Bridgeport, Connecticut's Seaside Park is about to be transformed into the annual celebration of art, camping and jamming known as the Gathering of the Vibes festival. From Thursday (July 29) to Sunday, fans will be treated to the sounds of Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas, Further (a.k.a. the surviving members of the Grateful Dead), Jimmy Cliff, Primus, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, and many more.

"This is an event that was put together 15 years ago," event publicist Jonathan Lobdell told MTV News. "And it sort of morphed into this great big family reunion with people who come back every single year and grow these tremendous bonds that last lifetimes."

The Gathering is also literally a family affair, with a crowd that consists of kids, parents and even grandparents that get to escape for a few days. "Every year, when we get into our cars to go home, we have to get back into reality," Lobdell added.

The Gathering of the Vibes began back in 1996 when fans of the late Jerry Garcia came together to celebrate the Grateful Dead frontman's life. Since then, the event has grown in popularity, venue-hopped throughout the Northeast and remained a platform for established and up-and-coming musicians. This weekend marks its sixth return to Seaside Park.

Among the other acts scheduled to perform include the Radiators, Little Feat, New Riders of the Purple Sage and Beastie Boys DJ Mix Master Mike. The festival is anticipating 20,000 plus spectators per day to attend. MTV News spoke to a few attendees about the festivities and it's clear that the Gathering of the Vibes is definitely one anticipated event.

Though he lives just across the street, 29-year-old Tom Prokop has never officially attended the Gathering until this year. "This year will actually be my first trip inside the gates, but I have sat on my porch every year and listened to the great music," he said. "I haven't been inside yet, but have seen many people over the years at Vibes, and I would say that people should be prepared for the best 80 or so hours of their lives."

New York native Colin Cosell pointed to Nas and Damian Marley's presence as a welcome sign of the fest's increasing musical diversity.

"I admit I was surprised when I saw them on the lineup but greatly appreciate the fact that an act like theirs is performing in festival like Vibes," he told MTV News. "It definitely breaks some barriers and expands the Gathering's horizons beyond the Grateful Dead culture and feel."

Jen Waldron, 39, said her first time at the Gathering set the bar high. "It was a life-changing experience," she said. "I've never felt so much positive energy in one place in my life. This is not normally my scene either."

Are you going to go to this year's Gathering of the Vibes festival? Who are you looking forward to seeing? Share your thoughts below!

• Damian Marley
• Nas

Zac Efron as Charlie St. Cloud
Photo: Universal Pictures

Zac Efron's new movie "Charlie St. Cloud," out Friday, is certainly a far cry from his shiny, sugar-coated "High School Musical" trilogy. But judging from the film's trailers, there are some similarities to a few other recent films with an emotional/romantic theme, namely "Dear John," "Remember Me" and "The Last Song." When MTV News spoke with Efron, we asked him why this film is different, and how the story toes the line between sappy and sentimental.

"I didn't think it was going to be sappy," Efron said. "Because [director Burr Steers] doesn't do sappy, you know what I mean? Burr is very grounded. He is all about story and dialogue and plot and all about real."

Efron added that Steers, whom he also worked with on "17 Again," will quickly put the kibosh on superficiality if he sees it in an actor's performance. "If he sees [superficial] acting, he would come in and just, psshhhhh [He pantomimes an explosion with his hands]. So I've really had to trust him with that. And we all do, we all did. And you know, it turned out right."

The 22-year-old went on to say that he doesn't think "Charlie St. Cloud" gets too sentimental. "But at the same time, I wanted to make sure the audience got what they needed from it," he said. "Hopefully they are fulfilled and leave asking some cool questions."

It will be interesting to see how well fans receive Efron in his "St. Cloud" role, especially since it was recently announced that Efron has been pegged to star in "The Lucky One," the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel about an American marine who credits his survival in the Iraq War to a photograph of a woman he's never met. "Lucky One" adds to the already lengthy list of projects to which Efron is reportedly attached.

What do you think of Efron taking on different, more grown-up roles? Will you go to see "Charlie St. Cloud" and "The Lucky One"? Tell us in the comments.

Check out everything we've got on "Charlie St. Cloud."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

David Fincher
Photo: MTV News

David Fincher is one of the few bigtime Hollywood directors who, by simply including his name in a sentence, automatically adds an air of credibility and intelligence to whatever subject is being discussed. With such challenging, thought-provoking films as "Seven," "Fight Club," and "Zodiac" on his résumé, Fincher has established himself as one of the most exceptional and incendiary directors in the business. Now, as he tackles the U.S. version of one of the most popular books in recent publishing history, Stieg Larsson's "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," we consult two industry-savvy experts on why he is the perfect choice to tackle the project.

"I cannot think of a better person to direct this movie than David Fincher," Entertainment Weekly senior editor Rob Brunner told MTV News. "First of all, nobody does creepy like he does. Anyone who has ever seen 'Seven' knows that he is a master of making you uncomfortable," he said.

