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‘Madfabulous,’ the British indie feature from actor, writer and director Celyn Jones, has secured global sales representation from Upgrade and the Gersh Agency.

The film — described as an “alternative period drama” and inspired by the life of the fifth Marquess of Anglesey — was recently chosen by the British Council and BFI for their 2025 crop of Great 8 projects showcased in Cannes.

Upgrade’s Jonathan Kier and Matt Brodlie will oversee international sales and serve as executive producers. Jay Cohen will handle the U.S. rights on behalf of Gersh.

“Madfabulous is the kind of wildly original, emotionally rich story that global audiences are craving right now,” said Kier. “We’re thrilled to champion such a bold and beautiful film on the international stage.”

Added Cohen: “With its humour, heart, and sense of irreverence, Madfabulous is a rare gem. It’s a film brimming with personality and anchored by exceptional performances.

Ruth and Steve: From Merthyr With Love is heading to BBC Wales as part of the broadcaster’s tribute to Cyfarthfa Castle’s bicentennial—with Ruth Jones joining Steve Speirs on a nostalgic, homegrown road trip through Merthyr Tydfil. The hour-long special, produced by ITV Wales and commissioned by Nick Andrews, head of commissioning for BBC Wales, sees […]

Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs Reunite for One-Off BBC Wales Special Set in Merthyr Tydfil...

English Teacher is a comedy-drama series created by Brian Jordan Alvarez. The FX series follows the story of Evan Marquez, a gay high school teacher as he finds himself dealing with apathetic students while struggling with the personal, professional, and political aspects of working at a high school. English Teacher stars Brian Jordan Alvarez in the lead role with Stephanie Koenig, Enrico Colantoni, and Sean Patton starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the hilarious comedy, compelling characters, and interesting storylines set in a school here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Mr. Iglesias (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Mr. Iglesias is a comedy series created by Kevin Hench. The Netflix series follows the story of Gabe Iglesias, a passionate and hilarious history teacher at the Woodrow Wilson High School where he tries to educate a group of misfit students with the help of his equally misfits colleagues.

Ruby Stokes, the original Francesca actor in Bridgerton, joins the new 19th-century-set movie Madfabulous. Madfabulous reimagines history through Marquess of Anglesey Henry Paget's lavish life and breaking of social and gender boundaries. Stokes' work in Bridgerton makes her perfect for the role of Lily, Henry's best friend, alongside the rest of the large cast.

Bridgerton's original Francesca actor Ruby Stokes has joined the cast of an upcoming, alternate history movie set in the 19th century titled Madfabulous. Stokes was originally part of the cast of Bridgerton during seasons 1 and 2, having a recurring role as one of the middle sisters in the large, titular family. However, her role was recast in season 3, with Hannah Dodd stepping into her shoes as the character became a central part of the show. Even so, Stokes' performance remains a memorable part of the show's earlier seasons.

Now, Deadline reports that Stokes will be joining...

Exclusive: Rupert Everett and Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton) have signed on to join Madfabulous, a 19th-century-set feature from director Celyn Jones, which has just rolled cameras in Wales.

Described as a “fantastical reimagining set in the late 19th Century,” the film is inspired by the life of the fifth Marquess of Anglesey. Per the official synopsis, the story follows the outrageous Henry Paget, a flamboyant character, so ahead of his time that he smashes through society’s protocols of elitism and gender. Known for his gregarious theatrical expressions, exuberant sense of fashion, and lavish social life, Paget spent a multi-million-pound fortune before his untimely death at age twenty-nine.

We announced back in May that Callum Scott Howells (It’s A Sin) signed on to star in the lead role of Henry Paget. Stokes joins alongside Scott Howells to star as Lily, Henry’s best friend,...

Paddington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville, Michael Socha and Ella Bruccoleri (Bridgerton) have grabbed the lead roles in the crime comedy Go Away!

The indie, written and directed by Ed Kear and Cringo Williamson through their production banner Rude Guests, has started production in Heltfordshire, U.K. Steve Speirs, Jo Martin, Niky Wardley, Jeff Mirza and Chris Gascoyne round out the ensemble cast.

Go Away! follows the deadbeat lodger Kyle Burden, played by Socha, as his life is turned upside down when an accident with a bailiff on the same day his landlord has viewings with potential home buyers threatens to derail his pot-growing business.

“We had a fantastic time developing this project and are incredibly excited to see it come to life with such a fantastic cast and crew. We look forward to delivering a film that’s funny and poignant in equal measure, which we hope will...

Series five took Inside No. 9 to new and unusual places: the changing room at a premier league football match, a Louisiana prison, a cemetery at night, Wood Green… In fan-treat episode ‘Death Be Not Proud’, it even revisited an old haunt. Co-creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith welcomed new guest stars including David Morrissey, Ralf Little, Jenna Coleman, Phil Davis and Maxine Peake.

