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By Michael Lopez

After that notorious butt to Floyd Mayweather's head, many in the boxing world were wondering if Victor Ortiz' career may be tarnished forever. But even if that's the case, it seems like Vic doesn't mind one bit. He's already moved on to other things, namely recording a hip-hop track with Ray J!

Yup, Kim Kardashian's notorious ex has released a brand new single and Ortiz happens to be on it. Entitled "Baddest Girl," it's got thumping beats, heavy auto tune, and a "guest Latino rhymer" at the two-minute mark.

In between Ray's lyrics about pouty club girls and dance floors, Victor drops lines about sexy twins, late night hookups, and meeting the "Baddest Girl" of the night. DJ Ian Carey is credited as the producer and definitely tries his best to keep things contemporary.

But if you ask us, the song sounds a bit stale. Ortiz does show some promise behind the mic, but we doubt he'll be nabbing any record deals in the near future. Floyd, on the other hand, has recently been spotted in the company of 50 Cent. Perhaps a musical collaboration between them will prove more interesting.

What do you think of Ortiz' rapping skills? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 50 Cent, Baddest Girl, Blogger: Michael Lopez, boxing, DJ Ian Carey, Floyd Mayweather, Música, Ray J, Sports, Victor Ortiz

By Michael Lopez

What do you do after receiving tons of critical praise and 10 Latin Grammy nominations? Hit the road and milk that success! Calle 13 is ready to take full advantage of their increased fame with a series of fall shows.

As of right now, Residente and Visitante have booked five dates throughout October. You can catch them in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and San Diego playing the mid-sized venues and Miami and New York for the arena stops (sponsored by Pepsi no less).

But if you can’t quite make it to those dates, don’t worry. There will be plenty of more Latino talent crisscrossing the U.S. in the next few weeks. Fellow Latin Grammy winner Andrés Calamaro will be headlining Chicago's House of Blues on October 11 and Julieta Venegas has launched a California "mini-tour" beginning September 30.

And if you prefer a little combo action with your Latin rockers, we highly recommend checking out the Enrique Bunberry/Zoé tour, which will be hitting a ton of cities in November. The Live Nation site has all of the details and is definitely worth a peep if you’re in the mood for awesome autumn música.

Who would you most like to see live this season? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Andres Calamaro, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Calle 13, Concert Tours, Enrique Bunberry, Julieta Venegas, Live Nation, Música, popnews, Zoe

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying that Ryan Seacrest's IHeartRadio Music Festival exceeded expectations. The massive two-day event brought 12,000 fans to the MGM Grand Garden Arena and featured over-the-top performances from Bruno Mars, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga!

Sporting massive jumbotron screens, extravagant costumes, and a bevy of choreographed backup dancers, the IHeartRadio setup definitely showed off the best that Vegas has to offer. Tr3s faves The Black Eyed Peas kicked off the event on Friday, blasting through their all-time greatest hits. Tracks like "I Gotta Feeling,"  "Don’t Stop the Party," and "Boom Boom Pow" got the crowd on their feet quick (and so did Fergie's glittery ensemble).

From there, IHeart switched over to another Seacrest fave, original American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson. She was followed by the always-reliable Bruno Mars who belted out modern classics like "The Lazy Song," "Grenades," and "Just the Way You Are." Bruno even threw out another tribute to Amy Winehouse with an energetic performance of "Valerie."

Carrie Underwood, Jane's Addiction, and Coldplay (who are also working the Rock In Rio festival later this week) kept the music flowing Friday night, but none of them could compare to the evening's closer. Daddy-to-be Jay-Z brought down the house, first with a live Alicia Keys duet, then with a nonstop barrage of his most famous songs (like "99 Problems," "Big Pimpin'" and more!).

Day two was just as exciting, with continued contributions from Seacrest's A.I. cohorts. Steven Tyler kicked off Saturday night with Aerosmith hits and his new solo single, "Feels So Good." Interestingly, fellow judge Randy Jackson backed Tyler up with some heavy guitar work on the stage.

Nicki Minaj appeared next and was literally wheeled on by a group of dancing doctors. Then came some country twang courtesy of Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney. But after that, it was pure diva! Jennifer Lopez appeared in a dazzling flapper dress and treated the crowd to a video montage of her most famous fashion choices. She then took the mic for songs like "I'm Real," "On The Floor," and her newest single, "Papi."

Obviously J. Lo is hard to top, but Saturday night's closer may just have done it. Lady Gaga was IHeart's final performer and gave the concert one hell of a sendoff. Appearing in leather, chains, and see-through tights, the Little Monster blew threw her Born This Way hits and even got Sting to perform a duet of "King Of Pain" with her.

Truly an event to remember, Ryan Seacrest should be very happy with IHeart's final tally. The event sold a massive amount of tickets and will most certainly be on the Vegas roster for a return show next year!

