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October 30 , 2001 What's Going On Video (continued)
Most of the shots are close-ups, though director Jake Scott, known for such moving videos as R.E.M.'s 'Everybody Hurts' and Erykah Badu's 'Didn't Cha Know,' filmed Aguilera and Stefani dancing from a distance on Thursday. The new clips for 'What's Going On' - the 'Main Mix,' Dupri's 'R&B Mix' and Mick G's 'Adult Contemporary Mix' - will replace the version that aired when the song had its TRL debut, which was put together by MTV and blended news footage from the September 11 terrorist attacks with scenes from the recording sessions. 'The TRL video just felt like a natural thing to do, and I am glad MTV did it,' Timberlake said outside his dressing room, where he was dancing to 'What It's Like to Be Me,' the new track he co-wrote and co-produced for his girlfriend, Britney Spears. 'But this is an actual video - you can come up with a scenario that means something. You can put a visual with the cause you are singing about. I think people will get the message.' The original remake by the Bono-led Artists Against AIDS Worldwide was released on a benefit CD alongside a growing number of alternate versions now totaling nine. Half of the proceeds will go to the Global AIDS Alliance, while the remainder will go to the United Way's September 11 Fund. Dupri produced the main remake, and his slower R&B version features Monica, Jagged Edge and many of the artists who participated in the initial recording sessions, which took place prior to the terrorist attacks. Electronic music gurus Moby and Junior Sanchez, both New York natives, remixed dance versions of the song, while Bono brought in Train singer Pat Monahan and others for a contemporary mix. Limp Bizkit's Durst recently finished his 'Reality Check Mix' that includes vocals by Bono, Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland, Perry Farrell, Puddle of Mudd's Wes Scantlin and Deadsy's Elijah Blue, along with music from Korn guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch and Bizkit rhythm section John Otto and Sam Rivers. Durst said of his version. 'If you think we're doing a 'We Are the World' tribute to Marvin Gaye, you're going to be surprised. We changed some of the words I thought needed to be changed. It's so many different styles of music put into one track. It's some serious past and present.' Added Timberlake: 'Not everyone listens to the same things these days, and I think it's great they had Fred do a version. It's great they didn't break it up before the first version went to air, though, to show the unity and how so many artists from different genres came together.' Marvin Gaye III and Nona Gaye, Marvin's children, also filmed scenes for the videos on Thursday, but noticeably absent was Bono. Still, his presence was felt by the artists and organizers who sang his praises. Stefani, former Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes, Timberlake and Durst all beamed at memories of their phone calls from the U2 frontman. Leigh Blake, founder of Artists Against AIDS Worldwide and the person who dreamed up the 'What's Going On' project, said she never would have done the remake without Bono. 'Bono puts absolutely all of his great big huge heart into what we're doing. He really believes in using that platform to do good,' said Blake, who also co-founded of the Red Hot Organization, which raises money for AIDS research. The money raised from 'What's Going On' for the fight against AIDS will go to medicine, heath education and simple medical care in Africa, she said. 'One child dies every minute there, and they don't have to,' Blake said. 'They are dying from pneumonia, diarrhea and other complications of being born HIV-positive. Infected women are breastfeeding their children because they don't have the money to buy formula. Who have we become if we grownups can't take care of these children we are responsible for?' - Corey Moss with additional
reporting by Heather Parry Hear an exclusive clip of the new song now! |