The series earned Bafta nominations for Best Scripted Comedy and Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme, to go with Steve Pemberton’s 2019 Bafta win for the previous series. It offered laughter, tears, blood, a gristly beheading, and most of all, it offered variety. Streaming now on BBC iPlayer in the UK, find all the series five episode details and links to our spoiler-filled reviews below.

The Referee’s a W***er

Directed by: Matt Lipsey

Guest cast: David Morrissey, Ralf Little, Dipo Ola, Steve Speirs...

"Gimme the money. I can kill ya and take it. Or I can just take it. It's your call..." Dark Sky has unveiled a new US trailer for the British thriller Concrete Plans, marking the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Will Jewell. This first premiered at Frightfest in the UK last year, and already opened over there last fall. High in the remote Welsh mountains, five builders are brought in to renovate a sprawling old farmhouse. When their employer tries to cheat them out of a job, this rugged crew of five workmen turn first on him then each other, leading to a bloody confrontation. Concrete Plans stars Goran Bogdan, Kevin Guthrie, Chris Reilly, Amber Rose Revah, Charley Palmer Rothwell, Steve Speirs, and William Thomas. This looks like it gets brutal fast, which it seems is the point of the plot as everything spirals out of control. Here's the official...

In this claustrophobic if unconvincing thriller, an arrogant landowner incurs the wrath of the builders renovating his ancestral home

There’s some really strong acting talent involved in this claustrophobic thriller set in south Wales, including the excellent Steve Speirs, who recently showed what a great comic turn he is as Burbage in Ben Elton’s Upstart Crow. But, however much I wanted to like it, this film never quite gelled: the dialogue and the confrontations seemed forced; some characters looked and sounded like caricatures; and the moment of escalation from tension into open violence was unconvincing.

Kevin Guthrie plays Simon, an arrogant landowner who is refurbishing the ancestral home as part of a colossal tax dodge on the advice of his slippery accountant Richard (James Lance). To do this, he has hired five builders: Bob (Speirs), Jim (Chris Reilly), Dave (William Thomas), Steve (Charley Palmer Rothwell) and Viktor (Goran Bogdan...

Stars: Rafe Spall, Joel Fry, Steve Speirs, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, Tim Woodward, Benedikte Hansen, Simone Lykke | Written by Jeff Murphy | Directed by Adrian Shergold

I believe it was the Beatles who once said “all you need is Rafe Spall” or something to that effect anyway… I have made no secret of the fact that when I find an actor or actress I like, I will go out of my way to watch them. It is a select group though, the likes of your Paddy Considine, Stephen Graham, Vicky McClue, Tom Hardy, Joe Gilgun to name a few (notice these are all Brits). The type of leading actors that can let a whole scene play out over their faces and not say a great deal but have me on the edge of my seat having heart palpitations. Another such actor who has been on my radar for some time now, and...

The 2020 Emmy ballots have been released by the Television Academy, so we now know which shows, actors, etc. are in contention for this year’s golden statues. Netflix’s comedy series “After Life” accounts for 10 entries on the performer ballot, including creator/writer/director/producer Ricky Gervais, supporting player Ashley Jensen and lead actress Kerry Godliman. Gervais, a two-time Emmy winner for producing “The Office” and starring on “Extras,” plays Tony, a journalist who essentially becomes a grief addict after his wife dies of breast cancer.

“It’s the most overtly grown-up and vulnerable I’ve been as a performer,” Gervais told Gold Derby after the critically acclaimed second season began streaming on Netflix. He added about his character, “He’s sort of addicted to grief, because hope has let him down too much. There’s a staple in comedy, particularly sitcoms, and that is an ordinary person trying to...

"I'm going to do the deed, and I'm going to get banged up." BBC Films + West End Films has debuted the first "international" promo trailer for a new film titled simply Denmark, the latest feature made by English filmmaker Adrian Shergold (Funny Cow). This "bittersweet" drama-comedy stars Rafe Spall as a down-on-his-luck Welshman without a job or access to hot water, who makes a rash decision to change his life for the better. Hopefully. With nothing to lose, and everything to gain, he travels across Europe with one crazy goal: to get himself arrested and sent to a Danish prison where the beds are warm and the water is hot. Sounds nice. This also stars Simone Lykke, Thomas Gabrielsson, Steve Speirs, and Joel Fry. This does look amusing, maybe just a bit depressing, and Rafe is pretty much always fanastic in every film he makes. Enjoy. Here's the first official trailer for Adrian Shergold's Denmark,...

BBC Two has renewed the Upstart Crow TV show for a second season. Set in the 1590s, the comedy follows William Shakespeare (David Mitchell), early in his career. Upstart Crow features Shakespeare’s life, both personal and professional, including the backstory for some of his stories.