MTV's own Kurt Loder wholeheartedly agrees. "David Fincher's an ideal director for this movie because he has a talent for handling violence and perversity with a controlling intelligence," Loder said in an email to MTV News. "As he demonstrated in 'Zodiac' — his most unjustly under-heralded film — he's not just a simple-minded sensationalist and it will be interesting to see what he does with the astonishing revenge scene in the original picture."

Brunner, author of the recent EW cover story chronicling the popularity of the book series, pointed out that the book's dark and freaky elements, and the detective procedural aspects, are two areas of Fincher's expertise.

"[He] has done both those things extremely well — with 'Seven' and with 'Zodiac,' which is more of a police procedural kind of movie," said Brunner. "The 'Dragon Tattoo' books have some very creepy and uncomfortable parts to them that I am both very eager and fairly sort of dreading seeing how he handles them, because I have no doubt that he will make it even more over-the-top and extreme than what's in the book."

Brunner went on to say that one point of contention in regard to Fincher's adaptation is: Why remake it at all? "When I wrote the story, a lot of the reaction online and from people I knew was, 'Why would they remake this movie? There are already these great Swedish versions of these movies, they should let them speak for themselves.' On one hand I understand that way of thinking, I like those movies quite a bit, but the reason to remake them is David Fincher."

Another prickly element in making the film is the casting. It was already announced that current "James Bond" star Daniel Craig will step into the role of Mikael Blomkvist, but Fincher's next hurdle is the impending and precarious job of casting the appropriate actress to portray celebrated protagonist Lisbeth Salander. On this subject, both Brunner and Loder sided with the rumors that Fincher is leaning toward casting a lesser-known actress in the role. "Honestly, I hope they get it right," Brunner said. "If you get it wrong, it doesn't matter what Fincher does, the movie is dead, that's the whole game right there, casting that character."

Loder added that the current names being thrown around do not do the role justice. "Natalie Portman? Carey Mulligan? [They] couldn't be more wrong for the part," Loder said. "And I can't imagine Fincher going with them. Rooney Mara could be good — she had a distinctively sour presence as the slutty roommate in 'Youth in Revolt.' In the end, though, I'd bet Fincher would go with an unknown."

Check out everything we've got on "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

The cast of "Jersey Shore"
Photo: MTV

The "Jersey Shore" cast got America fist-pumping last year when they launched their hit reality-TV series with more than a few drunken nights, brawls and hookups. But in season two, which kicks off Thursday, the castmembers tell MTV News they plan to beat dat beat even harder this time around — if that's even possible.

Their celebrity fans certainly want more fights and hot-tub sessions this season, and the "Shore" cast promises that in Miami that will definitely be the case.

"I am excited for people to see season two. It is 1,000 times more dramatic and just, overall, 1,000 times better than 'Jersey Shore' 1," an enthusiastic JWoww told MTV News. "More drama, make-ups, breakups, fights, and everyone became really close as a family, so it's just insane."

DJ Pauly D added, "If you like season one, you'll love season two."

The Situation offered his theory on why fans will fully embrace their antics this time around.

"You've seen season one, you know what happens there!" he said. "Season two is so much drama. There's so much more hookups, make-ups, breakups, the whole nine, and you guys are definitely going to love season two. Sit back and relax! You guys can see how to party!"

Sammi "Sweetheart" set the bar high for the revelry of season two. "Of course, 'Jersey Shore' wouldn't be 'Jersey Shore' without the drama, the fights and the hookups," she teased. "So there's that, plus more!"

What are you looking forward to most from the new season of "Jersey Shore"? Tell us in the comments!

Season two of "Jersey Shore" premieres tomorrow night at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Be there!

• Countdown To Return Of 'Jersey Shore'

• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Vinny
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Snooki
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Sammi
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ronnie
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Pauly D
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Mike 'The Situation'
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | JWOWW
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Angelina
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Cast

Foxy Brown
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Celebrity Favorites: Foxy Brown
Foxy Brown insists there were no shots fired at Nicki Minaj. The Brooklyn veteran disputes claims she was dissing the Young Money MC during a recent show at Manhattan's B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. Brown says that, in fact, she thinks Minaj has been doing an exemplary job at navigating the music industry.

"What's funny, I actually applaud Nicki for it," said Foxy, who was accompanied by her manager earlier this week during a visit to the MTV News studio. "I think she's doing an incredible job of branding herself. When you're a boss bitch, you give it up. Send her a Chanel bag or something," she laughed. "If you're winning, you're wining. That's just how I see it."

When Foxy was asked whether she shared the same line of thinking as Lil' Kim, who believes that a rising female MC like Minaj should pay homage, Brown insisted, "I'm not caught up in that at all ... I'm not even in that category. I'm still one of the youngest female rappers in the game. [Other female rappers] may feel like that because they're older, but I myself am still young. I don't feel that. I applaud what she's doing.

