of big laughs, and more Latino flair with a revamped Speedy Gonzalez.

Children of the 1980’s will also get to enjoy some retro animated action with the return of the ThunderCats. Based on the classic battles of feline sword-slinger Lion-O and the evil Mumm-Ra, it’s supposedly giving the vintage after-school cartoon a much darker twist. But don’t worry, executives assured Deadline.com that Snarf will be back for plenty of comic relief.

Newer cartoon fans will be pleased to hear that last year’s How To Train Your Dragon is getting turned into a weekly series. Created by the same DreamWorks Animation team that produced the movie, it promises lots of family-friendly fun from Hiccup and Toothless. Of course, our big question is whether or not America Ferrera’s Astrid will make it to the small screen version. So far, it hasn’t been confirmed.

And don’t think for a minute that Cartoon Network isn’t capitalizing on the ongoing popularity of DC comics. Green Lantern: The Animated Series seems to be perfectly timed with Hal Jordan’s jump to the big screen. Though we doubt Lantern movie star Ryan Reynolds will lend his voice to the cartoon, it still has a lot of potential. Plotlines are said to include intergalactic fights with the Red Lantern Corps. and appearances from arch-villain Sinestro.

Other notable announcements included the martial-arts laden Lego Ninjago, The Problem Solverz mysteries, and giant rabbits in The Amazing World of Gumball. Seeing all of the energy and commitment Cartoon Network has poured into the new lineup goes to show that animation is definitely not just for kids anymore.

What are your all-time favorite cartoons? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Animation, Cartoon Network, Cartoons, Green Lantern, Hot Stuff, How To Train Your Dragon, Looney Tunes, Television, ThunderCats

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

Forty-two years ago, newlyweds Yoko Ono and John Lennon shut themselves inside Room No. 902 of the Amsterdam Hilton, called the press and declared history’s very first bed-in. The protest, from March 25-31, 1969, called attention to the ongoing war in Vietnam that began in 1955.

Ono and Lennon, used their wedding publicity to aid the cause of peace. In characteristically imaginative fashion, they sat in bed in their pajamas for seven days, chatting with reporters about peace, love, politics and long hair.

The project evolved out of John’s keen sense for media buzz, Yoko’s background in performance art and the request of a Dutch record executive, Hans Boskamp, who had a chance encounter with them immediately following their wedding in Paris.

"[Lennon] was incredibly preoccupied with the Vietnam War," Boskamp said. "When he said to me: 'I want to do something, demonstrate against the war,' I said: 'Then you should go to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, the flower-power movement is in full swing.' 'That's a good idea,' he said, 'you look for a good hotel and we will do the rest.'"

Lennon wrote the classic rock tune “The Ballad of John and Yoko,” which chronicled their wedding and subsequent honeymoon-protest trip:

Drove from Paris to the Amsterdam Hilton,
Talking in our beds for a week.
The newspaper said, "Say what you doing in bed?"
I said, "We're only trying to get us some peace.
Christ you know it ain't easy, You know how hard it can be.
The way things are going They're gonna crucify me."

It also inspired countless student and artist protests all over the world, and was later referenced in Oasis’ 1996 hit song, “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” The laid-back protest brought a different kind of media attention to the Vietnam War, which continued for another six years, until 1975.

The couple staged a second protest later that year in Montreal. There, at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Lennon wrote and performed “Give Peace a Chance” for the first time. The peace anthem became one of the most popular protest songs of all time.

Although Lennon’s band, the Beatles, broke up the following year, Lennon and Ono shared a productive decade of happy marriage together before Lennon’s assassination in 1980. John Lennon released several important albums during this time, including Imagine and the John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, in close collaboration with Ono.

Today, newlyweds can spend their own honeymoons in the very same suite in the Amsterdam Hilton where John and Yoko spent seven days making love, not war.

Tags Amsterdam Hilton, bed-in, John Lennon, Yoko Ono

By Michael Lopez

It takes a special kind of filmmaker to blend detailed animation with live-action actors, and director Tim Hill is fast becoming the “go-to” guy for these types of projects. Hill, who helmed such hits as Alvin and the Chipmunks, spoke to Tr3s about his latest film, Hop.

“The basic filmmaking process is the same,” Hill said about blending live actors in a cartoon world.

And though he makes it sound easy, constructing Hop was a very technical process. Dozens of animators from the award-winning Rhythm & Hues Studios spent months creating the signature Easter bunny character, E.B. Tim shot actors in an empty space and later incorporated the animations in post-production.

