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Hard Rock Cancun Throws One Heck Of A Grand Opening Party

Posted 10/24/12 5:09 pm EST by James Montgomery in Behind The Scenes, Music

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Here's a pro tip: If a publicist emails you and asks if you'd be interested in attending the grand opening of a Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun, all expenses paid, for three days of laying out by the pool, eating more food than Honey Boo Boo's mom at a buffet and generally behaving like a Kanye West/Kim Dotcom hybrid … all sandwiched in-between concerts from Flo Rida and the Goo Goo Dolls, well, then you should most definitely say "Yes."

Because that's what I did. For three days this weekend, I checked my journalistic integrity at the door and partied like a genuine rock star at the sparkly new Hard Rock in Cancun, a 12-story gem that juts out into the Caribbean Sea, features some 600 rooms, five international restaurants, five bars (including two of the "swim-up" variety) and a lobby packed with enough memorabilia to give the Rock Hall pause (checking out John Bonham's kit up close was a thrill … what can I say, I'm a rock nerd). There were parties and after-parties, booming DJ sets by the pool, white sand beaches, endless Hors d'oeuvres and at one point, they christened the thing with a guitar-smash, one attended by a little person dressed up like Gene Simmons. Needless to say, one of the better work-cations I've ever been on.

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For the grand opening, the folks at Hard Rock pulled out all the stops, which meant, that, in addition to the fashion show I attended — I wore a button-up shirt and everything — there were also two nights of concerts. Flo Rida provided the perfect soundtrack to a very loose first night, ripping through a set of his patented party-starters ("Low," "In The Ayer," "Right Round," etc) and even bringing a bunch of ladies up on stage at one point for an impromptu dance-off. Shoot, he had such a good time that he even stuck around the next day, and was seen by this reporter wading out into the crystal-blue ocean in a pair of gigantic red trunks.

The Goo Goo Dolls performed on night two, and served reminder that they possess a back catalog as formidable as, well, anyone, leading a fired-up crowd through rousing sing-alongs on hits like "Name," "Iris," "Black Balloon" and "Slide." And despite forming in Buffalo, New York, they seemed at home on the Hard Rock's beach stage, rocking long into the night.

There were also celebrity cameos by the aforementioned Willis (who, it should be noted, was definitely feeling the Goo Goo Dolls) and Wilmer Valderrama, who hosted a Saturday afternoon pool party from high-atop a DJ booth, staged a "Dougie" competition and posed for about a bazillion photos. Oh, and then I got an "organic facial" from the Hard Rock spa. It definitely helped with the hangover.

All-in-all, it was a pretty tremendous weekend, and now that I'm sitting here back in gloomy New York, typing this with my tan slowly peeling away (it's seriously gross), I can tell you without a doubt that you should definitely make your way down to the Hard Rock in Cancun sometime … even if a publicist isn't paying your way, it's sure to be a trip you won't forget. Even if you can't remember most of it.

Tags Flo Rida, freebies, Goo Goo Dolls

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Mr. DMX, Will You Sign My Blog? Love, Annie

Posted 9/13/12 11:49 am EST by MTV News in Behind The Scenes, Music

spacer By Annie Schoening

I patiently waited for DMX among a small crowd that had gathered outside the "RapFix Live" studio for a glimpse of the performer, who was interviewing with Sway on Wednesday. When Mr. X emerged from the green room, he was in a playful mood.

"Will you take a picture with me, Mr. X?" I asked. "I am a GIANT fan. Really." I had even written an open letter to him on my blog in 2008! I wanted to shout, "Sign my blog!" but the Internet has yet to invent a way to do this.

DMX then looked at me with a slow, quiet smile and said: "You are... You are... Can I pinch your cheeks?"

I laughed, a little surprised, and said yes. This is not something you say no to. He grasped the flesh underneath my eyeglasses with both hands. Who knew DMX was such a bubbe, wanting to pinch cheeks like a grandmother? Then we hugged like old friends as a consort snapped away. I finally let go of his dark, wool jacket emblazoned with "Champion" on the back and stood aside for the others.

Another fan asked him to sign DMX's yearbook, somehow procured on the Internet, which prompted the rapper to ask him: "What was the second line from my first track ever?" The fan stumbled and couldn't remember, but the charismatic "I Don't Dance" singer laughed it off and the playful exchange delighted everyone watching. He was very gracious to everyone, which I knew he would be.

What would you do if you met DMX? Comment below and tell us what you'd say!

Tags dmx, RapFix Live

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Well Wishes For Wiz And Amber: My Week At The VMAs

Posted 9/10/12 7:04 pm EST by MTV News in Behind The Scenes, VMAs

By Rya Backer

Last week, to say the least, was a little crazy. As a producer here at MTV News, I was the very funny/talented/whipsmart Jim Cantiello's right-hand-lady. Together, we worked to pitch, execute, and create great content around all things VMAs as the week ramped up (and I helped pick out his suit). I was also Jim's eyes and ears for Thursday's pre-show as well as the backstage Livestream which took place during the show, capturing all the craziness that occurred behind the scenes and talking to artists after they'd presented (hi, Mac Miller!) or won (Rihanna!).

One couple who I was so excited to see were the in-love and engaged Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa, who I'd talked to on "BFFs" and "First Date," respectively. I'd heard rumors about Ms. Rose being with child (and then there was the tweet Wiz sent to our Rob Markman), but nothing confirmed it quite like seeing the pair in well-dressed, nesting bliss. I first caught up with them during the pre-show, where in addition to the announcement with Sway, Rose's form-fitting black lace number and general glow only confirmed everyone's suspicions.

Later, as Jim and I were parked backstage, riffing and gawking at every celebrity (side note: Hi, Drake! I'm the girl in the tuxedo t-shirt who said "congratulations!" out of nowhere), Wiz caught my eye. I asked his manager, Benjy, if Wiz could spare a minute to talk to Jim for all of the Internet to see. He agreed, but not long after, they'd disappeared! I was assured by our ace talent wranger, Sandra, that it was only because he wanted to bring Amber backstage as well. Amber appeared a bit tired considering her circumstances, but so happy to be with her man — I can assure you this couple is very much in love. And so herewith was Jim's chat with the pair ... and my Jewish-mother interjection to wish them well.

Now if any of you have any suggestions for (non-paraphernalia-related) baby gifts, please speak up! I need ideas!

Tags Amber Rose, Pregnancy, vma, Wiz Khalifa

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