During its first season, the Upstart Crow TV series cast also included: Harry Enfield, Paula Wilcox, Liza Tarbuck, Helen Monks, Gemma Whelan, Mark Heap, Steve Speirs, Tim Downie, Dominic Coleman, Spencer Jones, and Rob Rouse. BBC Two has commissioned Upstart Crow, series two, for six 30-minute episodes, plus a Christmas special; casting to be confirmed.

Read More…...

BBC Two confirms it has commissioned the Upstart Crow TV show. Set in 1592, this comedy features William Shakespeare (David Mitchell), at the start of his career. Upstart Crow will focus on Shakespeare's personal and professional lives, and include the backstory for some of his ideas.

Upstart Crow stars Mitchell as Shakespeare. Harry Enfield is his dad, John Shakespeare. Paula Wilcox plays Will’s mum. Liza Tarbuck is Anne Hathaway. Helen Monks plays Will’s daughter, Susannah. The cast also includes Gemma Whelan, Mark Heap, Steve Speirs, Tim Downie, Dominic Coleman, Spencer Jones, and Rob Rouse.

Read More…...

A group of former soap stars are aiming to launch a new TV comedy show with the help of Kickstarter.

Ex-Hollyoaks actress Terri Dwyer, former Crossroads star Jane Gurnett and EastEnders actor Mark Homer will appear in the upcoming series Storyline.

Creator Neil Anthony Docking and director Maxine Evans are offering parts in the show among other prizes if people pledge certain amounts on the crowdfunding site.

The project aims to raise £10,000 to produce three episodes to be shown online, in the hope of it then getting picked up by a TV channel.

Storyline will be set behind the scenes of a long-running radio drama about a group of people in a trendy block of flats in London.

Also among the cast are Cemetery Junction actor Steve Speirs, Holby City's Tilly Blackwood, former Coronation Street actor Ray Emmet Brown, The Wright Way's Joanne Matthews and Les Miserables singer Cameron Blakely.

The first trailer for David Walliams's The Boy in the Dress has debuted.

Kate Moss, Jennifer Saunders and Meera Syal all feature in the cast of the BBC One comedy, which will air on BBC One this Christmas.

The story follows a 12-year-old boy, Dennis, who enjoys cross-dressing, and focuses on how his family and friends react to it at home and school.

Billy Kennedy will make his debut as Dennis, while Walliams - who wrote the 2008 children's book - will also make an appearance in the one-hour special.

The Inbetweeners star James Buckley, Tim McInnerny, Steve Speirs and Felicity Montagu will also feature in the cast.

The Boy in the Dress follows the BBC's adaptations of Walliams's other stories Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny, which both attracted over 7 million viewers.

The Boy in the Dress will air on Boxing Day at 6.55pm on BBC One.

Newcomer Billy Kennedy from London has landed the lead role in the new BBC dramatisation of David Walliams' book The Boy In The Dress, which has just started filming in London.

Billy (represented by Esta Charkham Associates) previously played Toots in the National Theatre's production of Emil and the Detectives, and Weeping William in Horrid Henry:The Movie but this is his TV debut.

The Boy In The Dress tells the story of 12-year-old Dennis, an ordinary boy, who lives in an ordinary town – but he feels different. A chance view of a fashion magazine introduces him to a whole new world of colour and creativity, but can a boy wear a dress, and what will the Headmaster, his Dad, and his friends in the football team think if they find out?

Following on from the success of previous David Walliams books TV adaptations Gangsta Granny and the BAFTA-nominated Mr Stink,...

Kate Moss and Jennifer Saunders have joined the cast of David Walliams's upcoming BBC One comedy.

Walliams's book The Boy in the Dress is being adapted to television for the Christmas period, following his BAFTA-nominated Mr Stink.

The story follows a 12-year-old boy who enjoys cross-dressing, and how his family and friends react to it at home and school.

Billy Kennedy will make his debut as main character Dennis, while Tim McInnerny, Meera Syal, Steve Speirs, James Buckley and Felicity Montagu will also star, alongside Walliams himself.

The one-hour special will be filmed in London later in the autumn by King Bert Productions and BBC In-house Comedy.

Walliams said: "We have put together a dream cast for this, the first of my children's books - and for many still my best. It is a funny and poignant story about what it is to be different. I hope it will make everyone who sees it,...

New York poet and critic John M. Brinnin (Elijah Wood) finds out just how much trouble a fellow poet can be in a new U.K. trailer for Set Fire to the Stars, which is based on a true story.

Actor/co-writer Celyn Jones stars as Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who is about to embark on his first trip to the U.S. in the 1950s, with John M. Brinnin being put in charge of overseeing his trip. Little does he know about Dylan Thomas' over-bearing personality and his penchant to drink to excess, which makes this task much more difficult than Brinnin first thought.

