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Madonna news - Nov. 2014
← Oct. 2014 | Dec. 2014 →
Madonna and children meet Malawi's president
29 November 2014The president of Malawi has met Madonna's adopted daughter and son.
President Peter Mutharika thanked the pop star on Friday for bringing her Malawi-born children Mercy and David back to their birth country.
Friday's meeting was symbolic for Madonna, who had a public falling-out with former President Joyce Banda.
"Thank you for welcoming me here. I was a big fan of your brother. He was very kind to us," Madonna said of Mutharika's older brother Bingu wa Mutharika.
Madonna has been visiting Malawi since 2006. She funds a number of orphanages and schools in the country. On Thursday she helped open a new 50-bed pediatrics ward in the commercial capital, Blantyre, that she helped fund.
Madonna unveiled her most recent album, MDNA, in 2012. Earlier this year, she appeared at the Grammy Awards, performing Open Your Heart alongside rappers Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
Rebel Heart and Wash All Over Me leak in full
29 November 2014 
After the leak of the small snippet from yesterday, the full track of Rebel Heart and Wash All Over Me have now leaked online.
Both tracks carry the recognizable production of Avicii. The lyrics of both songs show a very introspective Madonna.
Read the lyrics here:
Tell us what you think on Facebook.
Mert Alas teases new photoshoot?
28 November 2014Is that who we think it is?
Mert Alas - part of the photographer duo Mert & Marcus who has worked with Madonna several times already - has teased a picture on his Instagram of someone who looks and dresses very much like Madonna.
Judging from his comments, we can conclude that the picture are for an upcoming article in Interview Magazine, and that Fabien Baron is involved as well. More soon!
Guess WHO ? Coming Soon 🔫 @interviewmag #mertalas #mertandmarcus #fabienbaron
Snippet of Rebel Heart leaks
28 November 2014 A small snippet of Rebel Heart has leaked online. It's supposedly an early version of the Avicii-produced track, so it's unclear whether this will actually appear like this in the final version, but it does give us an impression of what to expect.
… of my rebel heart
I've spent some time as a narcissist
Hearing the others say 'Look at you, look at you!'
Trying to be so provocative
I said 'Oh yeah, that was me'
All the things I did just to be seen
I grow my path…
While some may think the leak was intentional, Guy Oseary clearly isn't amused, as he took to Twitter to find the source:
"I would be grateful to any @ madonna fans that can assist us in finding those responsible for the leak.. We appreciate your help.. "
Madonna sings with Malawi rapper at welcome party
Source: Daily Mail - 28 November 2014
Madonna posed for a photograph with Malawian hip hop star Tay Grin at a party to celebrate the singer's first visit to the African country for 18 months.
The Material Girl met the rapper, real name Limbani Kalilani, in Lilongwe. Grin was invited to the party by his mother - Malawi's health minister Dr Jean Kalilani - who asked Madonna if her son could attend.
Madonna is reported to have said: 'I'd like to be serenaded by a minister's son - please invite him.'
The musically-minded couple spoke for a while and sang together briefly to the invited guests that included politicians, US embassy staff, diplomats and employees of Madonna's charity Raising Malawi.
The relatives of Madonna's two adopted Malawian children David and Mercy's were not on the guest list but some high school children being backed by Raising Malawi were invited.
Tay Grin, also known as 'Nyau King', is Malawi's number one hip hop star and this year scooped the Best International African gong at the Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts awards in London.
Madonna returned to Malawi today for the first time since her furious row with the country's former president 18 months ago.
The singer is believed to have flown in this morning with the two children she adopted from the central African country and her other son for surprise talks with the new leader.
Her visit will fuel speculation the star is looking to adopt another child after she posted pictures online today showing her playing with young Malawian children, apparently at an orphanage.
Madonna, who funds orphanages in the country and is helping to build schools and hospitals, was unceremoniously sent packing in April last year after a dispute with ex-president Joyce Banda.
Mrs Banda attacked the pop star for being 'arrogant' and bizarrely accused her of being less well-mannered than footballers Gary Neville or Rio Ferdinand 'despite their equally dazzling stature'.
A statement released by her office, which Mrs Banda later distanced herself from, accused the star of wanting Malawi 'to be forever chained to the obligation of gratitude' for her charity work.
It also claimed Madonna believed the country should have 'rolled out a red carpet and blast the 21-gun salute' upon her arrival.