“These films are hard for an actor because often times you are talking to a coffee table,” Hill explained. “Jimmy Marsden did a great job of making it look like something was really in the room when all he really had to work with was a puppet.”

Similar to Alvin and the upcoming Smurfs movie, Hop tells the story of a cartoon character thrust into the real world. The animated E.B. spends most of the film bouncing through Hollywood in hopes of making his rock 'n' roll dreams come true.

Hill explained the challenges of giving life to E.B.

“When you’re dealing with an animated character like E.B. it’s a challenge," he said. "You’re creating a real animal that’s photo real, but you have a human side to him where he can talk and walks like a human.”

Having seen an early screening of the movie, this writer can attest that E.B.’s onscreen presence comes off flawlessly. Voiced by Russell Brand, he’s got plenty of humor, a lot of heart and a party attitude that perfectly channels Mr. Katy Perry. While he was excited to get Russell for the part, Hill was equally thrilled about one other cameo.

“David Hasselhoff came to play," he said. "He was a lot of fun. He was very willing to make fun of himself and be this over-the-top talent show host. Plus, the fact that he worked with a talking car made dealing with a talking bunny that much easier.”

Do you like live-action animated films? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Animation, Exclusive Entrevistas, Hop, Movies, Movies & CineMás, Tim Hill

By Michael Lopez

Arnold Schwarzenegger's classic 1990 sci-fi action flick, Total Recall, is getting rebooted, and Eva Mendes may be up for the lead female role.

Featuring an intricate plot full of three-eyed aliens, memory implants and vast Mars landscapes, Total Recall grossed more than $260 million at the box office. In some ways, it almost makes you wonder why Hollywood took so long to bring it back.

Nevertheless, Total Recall 2.0 is now on the fast track with actor Colin Farrell taking on Schwarzenegger's role. Hardcore fans will remember that there were actually two female leads in the original Recall. One was Arnold’s double-crossing wife played by Sharon Stone, the other was Melina, an exotic love interest who eventually woos the hero’s heart.

Latino Review is reporting that Eva is being considered for both roles, but she's up against some stiff competition. Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth and Paula Patton are all being considered, too.

Would you watch a remake of Total Recall? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eva Mendes, Hot Stuff, Movies, Movies & CineMás, Total Recall

By Michael Lopez

She may not have power of Charlie Sheen, but Christina Aguilera has racked up an impressive number of followers since joining Twitter this week. With 150,000 followers and growing, the pop star has already posted twitpix, shout outs and a few funny “Xtina-isms.”

“Thanks for the welcome to Twitter. I’m getting the hang of this. Never thought I’d say the word “hashtag.” Pandora's box has been opened.”

Truth be told, business matters may have driven her to the twitterverse. Aguilera will be a judge on the new NBC reality music competition The Voice, and we imagine she’ll tweet about it plenty.

But for now, Aguilera’s averaging about two to three posts a day. Tweeters on her follow list include Jennifer Hudson, Carson Daly and (no big shocker here) The Voice. But she's also showing love for all the fans that continue to offer support, even tweeting a pic of an interesting Russian creation made just for her.

Are you following Xtina on Twitter yet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Celebrities, Christina Aguilera, Hot Stuff, The Voice, twitter

By Michael Lopez

George Lopez may have crossed the line with his Kirstie Alley jokes this week. The late-night comedian dropped some controversial remarks about the actress' weight and her latest performance on the reality show Dancing with the Stars during a recent Lopez Tonight monologue.

"She did a nice job, her little hooves tapping away," Lopez joked. "Before the show she went to the market, then she had roast beef, and this is her going all the way home."

He then cut to a video of a squealing pig. Claiming that Kirstie, who has long battled weight problems, has "hooves" and implying, even jokingly, that she's a character in the Little Piggy Go to Market nursery rhyme is downright cruel.

But Alley responded with some hard-hitting tweets of her own.

“Don't worry about George's comments ... just remember what happens to the big bad, drunk woolf ... falls in a boiling pot of vodka. Piggy laughs”

So far, several tweeters have pledged their support for Alley.

@WestCoastGal88 told Kirstie, "If you read my stream -- I just called George Lopez a PIG :)"

Perhaps big bad wolf is more like it.

Do you think George Lopez’s joke went too far? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Chisme, Dancing With The Stars, George Lopez, Kirstie Alley, twitter