Check out the exclusive cover of Mary J. Blige's eagerly anticipated new album 'Growing Pains' which is set to be released on December 11th. Mary looks great!

Labels: Mary J. Blige

It was announced a couple of months back that rapper Bow Wow and R&B singer Omarion are set to release a collaboration album titled 'Face Off' on December 4th. The cover art for the CD has just surfaced and I must say that I'm liking it - the split face effect is kinda cool. There is potentially a feature with the guys on the site soon, so watch this space.

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

MTV News caught up with 50 Cent and Akon on the set of the G-Unit leader's latest video 'I Still Will' - also known as 'I Still Kill' from the 'Curtis' album. Be on the lookout for the Jessy Torrero directed video in the weeks ahead.

Your thoughts?

Labels: 50 Cent, Akon

It's been a LONG wait and thanks to those that have bared with me. The interview will be posted tomorrow, so be sure to check back :)

Labels: Jagged Edge

With Mario gearing up for the release of his new album 'Go!' (due November 27th), the R&B singer is cranking up the promotion for the CD - this time dropping by AOL Sessions to perform current single 'Crying Out For Me'. I've liked the track for the longest time and am rooting for Mario with this CD, but the performance just wasn't good enough. A few off-notes in the middle I could let slide, but the way he messed up the end with the bad adlibbing didn't do him any favours.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Mario

Nicole Scherzinger's record label Interscope have confirmed that the release of the singer's debut solo album has been delayed until 2008. At time of writing, no reason has been given for the push back. {Source}

Labels: Nicole Scherzinger

The hype surrounding Jay-Z's forthcoming 'American Gangster' tour appears to be more than I initially thought - a lot more. The rap mogul's label issued a press release today stating that tickets for the tour stops in Chicago, Philadelphia and Los Angeles sold out in less than 60 seconds. {Source}

Labels: Jay Z

Whilst her Destiny's Child band mates are touring and promoting their solo records, Michelle Williams has been hard at work on her latest solo effort. Check out the most recent blog post she posted on her official MySpace:

What's crackin everybody!!! Today is my off day from the Color Purple!!!! And I few from San Francisco last night to LA where I'm the studio recording!! It's a hot song called CURIOSITY!!!! I thought I should give some info on what I'm doin today!!! Rodney Jerkins produced the track!!! I really appreciate the love and support from everyone here on myspace!!!! To all my bay area friends....I hope to see you at the show The Color Purple!!!

Anyhoo....I have something to get off my chest!!!! Now I know that I shouldn't be on the gossip blogs but I do go on there to see what's goin on in the industry and what consumers are buying into!! I read some thing that said Michelle has vanished into nowhere!!!! That is so not true!!! I've been working!!! It's just that the things that I've been involved in don't get the publicity that they should!!! I've been doing my acting thing...and I'm having the time of my life!!! Just bcuz I'm not in US Weekly everyday and the paparazzi isnt following me around (which I'm happy about bcuz I have a life) doesnt mean that I'm less of an artsist or my profile isnt great!!! To me...it aint about the cameras and the best clothes.....it's about my happiness and me doing what I wanna do when I want to do it!!!!! I'm happy that I can make my own choices and do things that don't have the bright lights attached to it!!!! Michelle Williams is doin' her thang!!! LOLLLL

My album comes out in May 2008 and I do have a tentative title for it!!!! I'll tell you guys verrrrrrrrrry soon!!! Why May???? Bcuz I'm in the Color Purple until March 2008!!! I've given the show a year of my life!!

One more thing!!! I want a new look!!!! What do you guys think I should do with my hair??

I know that was kinda long, but it was a pretty interesting read IMO. She always comes across very personable and well-grounded. Having enjoyed her gospel efforts, I'm anticipating her new CD; hearing that Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins is working on the project makes it all the more promising too.

