Saturday, June 09, 2007

Avril Lavigne Hip Hop Dancing?

Avril Lavigne hit the music scene a few years back as a bad girl punk princess. But since her marriage to Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley, it seems the Sk8er Boi singer has mellowed out a bit. Her new remix of “Girlfriend” even has her exploring the world of hip hop.

Her label brought in R&B diva Lil Mama on the video for the remix of Avril’s first single from her 3rd major label album “The Best Damn Thing.” And Lavigne is pumped about the joining of forces.

"Avril said this is the most fun video she’s ever shot in her life,” Mama was quick to tell the MTV News cameras. “I did,” the singer said. “It’s true. It’s pretty up there. ... It’s the first time I collaborated with anyone in a video, so it’s cool.”

And Lil Mama had similar feelings. “I’m honored because I don’t know if everyone knows, but Avril Lavigne is so big. And I look up to her because she’s older than me — even though she’s small, we both small — she’s had history in the music industry and I look to her for answers or key points on which way to go. It’s not even my second single. I put out my first single, but this is my second video. She’s shot about 10. So I can ask her what it’s like shooting all them videos.”

Avril’s producer, Dr. Luke, is the one responsible for getting the two girls together. “He was saying, ‘Lil Mama would do a cool remix,’ and she did,” Lavigne said. “When I heard it, the final version, I got really excited and said, ‘Let’s do a video for this.’ ... Once she started rapping her verse, I was like, ‘Holy f---! This is really good!’ “

So good, that it now appears as if Avril is attempting to reach out even further. Over the past two days, Avril has been spotted out around Beverly Hills - most recently accompanied by Colombian singer Shakira. While the hip-shaking international superstar has been talking about taking a break from music to try acting, a duet with Avril may be in the works.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on any developments. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures of Avril showing off her dancing skills in Vegas on Thursday (June 7) and heading to The Crustacean with Shakira the following day.