Usher Collaborator Rico Love Calls Kelly Rowland's 'Motivation' 'Truly Organic'

Lil Wayne 'jumped on it,' Raymond v. Raymond writer tells Mixtape Daily.
By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Rob Markman


Rico Love
Photo: TTLL

Behind the Beats: Rico Love

If more people read the credits behind some of R&B's biggest hits, Rico Love should be a household name. Born Richard Preston Butler Jr., the former Florida A&M University student is now one of the music industry's most-sought-after singer/songwriters.

After writing hits for Usher ("There Goes My Baby"), Beyoncé ("Sweet Dreams") and Diddy-Dirty Money ("Hello Good Morning"), to name a few, one of Rico's biggest hits to date is Kelly Rowland's "Motivation."

"It came about in a truly organic way," Rico told Mixtape Daily of the Jim Jonsin-produced "Motivation." "We had this meeting in New York: myself and Sylvia [Rhone] and Kelly. And they just were saying, 'We need to find that single; we need that big single.' Everybody was asking for an uptempo, actually.

"I flew down to Miami the next day, and that Tuesday, we got back in the studio, and Jim started playing these chords, and then coming up with these little sounds — the signature sounds that Jim comes up with. I just told him to lay it like a skeleton idea, and I jumped in the booth, and I started with the verse, and I kind of sang my way all the way through the record."

Rowland, formerly of Destiny's Child, was in the studio while Rico was laying down the reference track and made her regard for the song known immediately. "Kelly was there and watched the whole process," Rico recalled. "As soon as I finished singing the demo, usually an artist wants to live with it or listen to it for a little while. She just said, 'I want to cut it right now.' So she jumped in the booth, and we cut the record."

"Motivation" became the lead single for Rowland's third album, Here I Am, which was released in April. The song, which peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, features a verse from Lil Wayne.

"Lil Wayne got out of jail a few days later, and as soon as he got out of jail, [Rowland] went to see him, and he jumped on it," Rico explained. "It was the most organized situation ever. It was nothing contrived about it."

There's been nothing manufactured about Rico's accomplishments either. Starting his musical career as a rapper, he has signed former Roc-a-Fella rapper Young Chris to his Universal/Motown-distributed Division 1 label.

After leaving Florida A&M to pursue music, Rico caught the attention of Usher, and penned songs for the R&B singer, including "Throwback." Other artists soon benefitted from his songwriting, including T.I., Pleasure P and Mario. Rico takes pride in being versatile with his talents, preferring not to make specific songs intended for specific artists only.

"Sometimes, when you keep an artist in mind, you'll limit yourself," Rico explained. "You won't go a place that they probably would go because you're thinking, "Nah, she wouldn't say this," or "He wouldn't do this," or "He wouldn't say this," and "This melody is out of the way for them."

"When I get a chance to just get into the studio and just write music and just produce music and sit at the piano and tell a guy where I want to hear the chords and create the progressions and just freely make music, it's a lot more fun."

Lately, Rico has been back in the studio with Usher. In 2007, he was signed to the singer's former US Records via J Records. But his debut album was never released, and he and Usher went their separate ways.

But as Rico become a songwriting force, the two eventually started working together again. The first song they recorded was the Grammy-winning "There Goes My Baby" from 2010's Raymond v. Raymond. Now, Rico is working on Usher's forthcoming album and embracing the pressure of surpassing its predecessor's platinum sales and critical success.

"I feel like this is what separates the boys from the men," Rico said of working with Usher. "This week, we been creating records together. We had two mics, two headphones set up in the booth, and we just sit there and vibe out.

"These first few days have been amazing. We got four records cut so far that sound super amazing. I'm super excited about it. I'm just anxious for the world to hear it."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667790/rico-love-kelly-rowland-motivation.jhtml

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Whitney Port: Front Row Fabulous at London Fashion Week

Never one to miss out on a fashion event, Whitney Port was spotted at the Fearne Cotton Runway show as part of London Fashion Week on Tuesday (September 20).

The ?City? chick looked super trendy in wide leg white pants paired with a colorful sweater top as she posed for pictures ahead of the style-driven event.

Once situated inside the venue, Whit teamed up with Fearne, herself, who was clad in lavender get-up as the ladies briefly chatted in the press area.

Taking to Twitter to keep her loyal followers up-to-date, Port tweeted yesterday, ?Officially in london! Though for 48 hours, @peoplesrev and I are going to work it!?

And earlier today, she wrote, ?Getting ready for @fearnecotton 's show for @verynetwork.?

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/whitney-port/whitney-port-front-row-fabulous-london-fashion-week-545449

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Katy Perry Says Children With Russell Brand Are In ?the Very Far Future?

A pink-haired Katy Perry covers InStyle magazine’s October 2011 issue, and opens up not only on her style but on making babies with hubby Russell Brand! So what’s the 26-year-old musician’s plan for having children? OK! NEWS: KATY PERRY EXPLAINS VMAS ROMANCE ? ?PEOPLE FEEL LIKE THEY CAN BE THEMSELVES? ?Not yet,” Katy tells InStyle. [...]