As for Foxy's comments at her B.B. King's show over the weekend, Brown addressed her female rap counterparts mixing hip-hop and dancehall saying, "I'm the only rap bitch in the game that f--- with all hip-hop, all dancehall, and I'm the only bitch that can do that for real"

Brown told us that yes, she was referring to Nicki's Caribbean accent on the remix of Gyptian's "Hold You," but no, she wasn't throwing jabs.

" 'Cause everyone thought it was me on that dancehall record," Foxy explained. "It's something I created. That's something that had never been done before — hip-hop and dancehall together — until I did it. I didn't do it just to sell records. I didn't do it as a ploy or gimmick. My parents are from Trinidad. I'm Trinidadian. I'm West Indian. That is the music I grew up on. To incorporate that with hip-hop was the biggest thing ever.

"My ex-fiancé is Spragga Benz; [he] had the most amazing dancehall hook and we went crazy on it. I think anybody that does that after, [people will be like, 'Is that Fox?'] Then the little ad-libs [Nicki does on the song], 'whoa, whoa,' that's my trademark. People will start to question that and say, 'Was that Foxy?' But what I said onstage is what is said. I back up and stand behind everything I say two million percent: I am the only Trini chick that can kick yard sh--."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines or follow the Mixtape Daily team on Twitter: @shaheemreid and @mongosladenyc.

• Foxy Brown
• Nicki Minaj

Dwyane Wade
Photo: MTV News

Back when he was 17, current Miami Heat megastar Dwyane Wade was just another kid trying to figure it all out ... except when he was in the classroom, that is. Because when it came to hitting the books, he did the bare minimum.

"I was kind of student that did just enough to get by," he confesses on the newest episode of MTV's "When I Was 17." "I hated chemistry, and I didn't get it because I didn't think I was going to have to use it. I was like, I'm not gonna have to dissect frogs. I don't even like frogs."

About the only thing he hated more than frogs, it would seem, was math. And while he was already a burgeoning star on the Harold L. Richards High School basketball team, he struggled hard when it came to stuff like algebra (join the club). But luckily, he came across one teacher who helped change all that. And it didn't hurt things that she was easy to pay attention to.

"I eventually found a teacher that kind of explained everything to me, in a way that I understood it. So I was like, OK, I need this teacher every year. So I had the same math teacher every year in high school," he explains. "Her name was Ms. Porrello ... she was my all-time favorite teacher because she was easy on the eyes. So, you know, I had a small, little high school crush that kind of made me want to work harder, because I wanted to impress."

So with his math game on lock, Wade focused on improving his basketball too. And unlike algebra, hoops came pretty easy. After all, when he turned 17, he grew 6 inches, which turned him into the man on the Richards High team. And, really, that hasn't changed since then.

"When I turned 17, I grew. The year before I was 5' 8", and I came back to school and I was 6' 2". I always had big hands and big feet, and my father always told me, 'You're gonna grow, your time's gonna come.' It took a little while, but once it came, it came all at once, and it came at a great time."

"When I Was 17" — this week featuring Holly Madison, Dwyane Wade, and Joel and Benji Madden — airs Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV.

The cast of "Jersey Shore"
Photo: Scott Gries/Picture Group

Before December 3, 2009, very few people knew what GTL meant. But by the time that "Jersey Shore" stars Snooki, JWoww, the Situation, Vinny, Pauly D, Angelina, Ronnie and Sammi Sweetheart assaulted television screens with their high-octane take on life, love and partying, fans were hooked on it.

Seaside Heights quickly became the Riviera of New Jersey, while Karma became the hot spot to be on a Saturday night. Working in a t-shirt shop suddenly seemed like the most exciting career move to make, unless you were Angelina. And let's not forget the love: There was Sammi and Ronnie and their very tumultuous relationship. There was Mike and his Situation. And there was Snooki and her love of, um, pickles.

Plus, they gave fans a whole new way to speak and shared with the world their very own guido and guidette lingo, including now inescapable lines like "beat the beat" and the aforementioned "gym, tan, laundry" — and you can relive the first season in 60 seconds in this video!

Of course, the "Jersey Shore" gang has gained many celebrity fans thanks to their hysterical antics. "He told me he never watched TV, he never even watches his own show, 'That '70s Show,' but he was like, 'I watch your show,' " Snooki said about Ashton Kutcher weeks after the show premiered. "He's like, 'You guys are freakin' awesome. I'm a big fan.' "

And for those wondering whether there could be an East Coast/ West Coast battle between MTV reality shows, "Hills" star Kristin Cavallari quickly squashed any rumors. "We met Kristin from 'The Hills' over the weekend and she said she loves the show," the Situation said. "She said she loves the Situation."

With season two of the show kicking off on Thursday (July 29), anything is possible now that the crew is GTL-ing its way through Miami. And if "Jersey Shore" soundtrack artist Enrique Iglesias gets his way, there will be just as much fighting, drama and chaos this time around.