Mrs Banda, whose sister Anjimile Ntila-Oponyo used to run Madonna's Raising Malawi charity until her sacking over financial impropriety, stripped the singer of her 'Very Very Important Person' (VVIP) status.
This fall-out forced Madonna, 56, to check into her private jet at Kamuzu International Airport as an 'ordinary passenger'.
However, new president Peter Mutharika, who beat Banda at the May polls, has restored Madonna's VVIP status.
State House press secretary Frederick Ndala said: 'We welcome Madonna as guest of the government and people of Malawi.
'The President appreciates the charity work she is doing for the people of Malawi.'
Madonna is scheduled to hold talks with President Mutharika on Friday at his official Kamuzu Palace in the capital, Lilongwe.
Madonna's 12-member travelling party is believed to include sons Roco John Ritchie and David Banda and daughter Mercy Chifundo James.
They are said to have arrived at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe at 11am.
'We were asked to clear the airport's cargo bay for a special guest,' said an airport worker, who saw the jet land.
He said Madonna was whisked into a fleet of SUVs and raced into town to Kumbali Lodge, a farm lodge she always stays at on her Malawi visits.
Madonna first visited Malawi in 2006 after her Malawian friend Victoria Keelan told her about the impoverished southern African country's Aids situation.
She immediately adopted then one-year-old David Banda at an orphanage. She adopted her second Malawian child, Mercy Chifundo James, in 2009, at another orphanage.
She periodically visits Malawi, often with all her children - including daughter Lourdes, who has not made the trip this time around.
She funds a number of orphanages, including Home of Hope in the western border district of Mchinji where she got David, and Kondanani Children's Home in the southern tea-growing district of Thyolo.
She is also building a number of schools and a paediatrics ward at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre - which she is scheduled to visit during her trip, according to sources.
Madonna in Malawi with her adopted kids: Mutharika restores her VVIP status
Source: Nyasa Times - 27 November 2014US pop star Madonna - who has adopted two Malawian-born children – returned to Malawi on Wednesday and had her VIP status restored by President Peter Mutharika after his predecessor stripped the same on her last visit.
Madonna has returned with the two children she adopted from Malawi and her other son for surprise talks with Mutharika.
UK’s Daily Mail reported that the singer’s visit will fuel speculation the star is looking to adopt another child after she posted pictures online today showing her playing with young Malawian children, apparently at an orphanage.
Madonna, who funds orphanages in the country and is helping to build schools and hospitals, was unceremoniously sent packing in April last year after a dispute with ex-president Joyce Banda.
Banda was quoted as slamming her for "making poor people dance for her" and that she was a “arrogant” and “bully”.
However, President Mutharika, who was elected in May polls, has restored Madonna's VVIP status and wants to give her support for philanthropist work in the impoverished country.
State House press secretary Frederick Ndala said: ‘We welcome Madonna as guest of the government and people of Malawi.
Ndala added: “The President appreciates the charity work she is doing for the people of Malawi.'
Madonna is scheduled to hold talks with President Mutharika on Friday at his official Kamuzu Palace in the capital, Lilongwe.
Madonna's 12-member travelling party is believed to include sons Roco John Ritchie and David Banda and daughter Mercy Chifundo James.
While David’s adoption was smooth, a judge initially rejected Madonna’s adoption of Mercy on the grounds that billionaire star has not continuously lived in Malawi for two years prior to the adoption as required by law.
It took Malawi's Supreme Court to okay the adoption describing the 1949 laws as archaic.
In her statement to the court, Madonna promised to be bringing her adopted children twice “every two or three years”.
The singer’s relationship with Malawi began in 2006 with David's adoption, but soured after a report accused many of the local staff running her Raising Malawi charity of financial impropriety.
Madonna won't perform at The X Factor final
Source: Metro - 25 November 2014 
He's used to getting what he wants, but Simon Cowell admits Madonna rejected his invitation to perform on this year's X Factor final.
The music mogul is desperate to get the 56-year-old queen of pop to sing on stage with a finalist.
‘Is there any artist I want on the show I haven't had before? Madonna,' he told Metro from his X Factor dressing room on Sunday night.
‘Will she be on the final? I don't think so. But always next year. We always send an invite out.' Cowell said he aimed to get a guest performer that ‘you don't normally see on many other shows' – such as Prince.
Has Diplo REALLY made a track with Nicki Minaj and Madonna?
Source: MTV - 21 November 2014Diplo reckons he's made a track that will probably break the internet...