Kelly Reilly, Steven Mackintosh and Shirley Henderson co-star in this drama from director Andy Goddard, who co-wrote the script with Celyn Jones, with Welsh musician Gruff Rhys composing the score. The film opens in U.K. theaters November 7, although it does not have a...

Miranda Hart and Joanna Lumley are to star in a BBC adaptation of Gangsta Granny.

David Walliams's best-selling children's novel will be turned into a one-off 60-minute film for BBC One, following the success of the TV adaptation of Mr Stink.

Julia McKenzie (Marple) will star as the title character in the comedy drama, which begins filming on Sunday (October 27), for a broadcast at Christmas.

The project has been co-written by Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley (Gnomeo & Juliet) with Walliams.

Gangsta Granny follows schoolboy Ben (Reece Buttery), who becomes bored after being forced to stay with his grandma.

However, she soon tells him the story of when she used to be an international jewel thief, before they join forces to complete the big heist she never completed.

Lumley will portray the Queen, while Walliams and Hart will play Ben's parents Mike and Linda.

Rob Brydon will play nosy neighbour Mr Parker,...

David Walliams and Catherine Tate's new BBC One sitcom Big School has been given an official launch date.

The secondary school-based comedy kicks off on Friday, August 16 at 9pm.

Big School features Walliams playing chemistry teacher Mr Church, who has taught at Greybridge School for years.

On the day he is preparing to hand in his notice, he changes his mind suddenly when he falls in love at first sight with new arrival, French teacher Miss Postern (Tate).

Philip Glenister plays lothario gym teacher Mr Gunn, and Frances de la Tour is cast as the headmistress Ms Baron.

Joanna Scanlan, Daniel Rigby and Steve Speirs are also among the cast.

Watch a Big School preview:...

The first footage from David Walliams and Catherine Tate's new BBC One sitcom Big School has been released by the broadcaster.

Big School is co-written by Walliams and centres around a dysfunctional staff room and the unrequited love of Walliams's chemistry teacher Mr Church and Tate's French teacher Miss Postem.

Mr Church is just about to quit the school, but stops himself from handing in his notice after falling in love at first sight with Miss Postem.

The show's ensemble cast includes Life on Mars star Philip Glenister as lothario gym teacher Mr Gunn, Frances de la Tour as no-nonsense headmistress Ms Baron and The Thick of It actress Joanna Scanlan as drama teacher Mrs Klebb.

Daniel Rigby (Eric and Ernie) and Steve Speirs (Cemetery Junction) will also star.

BBC Comedy's Mark Freeland said that it had been an "absolute privilege" working with Walliams and the cast.

Big School...

Title: Hunky Dory Director: Marc Evans Starring: Minnie Driver, Aneurin Barnard, Danielle Branch, Robert Pugh, Haydn Gwynne, Aled Pugh, Kimberley Nixon, Tom Harries, Steve Speirs, George McKay Indie import “Hunky Dory,” starring Minnie Driver, may have been initially conceived before the hit small screen show “Glee,” but it suffers mightily in comparison to the pop cultural shadow of that series, playing like a mash-up of it and a decidedly retro version of “High School Musical,” as filtered through the gauzy lens of underclass-artistic-exuberance that’s plagued a certain subset of comedic-leaning British offerings ever since “Billy Elliot.” Set in blue-collar South Wales in 1976, musical dramedy “Hunky Dory” (a nod to [ Read More ]

The post Hunky Dory Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.

Langford's Picks And Pans

People of the Valley (Wales)

I’m really curious where this is going. Iolo seems determined to find a way to deal with his guilt and clear his conscience for what happened with Gethin and the show has made a point of saying Iolo just can’t walk away and pretend it never happened. Sion is handling his own guilt by burying himself in his religion, so what is Iolo going to do? I still think he’s going to try and help Gethin regain the ability to walk and who knows where that will lead. But wherever it goes, it’s obvious it’s going to take a long time to get there. I’ve seen several folks complaining that the story is dragging, which makes me wonder if they’ve ever watched this show before. I personally don’t mind a slow pace (soaps...

Catherine Tate Set For ‘Big School’ The Office’s Catherine Tate is set to star in a new BBC One sitcom created by David Walliams, who’ll also star. Big School is a six-part comedy set in a secondary school about a dysfunctional staff room, unrequited love and interactive white boards. Walliams will play a chemistry teacher who has taught at Greybridge School for years, Tate plays the school’s enthusiastic new recruit, who despite being a French teacher has never actually been to France. Also starring are Life On Mars’ Philip Glenister, The History Boys’ Frances de la Tour, The Thick Of It’s Joanna Scanlan and Cemetery Junction’s Steve Speirs. Big School is a BBC Production in association with Bert Productions. Jo Sargent is producing and Mark Freeland is exec producer. Ka-Ching: Tom Stoppard Pens Radio Play Based On Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side Of The Moon...