What was your favorite moment from season one? Tell us in the comments!

• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Promos

• 'The Hills' And 'Jersey Shore' Mash-Up

Michael Jackson
Photo: Getty Images

Seven doctors who treated the late Michael Jackson will not be charged in the singer's death. According to The Associated Press California officials said Wednesday (July 28) that they will not file charges against the doctors who were under scrutiny as part of an investigation launched by the state's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.

Jackson passed away in June 2009 after suffering cardiac arrest. His personal doctor Conrad Murray — who was not one of the seven doctors included in the investigation — has been charged in his death and pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter after allegedly giving the star the potent anesthetic propofol.

"I am very disappointed," said Brian Oxman, an attorney for Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson. "The misuse of medications by Michael Jackson in the last years of his life was excessive and to fail to bring that to the public eye is ignoring reality." Oxman is serving as Joe Jackson's lawyer in a wrongful death suit against Murray.

Bureau spokesperson Christine Gasparac told the AP that one of the doctors who was under investigation was referred to the California Medical Board for prescribing drugs to one of Jackson's aliases, however, a spokesperson for the board did not confirm the referral. A spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Agency told the AP that it has also dropped its investigation into Jackson's doctors.

Murray lawyer Ed Chernoff has maintained that the doctor did not administer a fatal dose of propofol and has suggested that either Jackson gave himself the anesthetic or another person may have supplied the late star with the dose. However, an anesthesia expert has said the possibility of Jackson administering the drug himself is unlikely.

A preliminary hearing in the Jackson manslaughter case is slated for August and Murray faces a sentence of up to four years in jail.

• Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos

• Michael Jackson

Kanye West performing at Twitter's headquarters
Photo: Jillian West (@jillyface)

When people get into the social-networking thing, they typically set up a Facebook page, get a Twitter account and start blasting out inane status updates. Not Kanye West. Instead of just logging onto the popular websites to promote his projects virally, 'Ye has gone behind the scenes with a couple of in-office performances for the staff at two of the world's social-networking juggernauts. On the heels of rocking Facebook's headquarters, Yeezy spit lyrics from his upcoming album for the folks at Twitter on Wednesday (July 28).

In videos that have surfaced online, 'Ye looks dapper in a dark gray suit, and blesses the Twitter office with a few bars from his next effort. The performance went down on the same day that he joined the site and revealed that his new album won't be called Good Ass Job.

Of course, the social networking wizards at Twitter tweeted about 'Ye's performance, typing, "Welcome to Twitter, @kanyewest, and thanks for the visit today." Several photos of the hip-hop's star's visit were also posted on the website's Flickr page showing the Louis Vuitton Don posing for pics and gettin' it in on the mic.

It's been a big Twitter day for West in general. At press time, the star netted more than 130,000 followers during his first day on the site and spent much of his first few hours on Twitter micro-blogging about the rapid growth of followers.

"I got 90,000 followers in 8 hrs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you everybody," West tweeted around 6 pm and an hour later, recognized the fan who tipped him over the 100,000 mark. "100,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! shout out to @yoodeebaby for being the 100,000th follower thank you to everybody." By 9 p.m., the star had more than 120,000 followers.

Despite snubbing Twitter last year, it appears the star has learned what many followers on the site have already realized, tweeting: "Awwwww man this is addictive I might get in trouble on here!!!!"

Are you following Kanye on Twitter yet? Will you? Let us know in the comments!

• Kanye West

Wiz Khalifa
Photo: Rostrum Records

Wiz Khalifa's already-good week just got a lot better.

The Pittsburgh rapper bested his fellow upstart MCs to earn MTV News' "Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010" nod during the "Sucker Free Summit" on Sunday, and now the Taylor Gang leader will be the next guest on "RapFix Live" this Friday at 1 p.m. ET.

"RapFix Live" is MTV News' new livestream show, where artists are interviewed live by Sway in the newsroom and viewers are able to ask questions via Twitter and uploaded videos. Fans can tweet @MTVNews with the hashtag #rapfixlive and Sway will dig through questions live during the chat; viewers can also upload their questions to Your.MTV.com.

The questions can range from the absurd to the serious.

Last week, Rick Ross was the premiere guest and the Miami rapper was gracious, humorous, and witty as he answered questions about surfing, among other things.

Ross also revealed during "RapFix Live" that he wants to work with Dr. Dre and Frankie Beverly on his next album and he described what it was like to work with Kanye West in Hawaii, where the two collaborated on his "Live Fast, Die Young."

"Make sure y'all turn in to 'RapFix Live,' I'mma be answering all your tweets live," Wiz said to MTV News over the weekend, relaying the message to his fans. "So slide through and keep it Taylor!"

Don't miss Wiz Khalifa on "RapFix Live" on MTV.com, Friday at 1 p.m. ET!