Source: http://www.okmagazine.com/2011/09/katy-perry-says-children-with-russell-brand-are-in-the-very-far-future/

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Emily Deschanel: ?Creating a Child Blows My Mind?

"Besides meeting the baby of course, I look forward to that bond, the love that people say is stronger than you can imagine," she says. "Also, I think getting to see everything fresh, through a child's eyes, is a wonderful thing."

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/F0phfMdt4kU/

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'Dancing With The Stars': Kristin Cavallari And Chaz Bono Impress

Chynna Phillips and J.R. Martinez tie for top score on season 13 premiere.
By Kelley L. Carter


Kristin Cavallari
Photo: ABC Networks

In a brand-new ballroom, the 13th season of "Dancing With the Stars" kicked off Monday night (September 19). The newest stars walked down a new, elegant series of stars to the ballroom and waved at the crowd in the ornate -- and significantly larger -- ballroom and shimmied as live singers hummed the reality-show competition's now-familiar theme song. The mix of reality stars, athletes, actors, TV journalists and talk-show hosts took to the dance floor to attempt to impress the judges and legions of TV fans who will be tuning in to vote to keep them dancing week-after-week.

To the scores!

Ron Artest and Peta Murgatroyd
A newly blond Artest (though we may soon be calling him Metta World Peace, the name he legally adopted last week) failed to impress the judges. "It's a new season, we've got a new set, but it's the same old shimmying-about stuff," head judge Len Goodman told the Lakers star. "Your footwork was atrocious. It was all sizzle, no sausage. It was ... not my cup of tea." His comments were booed by the audience (Artest's teammate Lamar Odom was in the audience with wife Khloé Kardashian and sisters-in-law Kourtney and Kim, seeing as their brother is a contestant this year). "Ron, the dancer drone has landed! You have power. You have presence. So go for it, Dancer-Tron!" judge Bruno Tonioli yelled. Carrie Ann Inaba wasn't irked by Artest's cha-cha but said it needed work. "You're eccentric and kind of sexy! It works on the dance floor. Cha-cha's a sexy dance. The technique ... was like a big old puddle on the ground." 14/30

Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke
The reality star danced the Viennese waltz for his first dance of the season. The first judge to take a crack at him was Tonioli, who wasn't happy with what Kardashian turned in. "I know she's a tough mistress, but ... let her go. You have to take control. You've got to relax," Tonioli said. (Khloé Kardashian yelled something out to the judge about needing Q-Tips after Tonioli said her brother couldn't hear the music.) Inaba wasn't quite onboard with Bruno's critique. "When I watch you, I see potential. You did everything Cheryl told you ... but it's all there. The posture, the lines, the debonair. Yeah. You clean up nice!" Goodman chimed in: "I'm not impressed, but I'm not depressed. It was OK. An OK will get you through a couple of weeks. You were too careful." 16/30

Kristin Cavallari and Mark Ballas
The former MTV bad girl (she insisted she wasn't the "bitch" viewers saw on "The Hills") said this competition was right on time for her, considering she's had a rough year, including a broken engagement. The two danced the cha-cha, and the judges loved her performance. "You have the body to ballroom-dance, girlfriend! You looked great," Inaba said. "I want to watch you dance more and more. You shine. You sparkle. It was a very good cha-cha, and it's hard to keep up with Mark. He gives you very challenging choreography, and you have to keep up with him." The hard-to-please Goodman said he was a fan just watching her rehearsal footage. "It was lively and there was lots going on, which I think is great," he said. Tonioli told the former "Laguna Beach" star: "You know I love a bad girl; a bad girl with hot hips. I know you've got the full package to give that action." 19/30

Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani
Goodman smiled before he was asked to speak, indicating that he was very pleased with the performance. "It wasn't the best first dance I've ever seen, but I'll tell you what: It was close!" Goodman said. Tonioli gushed, "Chynna, you looked like you were stepping out of a dream and into my heart. You've got the talent and you can do it!" Inaba was also happy with the dance, saying, "That was gorgeous. You are such a graceful dancer. Everything was perfection. You had a few nervous moments, but other than that, that was magical. I can't wait to see you next week." 22/30

Nancy Grace and Tristan MacManus
The former prosecutor and HLN talk-show host danced the cha-cha in a shimmery silver short dress, sashaying all over the floor. "Nancy, I had no idea you were so lavishly gifted. You've got the moves, but you don't seem to believe in yourself. You have it," Tonioli said. Inaba added: "I think you might be the happiest contestant I've ever seen out there dancing. You have to remember your choreography." And tough critic Goodman said, "You've got to get balance. You didn't have any flair and attack. It was all ... underwhelming." 16/30