Catherine Tate and Philip Glenister will star opposite David Walliams in new BBC One sitcom Big School.

The sitcom, first announced in August, is co-written by Walliams and is set in an urban secondary school.

Walliams will play chemistry teacher Mr Church, while Tate is cast as enthusiastic new French teaser Miss Postern.

Life on Mars star Glenister will play Mr Gunn, a lothario gym teacher, with The Thick of It's Joanna Scanlan starring as interfering drama teacher Mrs Klebb.

Also cast in Big School - which was originally titled Autumn Leaves - are Frances de la Tour (The History Boys) as no-nonsense headmistress Ms Baron, Steve Speirs (Extras) as miserly geography teacher Mr Barber and Black Mirror's Daniel Rigby as music teacher and wannabe rock star Mr Martin.

"Led by David Walliams, it's an absolute privilege to work with such a brilliant cast and off-screen production team,...

Our exclusive scene from the indie musical Hunky Dory shows an awkward conversation between the passionate drama teacher Viv (Minnie Driver) and the uptight Mrs. Valentine (Haydn Gwynne). Director Marc Evans' high school drama, set in 1976, centers on Viv, who is determined to create her school's best play ever, with a rock musical version of William Shakespeare's The Tempest. Watch as Mrs. Valentine expresses her concerns about the students' studies suffering from concentrating on this play so much. Hunky Dory opens in New York and Los Angeles on March 22nd, with a nationwide expansion following in the coming weeks.

Hunky Dory - Exclusive "Oliver"

Relive the summer of 1976 in this heartwarming British musical from the producer of Billy Elliot. Minnie Driver plays Viv, a fiery high school drama teacher determined to fire up her hormonal, apathetic students by putting on the best end-of-the-year show the school has ever seen.

Sorry there was no column last week, but the big U.S. East Coast storm left me without power for several days. Thanks to all of you who wrote telling me how much you missed “Langford on Soaps.” It’s appreciated!

Langfords’ Picks And Pans

Good Times, Bad Times

When I heard that Gtbt was going to give Lucas a potential new love interest in the form of Bilal, a closeted gay Muslim, I hated the idea. And now that the story has begun to unfold, leading to the badly-played season finale in which Lucas and Bilal kissed, I hate it even more. To be blunt, this is a horrible, clichéd plot on a show that has long had problems with solid and consistent storytelling. I’d taken a hiatus from this show for most of the last season because it was unwatchable. And I’m already thinking of not...

Last week, I got to chat with Director Marc Evans for his new movie, Hunky Dory which comes out this Friday 2nd March. It stars Minnie Driver (who we also got to chat with – look out for that interview tomorrow), Aneurin Barnard, Danielle Branch, Robert Pugh, Haydn Gwynne and Steve Speirs. The movie is about a drama teacher named Vivienne (Driver) at a high school in Swansea who sets about putting on a rock ‘n’ roll version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, during the hottest UK summer on record in 1976.

If you’re a fan of Grease, High School Musical or Glee, then you should definitely check it out. I like the movie a little more than Lisa who’s review is live here. During the interview with Marc, we find out where the story came from, if it was inspired by TV shows like Glee and what it was...

'It's gonna be like a band that's worked together for a long time that's maturing into a new sound,' one expert tells MTV News about joint album.

By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Kanye West and Jay-z

Photo: Getty Images

As Kanye West upped the ante on his and Jay-z's joint project (as if the title Watch the Throne weren't enough) from an Ep to an LP, the Chicago star also ratcheted up expectations for the album.

Fresh off feeding bloggers, critics and fans a full plate with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 'Ye now faces the challenge of doing it again, mere months later. The collaboration is already one of the biggest events of the year, whether or not it arrives next week, as Kanye announced on New Year's Eve.

But given the challenge, will the two icons be able to pull it off? "A lot...

Via Twitter, G.O.O.D. Fridays and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy 'Ye came out on top this year.

By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Kanye West performs at the 2010 Video Music Awards

Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

So, this Kanye West fella, you might have heard of him. He basically Swift-boated his career at the 2009 VMAs, went into a self-imposed exile and then triumphantly returned nearly a year later with what many have called the best album of 2010. Huh?

In just over 12 months, West baffled critics by going from zero to hero, while still lashing out at the media and, with stunts like his #kanyeshrug hashtag, essentially proving he's the same guy he always was.

"I think the thing with Kanye, he really just stuck to the same script, which is basically, Iove me or hate me but the music is gonna be so great you have to deal with me,...

'This feels like Michael, this feels like the spirit of Michael,' Teddy Riley tells MTV News.

By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Teddy Riley at the Michael Jackson album-release party

Photo: MTV News

Teddy Riley had a long-standing working relationship with Michael Jackson, and the producer said Jackson's latest project, Michael, is as authentic an LP as any of the superstar's past work.