• Hottest Breakthrough MCs Of 2010

• Wiz Khalifa

Rick Ross, Janelle Monae and Diddy on the cover of Vibe magazine
Photo: Vibe

Diddy is one of the most money-earnin' moguls in entertainment and the star doesn't think anybody should question how he spends his green when it comes to his kids. In the August/September issue of Vibe magazine, the Bad Boy boss sounds off about a June "Nightline" interview with ABC News reporter Martin Bashir, during which the journalist grilled him about lavishing his son with an expensive ride for his 16th birthday.

"The whole thing about giving a Maybach to my son, that's really like a racist question," Diddy tells the mag. "You don't ask white people what they buy their kids. And they buy 'em Porsches and convertible Bentleys, and it ain't no question. It's really a racist question and put things back in perspective with money and the way that people still look at you. And I'm not saying that consciously he's a racist. But he probably don't even realize that he would not ask Steve Jobs that. He would be like Steve Jobs has that money and that's the gift his kid is supposed to get."

Diddy also said he regretted the sit-down with Bashir, who generated a lot of attention with his 2003 documentary "Living With Michael Jackson".

"There were times in the interview when I had to give him an ultimatum. The questions weren't being handled the right way. In hindsight, when I saw him, I shouldn't [have] done the interview because I know the style of interview that he does," Diddy said.

Diddy graces the magazine's 15th annual "Juice" issue, sharing the cover with members of his extended Bad Boy and Dream Team crew, including Rick Ross and Janelle Monáe. He also opened up about hitting the studio with fellow production master Dr. Dre.

"I was in the studio with Dre the other day. He started working on a record for me. Watching him as a producer is watching greatness," Diddy said. The mogul also added that he and the Chronic legend have a lot in common when it comes to crafting a record. "We had a lot of similar traits. It was like looking in the mirror. He would ask questions like, 'How you feel about this?' People don't really understand true producers want to know how you feel about things. We are some of the most observant people on the planet."

What do you think about Diddy's comments? Sound off in the comments!

• Diddy

Chelsea Clinton
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

With a guest list that includes U.S. presidents, world leaders and most importantly, Oprah, Chelsea Clinton's nuptials to investment banker Mark Mezvinsky may just be the wedding of 2010. (Sorry, Martin Lawrence.)

The lavish ceremony is reportedly set to take place this Saturday in Rhinebeck, New York. But what do you get the happy couple when the bride's parents are a man who was once the leader of the free world and a woman who's currently serving as U.S. secretary of state? Will a KitchenAid cut it? MTV News took to the streets to ask everyday New Yorkers (and plenty of tourists) what they would buy as a gift for Chelsea and Mark if they had been invited.

"New married couples, the thing that they need is something to channel their anger and frustration towards, so maybe a parrot or some kind of animal," said Seth Schellenberg from Michigan. "Something that they can, you know, cuss at. ... I think it's healthy!"

Meanwhile, Baltimore native Bob Graham picked a present that hit close to home. "[I'd give her] her father's autobiography. She probably hasn't read it. ... Would you read about your daddy in that case? I wouldn't," he said.

Several people thought Chelsea and Mark were too high-class to shop for. "They pretty much have everything," said Katherine Ramos of the Bronx, while Shelby Hinkle from Pennsylvania echoed, "She's so rich, she doesn't need anything!"

Antinous Aloe Aquila thought just the opposite, and hopes someone lavishes the happy couple in more luxury. "I would give her a plane ticket and [find her] a really good location in some nude beaches in Hawaii," said Aquila before adding, "Get away from all the [wedding] drama, and have a massage on the beach!"

International visitors suggested they'd bring something that reminded them of home. Jason Cebalos from Colombia thought a homemade blanket would do the trick, while Londoner Livvie Milne urged any British guests to gift a gold teapot. "It's not really traditional, it's just English [like] tea, and [it should be] gold because [the Clintons are] like royalty!"

So now that we've got some gift suggestions out of the way, let's move on to more important matters: Will Oprah order the steak or the fish?

What would you give Chelsea Clinton and Mark Mezvinsky as a wedding gift? Tell us in the comments below!

Chris Evans
Photo: Jerod Harris/ Getty Images

Chris Evans has made no secret of his unfamiliarity with "Captain America" lore — a fictional history that dates back to World War II and continues to this day. And some of the more huffy Marvel aficionados on the Web have made no secret of their displeasure with this gap in Evans' pop-culture knowledge.

Leaving aside the rather curious notion that an actor needs to be an expert on a given subject before he takes on a role, fans will be pleased to know that Evans has plunged into the Captain's past since he signed on for the big-screen adaptation in April.

"Absolutely, the comic books have been fantastic," he told MTV News at San Diego Comic-Con last week. "Personally, when I was going through the comic books, the ones that were most intriguing were the origin stories. I just wanted to get as many different takes on how this guy started out."

Evans has concentrated on the origin stories — which follow Steve Rogers' transformation, via the army's Super-Solider serum, from average Joe to American superhero — because that is the tale Marvel is set to establish with "Captain America: The First Avenger."