Did you get a chance to check out the IHeartRadio music festival? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Black Eyed Peas, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bruno Mars, Celebrities, Hot Stuff, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Jay Z, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, Las Vegas, Música, Nicki Minaj, popnews, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler

By Michael Lopez

If you wondering why Katy Perry and Rihanna were chosen to open Brazil's massive Rock In Rio festival, here's your answer. Latina or not, they can put on a dynamite show and literally get a crowd of over 100,000 chanting their names. Both ladies did not disappoint on kickoff night, blasting into some very provocative performances.

After Rock In Rio's traditional fireworks commencement, Katy made her big entrance against fairy pink lighting. She had previously tweeted plenty of hyped-up messages to her fans and bootlegged versions of her performance have already leaked on YouTube.

'I'M READY TO ROCK RIO!” she posted before taking the stage. "100,000 people tonight! I LOVE YOU BRAZIL... You've waited so long for me so tonight I'm gonna give it to you!!"

Her first song, "Teenage Dream," has proven to be a huge hit in Brazil. And she sang it in a Carnival-inspired costume, complete with peacock feathers in the backside. From there, it was on to "California Gurls," "I Kissed A Girl," and all of the famous Perry hits you know and love.

Rihanna took the stage shortly thereafter and didn’t seem intimidated one bit by Katy’s massive applause. Of course, these two ladies happen to be best friends, which Ri Ri emphasized in a tweet to her fellow headliner.

"@katyperry I love you! Had a blast 2nt," she posted.

Rihanna made sure her fashion choice got a lot of attention too. In between hits like "What’s My Name?" and "Umbrella," the 23-year-old singer showed off quite a bit of skin in a very revealing striped mini dress!

But unfortunately Rio wasn't all fun and games over the weekend. Reports came in Sunday morning about a gang of masked gunmen who robbed nearly 20 concertgoers. The men are still at large and officials are advising all Rock In Rio attendees to keep a close eye on their valuables throughout the remainder of the festival.

Have you ever seen Katy or Rihanna perform live? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Brazil, Hot Stuff, Katy Perry, Música, popnews, Rihanna, Rio, Rock in Río

By Michael Lopez

Sara Bareilles' newest single "Gonna Get Over You" deals with young love and overcoming a difficult breakup. So what better way to interpret it than with a dancing music video shot inside a Mexican market? Apparently that's the theme that Sara went for and it's garnered her a lot of attention.

So far, there have been many mixed emotions about the "Get Over You" video. Seeing Bareilles flirt with rancheros and stereotyped "cholas" has been described as entertaining by some and downright racist by others.

Obviously the racist comments may be taking things too far, but some in the middle say that the video does mock Latino stereotypes. The entire concept involves Sara dancing through a Mexican district of Los Angeles and recruiting tons of locals to join her in the routine.

The video was actually directed by Moneyball’s Jonah Hill and has great choreography. Plus, it certainly gave a lot of Latino actors the chance to strut their stuff. We just can't figure out why they're all dressed up like Lady Gaga’s alter-ego, Jo Calderone!

Do you think Sara's new video is mocking Latinos? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Gonna Get Over You, Jonah Hill, Música, Sara Bareilles, Videos

By Michael Lopez

Perhaps Prince Royce rubbed off a bit on his former duet partner, Daddy Yankee. Just a few day after Royce debuted his crossover English single "Addicted," El Big Boss went ahead and Americanized his massive Spanish hit, "Ven Conmigo!"

Now as we all know, Royce was a big part of "Conmigo" too and you can still hear him on the English version. But Yankee has also added Adrienne Bailon to throw in English lyrics and we have to admit, they're pretty darn catchy.

Co-written by Ne-Yo (who's fresh off Pitbull’s smash "Give Me Everything"), the new version goes by the title "Come With Me" and is full of the same thumping bass, autotune, and tropical rhythms you remember. DY also tossed out some interesting rhyme translations to keep things interesting.

"Ven Conmigo" has cracked the Top 10 on Billboard’s Tropical, Rhythm, and Latin Pop categories and we're feeling pretty confident that "Come With Me" may do the same for the English charts. Hopefully Big Boss and Prince can create another colorful video to go along with it!

What’s your favorite Daddy Yankee song? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adrienne Bailon, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Come With Me, Daddy Yankee, Hot Stuff, Música, Prince Royce, Ven Conmigo

By Michael Lopez

If you were ever thinking of taking a trip to Rio de Janeiro, now may be the time to do it. Brazil's massive Rock In Rio festival is kicking off on Friday and it promises seven days of nonstop music madness. The planet's most popular artists are all ascending to South America to blow the roof off Olympic Village stadium. Expect performances from Rihanna, Guns N' Roses, Maná, and tons more!