"Oh, they're gonna say this is him, that's the first thing," Riley told MTV News about fan's anticipated reaction to the set. "And this feels good. This feels like Michael, this feels like the spirit of Michael. And we love him, that's what they're gonna say."

The project, which arrived in stores and online Tuesday (December 14), is the first posthumous Mj collection since the singer died in June 2009.

Riley, along with Akon, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart (Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, The-Dream) and a host of other...

'It was always my dream to DJ for Michael Jackson,' Cassidy says at album-release party Monday night.

By Steven Roberts

Michael Jackson's <i>Michael</i>

Photo: Epic Records

New York — Many a Michael Jackson fan lined up outside of the Roseland Ballroom on Monday night to celebrate the release of the King of Pop's posthumous Michael album. Dozens of dancers and fans filled the ballroom's floor, decked out in costumes inspired by Mj's iconic looks from throughout his esteem career. One of those fans also happened to be the evening's master of ceremonies, DJ Cassidy.

"I'm here to make the fans dance," he told MTV News. "I think that's why Michael essentially made the music. He wanted to make people dance. He wanted to make people feel the emotion he felt, and I'm here to do just that. I'm here to help the fans in the celebration of the king.

It was a great year for street albums, and Mixtape Daily salutes the street kings.

By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Hillary Crosley, Rahman Dukes, Steven Roberts and Richard Sancho

DJ Drama, DJ Holiday and DJ Scream

Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News

The mixtape game took a shot to the heart a few years ago when DJ Drama's office was raided by the feds. Artists increasingly opted to make mixtapes that were essentially albums, projects produced without help from DJs and comprised mostly of original material.

But slowly Gangsta Grillz began populating blogs, the same way they used to populate the streets, and those sites served as the new Burkinas. In the last 12 months, the mixtape circuit has never been healthier — just look at Dram still putting out his trademark rap heat and getting his slow jam on, pushing collections by the likes of Chris Brown, among other R&B stars.

'Michael mentored me so much to where I kind of knew how to complete his sentences,' Theron 'Neff-u' Feemster tells MTV News of picking up where Mj left off.

By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Michael Jackson's <i>Michael</i>

Photo: Epic Records

Michael Jackson's first posthumous album, Michael, has been met with mixed emotions by fans of the King of Pop. Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am lashed out at Mj's estate for commissioning the album, while Akon, a contributor on the project, hailed the effort.

Some of the songwriters and producers behind Michael are simply asking people to give it a chance before making a decision.

"They're gonna love the music, because it speaks for itself," Eddie Cascio, who is credited as a songwriter on "Breaking News," told MTV News. "Michael sounds great. The songs are great. The production sounds great. Teddy Riley did...

'They go out there every night and they give it 100 percent,' singer says of his tourmates.

By Vanessa Denis, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Miguel

Photo: MTV News

"All I Want Is You" singer Miguel began making noise on the road this fall, when he opened up for Mary J. Blige's Music Saved My Life Tour. From there, he jumped onboard Usher's Omg Tour, which will end its North American leg on December 31. Both outings have given the 24-year-old up-and-comer a crash course on being a performer.

"Coming off the tour with Mary J. Blige and Jazmine Sullivan and El DeBarge, being able to watch them onstage, was such a tremendous learning experience," Miguel told MTV News. "First of all, the audience is very different demographic-wise from the audience on the Omg Tour, but the one thing that is consistent is that everything changes in every city."

One...

'They go out there every night and they give it 100 percent,' singer says of his tourmates.

By Vanessa Denis, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Miguel

Photo: MTV News

"All I Want Is You" singer Miguel began making noise on the road this fall, when he opened up for Mary J. Blige's Music Saved My Life Tour. From there, he jumped onboard Usher's Omg Tour, which will end its North American leg on December 31. Both outings have given the 24-year-old up-and-comer a crash course on being a performer.

"Coming off the tour with Mary J. Blige and Jazmine Sullivan and El DeBarge, being able to watch them onstage, was such a tremendous learning experience," Miguel told MTV News. "First of all, the audience is very different demographic-wise from the audience on the Omg Tour, but the one thing that is consistent is that everything changes in every city."

One...

Waka Flocka Flame, Lloyd Banks, Wale and Fabolous also made game-changing street CDs, in Mixtape Daily's year-end awards.

By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Hillary Crosley, Rahman Dukes, Steven Roberts and Richard Sancho

Jadakiss, Wiz Khalifa and Fabolous

Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/ Sean Berry/ Jason Campbell

From the looks of things over the past 12 months, the mixtape game has never been healthier.

In 2010, the standout projects and the MCs who helmed them took a page out of Drake's book from the previous year with So Far Gone, making mixtapes that were put together like albums with a majority of head-nodding original material populating the track lists.