"That's the story we're telling," Evans explained. "I want to know who he was prior to this happening to him, and I think if that character is someone the audience can relate to, we win."

Evans also confirmed that Peggy Carter, the Captain's love interest to be played by Hayley Atwell (AMC's "The Prisoner"), will have a meaty part in the new flick, which hits theaters on July 22, 2011.

"Oh yeah, she's got a lot to do in this one, absolutely," he said.

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

• MTV Rough Cut: 'Captain America'

Foxy Brown and her lawyer Salvatore E. Strazzullo
Photo: MTV News

Lindsay Lohan's jail sentence is already close to its conclusion, but the effects of her incarceration are still being felt. The recently-jailed actress received a show of support from a New York tanning salon on Tuesday, and Foxy Brown (herself a former inmate who spent a year at Rikers Island) also gave Lohan a shout-out when she visited the MTV News office on Tuesday.

"My heart goes out to Lindsay Lohan. I watched her being taken to jail and it brought back tears and memories. It wasn't all negative, I have to say that," Brown, who was arrested again last week, told MTV News. "People just automatically think that prison stereotypically is the worst place. I was unlawfully sent to prison for a year, but I kind of welcomed the serenity when I was sentenced and I knew I had to deal with this."

Like "Hills" star Stephanie Pratt, Brown used the time to better herself and even make some friends. "I said 'You know what? Let me make the best out of this time,' " Brown said. "I'm an avid reader, so I read a lot. And the inmates were amazing. I would sit down with them and we would play cards and converse. Talking to these different women from all walks of life was incredible. There were actually three females I met while in prison who I still write to and keep in contact with."

The rapper — whose new album Black Roses is scheduled to drop soon — didn't have any particular advice for Lohan, though she did think the whole situation was unfair.

"When Puff says 'Mo money, mo problems,' it's really true," she said. "It's such a blessing being a celebrity. There are a lot of perks to being a celebrity, but the downside of it? Oh, man. You're constantly targeted. We all need to be law-abiding citizens, but I think each case needs to be ruled by the law, as opposed to this is a celebrity who is doing this and needs to be taught a lesson."

What do you think of Foxy's advice for Lindsay Lohan? Sound off in the comments below!

• Foxy Brown
• Lindsay Lohan

50 Cent appears on "The View" on Wednesday
Photo: ABC

Much was made about 50 Cent's dramatic weight loss earlier this year for an acting role that required the muscle-bound rap star to lose more than 50 pounds. But there's been little information about how the fit G-Unit head managed to put the weight back on.

Fif sat down with the women of "The View" on Tuesday and revealed to the hosts what his very first meal was post-production.

"I remember specifically what the first thing was, because I was starving," he laughed. "I had a steak. It was 12 ounces, but I got about four ounces in before I started getting sleepy."

The rapper shocked his fans and followers when Us Weekly got a hold of a still image from the upcoming movie "Things Fall Apart," featuring 50 Cent, Mario Van Peebles, Lynn Whitfield and Ray Liotta. Fif appeared gaunt and sickly in the picture. On the chat show, he drew comparisons to famous method actors who embraced almost tortuous acts to delve deeper into character.

The rapper also revealed he'd studied interviews of actors who attempted similar transformations. "I read [Robert] De Niro's interviews during 'Raging Bull,' Christian Bale's during 'The Machinist,' and Tom Hanks with 'Philadelphia,' " 50 said.

Earlier this year, 50 told a Cleveland newspaper why he went to the lengths he did for the part and movie.

"It's a project that I wrote, produced and financed myself," he said of the film. "It's about a Heisman hopeful who could possibly be going to the league and everyone is assuming he's gonna make it, and then he's hit with an illness. I had a friend of mine who actually experienced cancer, and it's what motivated me to write this screenplay. You don't have to make everything personal, but that project was. That's why I committed to playing a role where I lost 54 pounds. I had to discipline myself enough until I achieved it but ... I got it."

Do you think you could go to the same extremes 50 Cent did to get what you want? Talk about it in the comments.

• 50 Cent

Sway, Foxy Brown and her lawyer Salvatore E. Strazzullo
Photo: MTV News

According to Foxy Brown and her legal camp, the Brooklyn rapper is tired of conflicts with an inflexible neighbor. The former Def Jam lyricist is on the offensive when it comes to ongoing tension with a local resident, Arlene Raymond. The feuding between the two women has been so volatile in the last few years that Brown has been arrested twice, once in 2007, after she was accused of striking Raymond with a BlackBerry phone, and again last week.

Last Wednesday, authorities nabbed Foxy after she and Raymond (who has a protective order against the MC) were allegedly involved in another altercation, during which the BK rap star cursed and "mooned" Raymond, according to news reports.

Foxy spoke to MTV News on Tuesday (July 27) after her court appearance and explained there was never a shouting match between her and Raymond; Brown said she was speaking out in order to clear her name.