Over 700,000 people have already bought tickets to the event, which will feature nearly 100 artists. Set to be held at Brazil's "City of Rock," the venue is actually a brand new construction that will later be used for the 2016 Olympic Games. And if you ask organizer Roberta Medina, the more room they can provide for the fans, the better!

"Rock in Rio is to Brazil what Woodstock was to the world!" she enthusiastically said.

The first Rock in Rio took place back in 1985 and attracted an audience of 1.4 million. Classic artists like Queen, AC/DC, and Rod Stewart highlighted the festival back then. But now, fans are getting a much wider blend of music.

The organizers did a very admirable job of mixing both current and classic rockers when setting the roster. Fans of old school music will get to experience artists like Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Modern day metal heads can get their “headbang” on to songs from Metallica and Slipknot. And for all of you who prefer a little Latin twist to your guitar solos, Shakira and Maná will not disappoint.

Katy Perry will actually be the headliner kicking off the festivities on Friday night. And don't let her "California Gurl" demeanor fool you, Katy has had huge chart success throughout Latin America and may even break out some Spanish lyrics during her prime time set. The Brazilian Symphonic Orchestra will also be on hand opening night, giving the first evening quite a bit of range.

Throughout the week, audiences will see performances from Coldplay, Rihanna, Ke$ha, and plenty more. And to close it all up on October 10, Rock in Rio is bringing back an old fave. Guns N' Roses (who first appeared at the festival back in 1991) will be belting out classic '80s hits alongside the newly reunited System of a Down!

For everyone who can't make it, don't worry. The organizers are so confident about the success of this year's event that they've already confirmed Rock in Rio lineups for the next four years!

Which Rock in Rio artists would you most like to see live? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Brazil, Coldplay, Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Hot Stuff, Katy Perry, Mana, Música, Music Festivals, Rihanna, Rio, Rock in Río, Rock in Rio Festival, Shakira, System of a Down

By Michael Lopez

Sure she's a proud Latina of Mexican descent, but that doesn't mean that Demi Lovato has mastered her culture's native tongue. Speaking with Jimmy Fallon this week, the pop star opened up about her sub-par Spanish skills.

When asked if she spoke Español, Demi emphatically replied, "Not at all!"

"I've memorized songs in Spanish before," she went on to say. "I had a song called 'Lo Que Soy' which is 'This Is Me' in Spanish… I decided to sing it half English, half Spanish. But my brain like would not memorize it, the day before, I was like I might need a teleprompter!"

But that doesn't mean the Lovato won't stop trying. She belted out a bilingual version of her hit "Skyscraper" at the recent ALMA Awards, though many gossip sites poked fun at her "pronunciation issues."

We have faith that Demi will eventually master the art of Español. Perhaps she can even enroll in language classes with her famous BFF!

What's the next language that you would like to learn? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Cultura, Demi Lovato, Jimmy Fallon, Música, Skyscraper, Spanish

By Michael Lopez

Just imagine graduating eighth grade with a degree from the "Carlos Santana Arts Academy." That's what hundreds of L.A. kids will get to experience when they finish their studies at a newly christened elementary school.

Centered in SoCal's popular San Fernando Valley, the Carlos Academy will follow the same regimen as any other public institution in the L.A. Unified School District. But we're hopeful that subjects like music and history (particularly Carlos' era of 1970's rock) will get special attention.

The Mexican guitar god seemed quite touched by the honor, sending a letter to the district thanking them for the recognition. Outside of his musical abilities, Santana is a known philanthropist, which weighed heavily on the LAUSD's decision to add his name to the school.

Carlos is currently on the Divine Rascals tour with George Lopez. But we get the feeling when he gets back to L.A., you may just catch "Mr. Santana" popping in to the Academy to teach a few after school guitar lessons.

Are you a fan of Carlos Santana's music? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Carlos Santana, Carlos Santana Arts Academy, Education, LAUSD, Música, Schools

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying that the band R.E.M. had a very good run. Together for over 30 years, the legendary college rockers put out 15 albums, made tens of millions touring the world, and had quite a few Top 10 singles. So after all that, they have decided to call it a career, announcing their breakup on their website yesterday.

"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band," they wrote in a group statement. "We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening."

Many of R.E.M.'s die-hard fans were rather shocked by the announcement. The group put out a Top 5 album earlier in the year and were supposedly in the midst of recording new music. So why the sudden split?

Leave it to the gossip blogs to create all kinds of wild chisme. So far, rumors for the breakup have included issues with their record label, fatigue, and internal turmoil after singer Michael Stipe released naked pictures of himself online.

Stipe went on to issue his own statement, assuring fans that the group will remain friends.

"Our fans realize this wasn't an easy decision," he said. "But all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way."

Are you sad that R.E.M. split? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Breakups, Chisme, Música, Michael Stipe, R.E.M.