Look no further than Rick Ross' Albert Anastasia Ep, which featured "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)"; the song later landed on his proper LP and recently scored the #4 ranking in MTV News' Top 25 Songs of 2010 list powered by its appeal on the mixtape circuit.

The end of 2010 is almost upon us, which is why MTV News is rounding up the Top Songs of 2010. We has over two dozen MTV News staffers submit their own personal lists of their 25 favorite songs, and from those lists we derived a master list whose top 10 will be slowly rolling out over the course of this week. Check out one of the 25 lists below, with an argument or two for the greatness of some of the under-appreciated tunes of the year.

By Steven Roberts

25. "It Kills Me," Melanie Fiona

24. "X.X.X.O," M.I.A.

23. "O.N.E.," Yeasayer

22. "Hit," LCD Soundsystem

21. "Barbara Streisand," Duck Sauce

Every year, there's one novelty song that captivates the masses, and your aunt asks you how to do the song's dance. No offense to A-Trak and Armand van Helden, but "Teach Me How to Dougie" easily wins that distinction. But if you...

Producer talks to Mixtape Daily about Eminem-featuring Detox track.

By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Alex Da Kid

Photo: Gabriel Bouys/Afp/Getty Images

Behind the Beats: Alex Da Kid

At this rate, Alex Da Kid might want to consider changing his name to Alexander Da Great pretty soon.

The British beatsmith was nominated for five Grammys this week for his work on B.o.B's blockbuster hit "Airplanes" and Eminem's chart-topper "Love the Way You Lie." He also produced Nicki Minaj's "Massive Attack."

While he only has a few placements under his belt, the producer has a knack for knocking what he does do out of the park.

His next big single comes courtesy of his work with Dr. Dre.

The veteran hip-hop producer invited Alex Da Kid to work with him on a track for his forthcoming Detox project, "I Need a Doctor" featuring Eminem.

Two of his songs — Em's 'Love the Way You Lie' and B.o.B's 'Airplanes' — are facing off for Record of the Year.

By Steven Roberts

Alex Da Kid

Photo: Gabriel Bouys/Afp/Getty Images

Producer Alex Da Kid has had quite the year, collaborating with Eminem and Rihanna on the chart-topping "Love the Way You Lie" as well as B.o.B and Hayley Williams on the equally anthemic "Airplanes." Now that the 2011 Grammy nominations have been announced, Alex has racked up a few nods, and his two biggest hits will even duke it out for Record of the Year.

MTV News caught up with Alex via phone Thursday (December 2), and he said he was extremely excited about the recognition but wasn't surprised: He knew these songs would put him on the map from day one.

"I remember sitting in the studio with Em and being like, 'I'm writing my Grammy speech right now,...

'Pretty Boy Swag' Mc returns to 'Rapfix Live' this Thursday.

By Steven Roberts

Soulja Boy Tell'em

Photo: MTV News

Arguably one of the most-polarizing figures in current hip-hop, Soulja Boy Tell'em has both die-hard fans and his share of critics who like to point out his preference for party over substance in his music. But the "Pretty Boy Swag" Mc promises that his third studio album, The DeAndre Way, due out Tuesday, will show how much he has learned over the years, possibly pleasing fans and haters alike.

"I've just been watching a lot of rappers, learning, taking notes," Soulja told MTV News on the video set for the album's third single, "Speakers Going Hammer." "I've really been in the studio working on my production as producer, because I was rapping and jumping on so many different songs that I forgot that I produced the #1 song in the world. I...

Minaj appeared at Best Buy to promote Pink Friday and thank her Barbies and Kens for their support.

By Steven Roberts

Nicki Minaj in New York City on November 23

Photo: Slaven Vlasic/ Getty Images

New York — Hundreds of fans ... correction, Barbies and Kens, lined up for hours outside of Best Buy in New York City's Union Square Tuesday night for a chance to meet their Mama Barb, Nicki Minaj. Nicki has found herself in the rap and pop spotlight thanks to her unique style, over-the-top personality and anticipation for her first album, Pink Friday, out Friday. This was an opportunity not only for her to thank fans for their support, but also for them to thank her for giving them a voice.

"She speaks for people. She speaks for us. She's our generation," said one fan queued up outside. "Every era has their people. We have Nicki, that's our person.

Cash Money CEO brings turkeys to his hometown neighborhood.

By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Travis Laurendine

Birdman (file)

Photo: Ray Tamarra/ Getty Images

We rarely see the soft side of Cash Money CEO Birdman, but MTV News caught up with the 5-Star General in his hometown of New Orleans on Tuesday afternoon for his 15th annual turkey giveaway. The event was in Shakespeare Park, across the street from the housing projects Birdman, born Bryan Williams, grew up in. He said he was very happy to be home.

"It feels good to see people that you grew up with, that you've been knowing your whole life and your family," Birdman said. "[They] know more about you than you know about yourself."