"I was on my way to rehearsal with my band and I was leaving my mom's house in Park Slope, [Brooklyn], where I always go; that's the home that I was born in," she said. "And the police came and they saw the situation and there wasn't any conflict or discord — they were really baffled. But a supervisor came and saw the [potential for] publicity. If my name was Keisha Brown and not Foxy Brown, I would have been let go."

Brown denied the information that reportedly was included in the police filing, including the claim that the rapper exposed her buttocks to Raymond.

"I'm just appalled by that statement alone," Foxy said.

But the two do have history that stems from being longtime neighbors, Brown admitted. The rapper suggested that Raymond and her household have a penchant for being involved in arguments with other residents of the neighborhood. The two, however, will have a chance to air their grievances in court when they are both slated to appear before a grand jury.

Brown's lawyer, Salvatore E. Strazzullo, who said his client is the one who should have a protective order granted against Raymond, said Foxy will be vigilant in defending her name and reputation in the community.

"I think Foxy could explain it herself, but in a legal way, the reason she went to court today is that she's not gonna hide from the truth and hide from accusations from this nonsensical alleged victim," Strazzullo said.

Do you think Foxy has been unfairly accused? Let us know what you think in the comments.

• Foxy Brown

Kanye West
Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage

Kanye West is going to have to learn to keep his opinions to 140 characters or less. The hip-hop superstar has finally joined Twitter with the handle @kanyewest, after initially resisting the social-networking website that counts luminaries such as Oprah and President Barack Obama among its micro-bloggers. And although he's come to the Twitter game later than many celebs, the star has wasted no time getting his tweet count up.

The hip-hop star made his entry into the Twitterverse on Wednesday (July 28) with a status update about his business dealings: "Up early in the morning taking meetings in Silicone Valley." The MC later followed up with a cheeky correction to his original tweet, typing, "Lol I spelled Silicon wrong (I guess I was still thinking about the other type of silicone ITS A PROCESS!! : )."

After his inaugural tweet, the star typed more than a dozen messages in roughly two hours, and revealed that he is switching up the title of his next album, which is scheduled to hit stores in September. "The album is no longer called 'Good Ass Job,' " West tweeted. "I'm bouncing a couple of titles around now."

West followed up the LP update with a spate of shout-outs to media outlets that recently ran stories on Yeezy, including MTV News, which ran piece about his album preview at Facebook's headquarters.

The move to Twitter is an about-face for the star who famously took to his blog last year to deny that he was on the site after a rash of fraudulent accounts popped up.

"I don't have a f---ing Twitter... why would I use twitter??? I only blog 5 percent of what I'm up to in the first place. I'm actually slow delivering content because I'm too busy actually busy being creative most of the time and if I'm not and I'm just laying on a beach i wouldn't tell the world. Everything that Twitter offers I need less of. The people at Twitter know I don't have a f---ing Twitter so for them to allow someone to pose as me and accumulate over a million names is irresponsible and deceitful to [their] faithful users," West blogged in 2009.

Apparently, fans have been waiting for the Louis Vuitton Don to get on Twitter as West, at press time, had scored more than 55,000 followers during his first day on the site.

Will you follow Kanye West on Twitter? Let us know in the comments below!

• What Has Kanye West Been Up To This Past Year?

• Kanye West

Eminem
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Back in the good old days of the early 2000s, major artists sometimes sold a million records during their first week and topped the charts for months at a time. Thanks to Internet piracy, a precipitous decline in album sales and the rise of à la carte music grazing courtesy of the iTunes store, those days are mostly gone.

But apparently no one told that to Eminem. The rapper, who was one of the aforementioned acts back in the day, made it five weeks in a row this week atop the Billboard 200 albums charts, beating back a strong challenge from Rick Ross' Teflon Don, but, more impressively, seeing a miniscule 4 percent week-to-week sales drop, also practically unheard of these days.

So, how did he do it?

"It's no puzzle," said Keith Caulfield, senior chart manager and analyst at Billboard. "He's Eminem. He isn't deteriorating as fast as some would have thought. ... He was sale-priced at two big box merchants last week and he has a big single [with Rihanna] with 'Love the Way You Lie.' "

Billboard even posted a story last week predicting that Ross could, in fact, beat Eminem, putting the Bawse's totals somewhere between 150,000 and 180,0000, which would have given him his fourth #1 in a row. In the end, Ross' 176,000 beat the first week totals for 2009's Deeper Than Rap (158,000), but Caulfield said those initial projections based on interviews with industry sources began to fade as the week wore on and the race tightened.

"As the week progressed, things were getting closer and it could have gone either way," he said about the competition for the top spot, which Em ultimately won by a wide margin with sales of 187,000, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The key to Eminem's continued dominance is the combination of the mostly positive reviews for Recovery, a higher media profile and the chart-dominating hit single with Rihanna.