No stranger to a) making trouble and b) working with pop stars, Diplo's said in an interview with inthemix that he's made a track with Nicki Minaj, Madonna and UK producer SOPHIE. Wow.
The Major Lazer mastermind slyly dropped in to conversation, “I did a record that was literally SOPHIE and Madonna and Nicki Minaj”.
A plastic-elastic holy trinity, this track (if it really does exist) will push everything we know about internet informed pop music over the brink.
SOPHIE, who releases fidget-flavoured electronic music and has worked with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, has had a fan in Diplo for some time now
It wouldn't be the first time Madonna and Nicki Minaj have worked together either, hooking up with M.I.A. (herself a long-suffering ex of Diplo) on Give Me All Your Luvin', that song that M.I.A. flipped the bird on during the Super Bowl on live telly.
The incestuous love quadron weaves ever closer, as Diplo has inevitably worked on tracks for Madonna, though we've yet to hear any of them.
If the track ever surfaces we can only imagine it'll sound like someone vomming up a pile of glittery loom bands, which could be the best thing ever. In the meantime, have a listen to another unlikely collaboration, of Major Lazer and Ariana Grande for The Hunger Games soundtrack.
Is Madonna working on a secret rap album?
Source: DJ Booth - 19 November 2014One of the worst feeling in the world, aside from being hangover, is when you accurately predicted something but kept quiet.
We've all been there. Maybe it's the surprise ending of a movie only you saw coming, or maybe it's a football game ending on an onside kick, but everyone has said, "I was going to say that!" at least a million times. The worst part? Nobody believes you and assumes you were lying. Why should they?
When it comes to the Walking Dead, I'm totally fine with receiving no credit for something I called, but when it comes to rap, I have a dangerously obsession with being right all the time. If I don't know everything about rap, I might as well know nothing.
Still, I can't just go around shooting off predictions and guesses based on a tweet or a quote. I mean, I could because that's essentially what "journalism" in 2014 - lots of speculation with no accountability - but I won't. I want to be better. Yes, the guy who wrote an article about porn stars in music videos is now riding high on his moral high-horse. I want my Pulitzer, which means I can't just go around making lofty claims like "Madonna is making a rap album," based on absolutely zero evidence in hopes I'll be right. So, with that in mind, Madonna is totally making a rap album.
Let's review the evidence, step by step.
Exhibit A: The S1 Interview
A few months ago I had the privilege of interviewing Symbolic One. Don't know who this S1 fellow is? He's basically the coolest dude on the planet who happens to produce songs for the likes of Lupe, Logic, an up-and-comer named Beyonce, Jay Z, and of course Kanye. Now, you can't boil any one's career down to one beat, but you can certainly make the argument his Mona Lisa is "Power," a.k.a. the lead single off one of the best albums of the decade, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy . You know, the "power" that gets played in every arena and every spin class in the country? That's S1's handy work. You might think getting to hear about Kanye in the studio would be what stands out from the interview, and yeah, it does (I think about Kanye a lot), but what's been on my mind these past few weeks is something he said at the end of the conversation. It didn't make it into the Behind The Boards write up, but now, it feels like it should have. What did he say?
"I was in the studio with Madonna for two weeks, which was crazy. She flew me out for a week in L.A and we did four songs. And then she flew me out to New York and we did another four songs. I'm really excited about that stuff."
Well, that's fucking cool, I thought, but at the time I didn't think much more than that. When he mentions Kendrick, Kanye and Logic, that's where my attention went - Madonna was kind of an afterthought. I mean, I'm not bumping "Like a Virgin" a much as "Backseat Freestyle" so I'm going to ahead and care about Kendrick instead. However, now that I'm caring about the Madonna part...eight songs?! Madonna doesn't just fly you out to both coasts for two weeks to record eight songs for shits and giggles. Eight tracks is a lot . I mean that's almost a whole album. I have a hard time believing that eight songs are just going to go unheard. There has to be a plan right?
Still, a Madonna rap album sounds foolish. No way. Whatever. I forgot about it, almost.
Exhibit B: The Nas Lick
Judging by her history, I feel like it's bigger news if Madonna doesn't lick somebody, so her slobbering on Nas didn't strike me as odd (real talk I'd probably do the same thing). What struck me was where the the licking occurred; on Nas face, obviously, but also in a studio! Not a club, not some movie premiere; a studio. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's where artists record things. Also, did you see those candles? Everybody knows you have to light some candles when recording. I'll need to know the exact aroma to figure out what kind of song they were creating - lavender mist is for a soulful cut and Ocean breeze for a banger -but those candles tell me they didn't just lick faces and leave; music was made...right?