David Arquette and Kym Johnson
The actor was beloved by the judges and his estranged wife, Courteney Cox, who applauded and cheered in the audience with the couple's daughter, CoCo. "All you need to do is relax a little," Inaba said of his Viennese waltz. Goodman said, "There was no superficial start or messing about. You came straight out into the dance, and I was very, very impressed." Tonioli added: "You did look the part! The romantic leading man." 18/30

Elisabetta Canalis and Val Chmerkovskiy
The Italian actress/model and TV host didn't do much to impress the judges. "It got very brittle. You lost confidence, and it all became too weak," Goodman told her, also saying that he didn't really care for the use of over-the-top props in performances. Tonioli said, "You cannot always rely on him to put you into place. There is a journey there to make." Inaba suggested she reach back to what she knows best to help her moving forward: "You have to channel the model in you ... and you have to do it with the music." 15/30

Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
The soccer star wowed judges with her first dance. Tonioli said, "You've got a bright future in front of you. You've got a great drive. Now you have to learn control." Inaba told the duo they were "connected like glue and that was wonderful! Your lines are really gorgeous!" Goodman echoed both the cheers and the bit of criticism (mostly that she needed to soften up a little), saying, "Good hold, good posture, lovely movement. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but ... you have to get a bit more feminine in your movement." 21/30

Carson Kressley and Anna Trebunskaya
Kressley and his partner made the judges very happy with their energetic cha-cha routine. "That was my favorite dance of the night by far! You are something else. I cannot get over all of the sparkles!" Inaba cheered. "As far as performance goes ... bam!" Goodman said. "There was an element of Jagger, swagger and stagger. You were such great entertainment. You were fun." Tonioli agreed, saying, "It was ... outrageous fun." 17/30

J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff
The war hero-turned-actor did the Viennese waltz and tied for the highest score of the night with Chynna. "You danced the performance that's right up there with the best performances of the night. You were right up there," Goodman said. Tonioli added, "You've got courage ... and you've got the hips. I can't believe for someone who has never danced before how well you did it." Inaba also was impressed, saying, "I was absolutely touched by your performance. You're able to bring emotional quality to your dance on day one. It's beautiful to see that confidence." 22/30

Ricki Lake and Derek Hough
The former talk-show host grabbed a nice score from the judges. "There was great chemistry. Another great Viennese waltz!" Tonioli cheered. Inaba loved the way the duo moved together, saying, "It was like you were part of one person. It was beautiful. Very, very nice." Goodman said, "Your footwork, I don't know what was going on with your feet. But elegant, lovely movement and fluidity. Overall, I enjoyed it very much." 20/30

Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer
Naturally, the last couple to take to the dance floor was the much-talked-about Bono, who is the show's first transgender performer. His presence on the show has been blogged, tweeted and chatted about on political talk shows, and it was thought to be one of the top performances of the night. "I think people have been waiting all night to see you, Chaz, and you do not disappoint! You can dance! You had great footwork. You've got so much joy. You light up this room," Inaba cheered. Goodman also was a fan, saying, "You really came out with the right attitude. You came out to enjoy yourself, and that's what I felt you did." Tonioli said: "You're so joyous out here. Great debut, Chaz. You should be proud!" 17/30

Who was your favorite celeb dancer of the night? Let us know in the comments!

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1671026/dancing-with-the-stars-kristin-cavallari-chaz-bono.jhtml

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Christina Milian: My Kobe Salad Was Tainted with ABC Gum!!!

Filed under: Christina Milian, Celebrity Justice, Exclusive, Foxnews Latino, Famous Food, Deadline, The Facts Behind The Funny!, The Facts Behind The Funny Position 011

0915_christina_milian_wwshow_fox_ex
Christina Milian got a little something extra at an L.A. restaurant last week ... after she took a bite of her Kobe beef salad ... and allegedly got a mouthful of ABC gum.

Sources close to Christina tell TMZ ... she was out to dinner at Mexicali restaurant in Studio City ... and halfway through her salad, she felt a weird, chewy substance in her mouth.

Christina spit it out, and looked in horror as she eyed a giant wad of chewed gum. She then made a beeline for the bathroom and threw up.

We're told the restaurant comped her meal. But Christina is still freaked out about what happened, and filed a complaint with the L.A. Department of Health.

TMZ spoke with a rep for the Dept., who confirmed a complaint was indeed filed.

Christina tells TMZ, she's lookin' for a lawyer, but says, "The most important thing to me is to make sure my health is okay. Ever since the incident I have not eaten out."

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11:21 AM: Mexicali owner Allen Ravert tells TMZ, “We have been here for over 17 years and always had an A rating from the health department ... We have cameras in our kitchen and didn’t see anything."

Alan adds, "Our cooks don’t chew gum. Whether there was gum in [Christina's salad] or not I couldn’t say – I never saw it.”

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Source: http://www.tmz.com/2011/09/19/christina-milian-mexi-cali-restaurant-chewed-gum-dinner-meal-lawsuit-sued/

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