"It's impressive that he's been able to hold the top spot for so long, which is something you don't see much anymore. But Eminem is almost a relic from another era," said Entertainment Weekly correspondent Simon Vozick-Levinson. "He was one of the biggest stars in music when it was at its hugest in 2000 and he still carries some of that magic with him."

Vozick-Levinson said few artists today are able to debut big and then keep the top spot after a few weeks. But the run by Eminem says less about Ross than it does about Slim Shady's continued popularity. He said that while Ross is one of the most popular MCs in rap circles, he doesn't have the kind of pop crossover appeal that Eminem has, which is the key to dominating the charts.

"What is behind this is connecting with the hard-core rap audience and then the broader pop audience, which has been [Eminem's] big trick," said Levinson. "His team played it really intelligently this time, picking a great first single ["Not Afraid"] to introduce the album and then following with the Rihanna song, which was a savvy move that paid off."

The next question is: Can Eminem keep the streak going? The buzz from the Rihanna hit will eventually taper off, but the good news for Team Shady is that there doesn't appear to be much in the way of competition over the next few weeks.

Caulfield looked ahead and said the latest from Avenged Sevenfold, next week's Nightmare, doesn't look to be a major threat, and the August 3 release from Arcade Fire, The Suburbs, should do well, but might also not have enough to knock Em down if his sales trend continues.

That takes us out to August 10, when the "Camp Rock 2" soundtrack doesn't seem like much of a real threat, though the debut from "Cooler Than Me" singer Mike Posner, 31 Minutes to Takeoff, could pose a challenge. In fact, you have to go all the way out to August 24 and the chart debut of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream to find a disc that could knock Marshall Mathers from his perch.

"Eminem has always been in a class by himself," said Levinson. "In between now and then [August 24], it's anybody's game."

• Eminem

Drake
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage

Drake knows a thing or two about having a loyal fanbase: His following propelled him to a #1 album in June with Thank Me Later. But when it comes to the SoundScan charts, 2010 has belonged to Marshall Mathers. Eminem's Recovery is #1 for the fifth straight week and looks to be an unbeatable monster right now — he's close to 2 million copies sold. Drake expects his good friend Lil Wayne to have that same success when he's released from prison and resumes his career. Much like Eminem and Jay-Z, Drizzy asserts, Weezy has a core that has unconditional love for him.

"I think it's so rare that an artist comes along in our generation that has a loyal following no matter what — I think Eminem has it," Drake explained last week on the Atlanta set of his "Fancy" video. "I think Jay-Z has it, although he's never faltered enough to test it. Jay is almost like the perfect guy. Media-wise, there's never been a true test of your fans staying with you. Eminem has had gone through a couple of ups and downs and his fans were with him no matter what.

"I think Wayne is that guy," he continued. "I know Wayne is the next guy, after the two I just named, that has that unconditional, no matter what [loyalty]. You get caught with this and you go to jail. You make little life errors that people should never find out about, but because we're in the public eye, everyone knows everything. Wayne has those fans."

Drake told Mixtape Daily that during a recent call, Wayne rapped some verses from Tha Carter IV over the phone — and the world better watch out!

• Drake, T.I., And Swizz Beatz Get 'Fancy'
• 'Drake: Better Than Good Enough'

• Drake's Style: From A To Drizzy

• Drake
• Eminem
• Jay-Z

Nicki Minaj
Photo: MTV News

Nicki Minaj's "Your Love" video has been out for several days, so by now you should know that the lovely Young Money siren kicks the bucket at the end of the clip. During a sword fight with her female rival, Nicki's character, a martial arts student who's in love with her sensei (played by Michael Jai White), comes out on the losing end when she catches some powder to the face and a sharp blade to the gut. Last week in Los Angeles, Nicki explained why she wanted to have a fatal attraction in the video.

"I just felt like that was the most emotional and truthful storyline," Minaj explained. "I felt like mostly everyone would normally make themselves win in the end. I wanted to show that the only way I could be beat is if you cheat. If you cheat! If you play fair and square, I'm gonna win. It's my little way of looking at it. Also, I felt it was almost heart-wrenching to see it. I made myself this nice girl in the video and you bond with the character, you know what I mean? You know what I mean. You see her die. I wanted people to talk about it in the end. 'Why did she make that decision?' I wanted them to cry."

Nicki's fans will be crying tears of joy when her long-anticipated debut album hits stores. She promises the project will be out before the end of the year, and she's focusing heavily on recording her own songs.

"Maybe a few things cooking," Nicki answered with a smile when asked if she has any more guest appearances coming up. "But right now, it's all about the album. November 23. Nothing comes before that." Then Nicki contemplated the title of her project.

"Maybe we should call it ... The Album," she ruminated. "Nicki Minaj: The Album," she continued before dismissing the idea. "I don't know, it'll come."

What do you think Nicki Minaj should call her new album? Let us know in the comments!

• Nicki Minaj