See where I'm going with this? Now S1's words are back in my head. The plan has been set in motion. The chips are starting to fall. Winter is coming...
Exhibit C: Chance the Rapper
In reality Madonna hanging with Nas isn't that surprising. I mean both about the same age, both are fucking legends, and both are super rich and famous. As badly as I wanted to write this article then, I have too much journalistic integrity - plus I had to write this article about Migos - so I kept my harebrained theories to myself. Inside though, the wheels were spinning like Rick Ross' bedside rotisserie oven.
And then this...
First and foremost, Madonna looks good right? I mean she's pushing sixty and can still pull off a Dick Tracy outfit. Second CHANCE THE FUCKING RAPPER?!?! As I said, Nas and Madonna are on the same level, but Chance? No disrespect to him, but Madonna has been a pop icon for seven decades now and he has 20 songs. There's no way these two got together with any other purpose than to make music. Oh yeah, the icing on the cake:
Madonna buying Chance a Razor scooter is the funniest old lady gift in the world. She clearly had no idea what kids are into. Probably got him some Pokemon cards and a ring pop too. Anyway, for those keeping score at home that's S1, Nas and Chance; are you trying to tell me she's not doing something hip-hop related? There's a reason. This is where I turned the corner. I wanted to think Madonna was making a rap album, but it felt more like I was chasing a unicorn. Now that Chance is involved, I really believed an album was in the works. Break out the tin-foil hats! Send out the Illuminati bat signal!
And yet, as far as theories go, it still felt more grassy knoll than evolution.
Exhibit D: DJ Dahi
That right there is a picture of DJ Dahi, pop producer Blood Diamonds, and a giant ceramic penis. For those that don't know, Dahi is the man behind "Worst Behavior" and "Money Trees." Yep the guy who produced arguably the hardest song off GKMC and the hardest song off Nothing Was the Same is now producing with Madonna in a studio decked out with dicks...dicked out if you will. PLUS, this mini-documentary on Dahi oh-so-casually mentions that Madonna has flown him out from L.A. to NYC to work.
So we're all officially convinced now, right? I'm convinced. Honestly, at first I didn't believe my own brain. Madonna? Making a rap album? It just feels so wrong. Well, Dahi makes it feel right (pause). Then I started thinking otherwise at Nas, turned the corner on the idea at Chance and got but totally sold by Dahi. It's that extra bit of evidence that makes me confident in saying...
THIS ALBUM IS HAPPENING!
Listen, I know a Madonna rap album sounds crazy, but the more I think about it, and the more she Instagrams pictures of perennial hip-hop artists, the more I think she is making a rap album, or at the very least an album with a ton of hip-hop. In a few weeks, you will be inundated with 2015 music previews and I sincerely doubt the goings-on of Madonna will be a concern to the hip-hop oriented outlets. Up until about 10 seconds ago I wasn't even convinced myself. So, before all those come out, I wanted to let you know Madonna might be making a hip-hop album. She might not be. But she probably (definitely is); there's just no way all of these are fun, happy coincidences. I may be wrong, and I'll own up to it if I am, but I'm officially going on record as saying Madonna is making a hip-hop album.
And, as I write this, I see reports that she's been in the studio with Kanye. Your move illuminati. Your move.
Noémie Wolfs & Jef Neve cover Frozen
17 November 2014Musician Jef Neve and singer Noémie Wolfs (from the band Hooverphonic) have appeared on Belgian TV show Café Corsari, where they performed a contemporary version of Madonna's Frozen.
For several years, the song was banned in Belgium because of a plagiarism claim, which was recently overturned.
The combination of Neve's piano skills and Noémie's hauntingly beautiful voice results in this magical rendition.
Madonna to collab with Kanye West for new album?
Source: ANI - 16 November 2014
Madonna has joined hands with Kanye West on one song for her new album, it has been revealed.
An insider spilled the beans that the 37-year-old rapper and American singer hit it off at the 'Keep A Child Alive' ball and have been in touch ever since, the Daily Star reported.
The source continued that West had already written some songs that according to him would be perfect for the 56-year-old singer.
The source added that the 'Stronger' hitmaker wanted to produce some classic songs for the Queen of Pop.