He said the drive means a lot to those in the community, not just because of the giveaway, but also because the town is thrilled just to see Birdman and...

'She is so different and inventive,' one die-hard says of Pink Friday Mc.

By James Kuo, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Nicki Minaj arrives at the Mac cosmetics store in Times Square on Tuesday

Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

New York — Nicki Minaj took New York City by storm Tuesday (November 23) while promoting her debut album, Pink Friday. Her first stop was the Times Square Mac Cosmetics store, where she talked about her special edition Pink Friday Mac lipstick. Her fans — known as Barbiez — eagerly awaited her appearance.

Jasmine Taylor, 23, was "super excited" to see Nicki. "She is my idol. I live for her. I'm, like, shaking right now," said Jasmine, who sported a Nicki Minaj haircut and a glittering "Barbie" necklace. "She keeps it real and is so personable. The guys give her respect because of her lyrics."

Kelly Baker, a student at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology,...

'Everybody else might have a drink or smoke a blunt ... I took a pain pill,' the imprisoned rapper admitted in a Vibe interview.

By Steven Roberts

T.I. on the cover of the December 2010 edition of <i>Vibe</i>

Photo: Vibe

In the wake his 11-month prison sentence for violating the terms of his supervised release, T.I. has been far from quiet. His seventh studio album, No Mercy, is set to be released in early December, and the King of the South recently took to his blog to discuss his dismay over his recidivism. Now the rapper has opened up to Vibe magazine about a variety of topics. In the interview, he talks about developing a dependency to prescription pills and shares his feeling about how he's been treated since his most-recent arrest. He explained to the magazine that since people generally are judgmental even to those they are personally acquainted with when they're downtrodden,...

MTV News informs the Los Angeles band that their hit single has achieved double-platinum status.

By By James Dinh, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Far East Movement

Photo: MTV News

Far East Movement must be feeling pretty fly right about now. Not only has their club anthem "Like a G6" conquered the Billboard Hot 100 once again, but the song has also reached double-platinum status. MTV News caught up with the electro-rap group, and they thanked fans for their hugely successful debut single.

"Whoa. We just found out on MTV News that we hit double-platinum on 'Like a G6,' " Kev Nish told MTV News. "Thank you. We're grateful to that. That means a lot of people across America are feeling fly and like a G6 and getting slizzard, so thank you guys."

Back in September, the quartet spoke to MTV News about the inspiration behind their breakthrough single. "A G6 is not a Gatorade flavor.

Waken Baken Mc tells MTV News he expects spring 2011 release.

By Steven Roberts, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Wiz Khalifa

Photo: MTV News

Wiz Khalifa's debut LP is easily one of the most-anticipated albums of 2011. The Pittsburgh Mc has built an impressive following, allowing him to sell out shows nationwide on his Waken Baken Tour and crash the Internet whether he's dropping a mixtape or getting arrested. Wiz told MTV News his album is crazy, and promised fans he hasn't forgotten what made him successful.

"I've been working on it every day since I've signed with Atlantic," Wiz said. "The main feel of the album is still homegrown. I'm keeping it organic.

"I've got to stick to what I know, what I've been doing. My main producers have been doing the bulk of the album, and it's majority done. We're just doing the big songs now, putting some of the features together,...

'It's kinda got that 'working-class hero' quality,' he tells MTV News of second single from The Lady Killer.

By James Montgomery, with reporting by Steven Roberts

Cee Lo

Photo: MTV News

Three years ago, when Cee Lo started stringing together the songs that would eventually become his Lady Killer album, he had just one goal in mind.

"I sent disclaimers out [to producers]," he smiled. "I said, 'I want something that sounds like big, black James Bond.' "

Of course, James Bond would probably never cut a record like "F--- You," but the message was clear: Cee Lo was looking for something classy and brassy and even a little bit flashy. For proof, check out "Bright Lights, Bigger City," the second single from Lady Killer, because it is very much all those things ... and then some.

Then again, according to Cee himself, there's nothing particularly classy, brassy or flashy about the...

Bleek tells MTV News how the Marcy Projects alums teamed up and how an outsize lunch order nearly kept Memph off Reasonable Doubt.

By Steven Roberts

Memphis Bleek and Jay-z

Photo: Martin McNeil/ WireImage

Jay-z's career has grown and evolved in a number of ways over the years, but one constant has been the man at his side — whether onstage or off — Memphis Bleek. In Jay's soon-to-be-published memoir, "Decoded," he devotes much of the chapter titled "Honor Among Predators" to Bleek, who recently spoke to MTV News about their early introductions.

In the chapter, Hov recounts getting the opportunity to tour with Big Daddy Kane in the late 1980s and how much he learned from the veteran Brooklyn Mc. When it came time to record his first album, Reasonable Doubt, Jay said he wanted to do a song that loosely paralleled that experience: a young pupil gaining tutelage in the...