Like A Virgin turns 30
12 November 2014Madonna's iconic Like A Virgin album turns 30 this year, and the event has been captured by lots of media. Madonna herself reminished about it on Instagram as well:
30 years ago i set sail on this journey! Thank you to anyone and everyone who helped me along the way 💘💘💘 #livingforlove
Some interesting articles:
Billboard: Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' at 30: Classic Track-by-Track Album Review
VH1: 10 Things Millennials Don’t Understand About Madonna
Loving the Material, Girl! Madonna wows in ornate ruffled black blouse at a star-studded bash in NYC
Source: Daily Mail - 6 November 2014She is known to the pop world as the original Material Girl.
And Madonna certainly didn't disappoint as she arrived at WSJ. Magazine's Innovator Of The Year Awards at the Museum Of Modern Art in New York City on Wednesday.
Madge looked fabulous in an ornate ruffled black blouse teamed with black elbow-length gloves, midi-skirt and rather clashing light brown shoes.
With her hair in loose blonde curls, she was on hand to present street dancer Charles 'Lil Buck' Riley [who performed with her at the MDNA Tour] with the award in the performing arts category.
Joining Madonna at the event, was Victoria's Secret model Doutzen Kroes who has snapped back into incredible shape, arriving at WSJ. Magazine's Innovator Of The Year Awards at the Museum Of Modern Art in New York City on Wednesday.
Madonna buys Chance the Rapper a Razor Scooter, hints at collaboration
Source: Billboard - 5 November 2014 Is Chance The Rapper the latest artist to join Madonna’s in-the-works follow-up to 2012’s MDNA? The pop superstar has employed Instagram to capture her co-conspirators during the recording process over the past few months, and the Chicago MC has now been caught in that Insta-web, along with Nicki Minaj, Diplo and Natalia Kills. Oh, and Madonna bought Chance The Rapper a Razor Scooter!
“Thanks so much @Madonna! So grateful for this awesome present! You are a true friend,” Chance posted on Instagram on Tuesday night (Nov. 4). The incredible photo he posted features Madonna groping the ribboned gift and Chance leaning back in front of his superstar pal, celebrating the idea of owning a brand-new electric scooter.
On Wednesday morning, Madonna posted her own Instagram photo of Chance in a White Sox cap, with the caption, “Taking a Chance ! #rebelheart.” The terms “Rebel Heart” and “Unapologetic Bitch” have constantly popped up in Madge’s Instagram feed during her months-long music tease -- perhaps as an album or song title?
Madonna’s next album is due for release in 2015, according to a representative for the singer, while Chance the Rapper exclusively revealed to Billboard last month that he is working on a new album project titled Surf. Since the release of his Acid Rapmixtape last year, Chance has guested on projects by Justin Bieber, Skrillex and Lil Wayne, among others.
Madonna shows nipples with '80s throwback look at 2014 Black Ball
Source: E Online - 5 November 2014Madonna went full Throwback Thursday with a NSFW look and was joined by fellow music royalty at the 2014 Black Ball, hosted by the Keep a Child Alive charity.
The 56-year-old Queen of Pop wore a black, semi-sheer lace corset dress that showed some serious cleavage...and left little to the imagination, as well as a crucifix pendant, channeling a mashup of looks she sported in her '80s music videos "Like a Virgin" and "Like a Prayer." She paired the look with thigh-high Givenchy boots.
The label's artistic director, Riccardo Tisci, was honored at the event, held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, with the KCA Humanitarian Award for "inspiring new and compassionate ways of thinking through his bold and unapologetic voice in challenging discrimination, while breaking cultural barriers in the fashion industry." He and Givenchy are longtime supporters of Keep a Child Alive.
They were joined by hip-hop star Kanye West, 37, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, 72, Sean "Diddy" Combs, 44, and Alicia Keys. The latter artists performed at the event, as did rapper Nas, 41. Keys is the co-founder of Keep a Child Alive, which helps children with HIV and AIDS.
Tisci posted on his Instagram page a photo of Madonna lying on the floor at the event, saying. "QUEEN M IN THE HOUSE," Tisci said on Instagram. "@madonna @givenchyofficial#love #foreveryoung #family #gang
Madonna shared the same pic.
"These Givenchy boots tho............#unapologeticbitch," she said.
Madonna also shared on her Instagram page photos of herself posing with West and Keys, who is pregnant.
"G*D Bless this Girl!" Madonna said about Keys. "Beauitful and Generous! @aliciakeyes #blackball #livingforlove."
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