Labels: Michelle Williams

As reported last week, Keyshia Cole appeared on the Tyra Banks show to promote her new album 'Just Like You'. Here's the performance she gave of current single 'Shoulda Let You Go' on the show - which hit the net shortly after the first post. I've had the song in heavy rotation for a while and am glad to see Keyshia doing it justice live. As with the track, though, the random rapper (Amina) could really doesn't need to feature.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Keyshia Cole

Check out the video for Twista's latest single 'Pimp Like Me'. The track is the 2nd single to be lifted from the Chi-Town rapper's forthcoming album 'Adrenaline Rush 2007'. I'm kinda liking the song, but the video is a mess. Apart from being the 'same ol', same ol', it's cheap-looking. I guess the label weren't looking to shell out much money on this vid after the last single 'Give It Up' tanked completely. 'Adrenaline Rush 2007' is available now.

What do you think of the video?

Labels: Twista

With all the controversy and hysteria surrounding Britney Spears as of late, today's date has been firmly etched into the music calender as either the beginning of Spears' comeback or possibly the end of her career. The singer's fourth studio album 'Blackout' finally hit stores across the globe today.

Having heard the album in it's entirety, I have to admit that I was pretty impressed - the CD is a solid Pop/R&B/Dance fusion. Saying that, what are your thoughts on the album? Will you buying /'obtaining' (lol) it anytime soon? Drop your view in the 'comment' section...

Your thoughts?

Labels: Britney Spears

Our friends over at Real Talk NY caught up with R&B star Ciara at one of the stops on her 5 city 22nd birthday tour. The singer spoke on recording the follow-up to her Platinum-selling LP 'Ciara: The Evolution' as well as her futures goals and ambitions.

It's a pretty interesting interview and she comes across really well. Considering I felt 'The Evolution' could have been much better than it was, I'm hoping she comes hard with her next project; I really see her as one of the few artists out now who has the potential to be great.

What do you think of the interview?

Labels: Ciara

To be honest I was kinda surprised to see that John is still cranking out singles from his sophomore album 'Once Again' ; I thought it was done with. Like the entire album, I'm not really feeling 'Another Again' and it's accompanying video - finding it be pretty much a snooze fest. Whereas John's debut LP was one of my favourites from 2005, the follow-up was a collection of songs that could easily pass for elevator music. Here's hoping he delivers with his future efforts.

What do you think of the song / video?

Labels: John Legend

It seems there's no end to the album push back's - the latest on the list being rapper Ja Rule. Check out the report below via Murder Inc Online:

MurderIncOnline can reveal that Ja Rule’s highly anticipated new album ‘The Mirror’ has been pushed back to 2008 with no confirmed release date. We contacted Irv Gotti to ask him the reason behind this set back and he told us that they have received ‘Sample clearance issues’ so therefor they had to push it back.

"Highly anticipated"? Ok then....So, would I be wrong in assuming that the poor performance of the album's two singles had something to do with the delay? What I'm yet to understand is why it's mainly the artists whose albums aren't going to sell anyway that keep pushing their albums back. As cut-throat as it may sound, they should just release it and if it flops then keep it moving. SMH...

Labels: Ja Rule

With Snoop Dogg set to release his new album 'Ego Trippin'' early nex year, the set's first single 'Sexual Eruption' has surfaced. To be honest, I can't say I'm liking this one all that much. IMO Snoop has yet to recapture that 'something' that made his 2004 effort 'Rhythm and Gangsta' such a hit-spawning CD. For the record, it isn't T-Pain on the song's hook.

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: Sexual Eruption

Labels: Snoop Dogg

A very revealing Keyshia Cole appears on the cover of the December issue of VIBE magazine. Though the pic is overly airbrushed, she doesn't look bad - at all. Keyshia's new album 'Just Like You' is in stores now.

What do you think of the cover?

Labels: Keyshia Cole

UK singing sensation Leona Lewis really appears to be on the road to super stardom. Her current single 'Bleeding Love' stormed to the top of the Official UK Singles Chart today with sales in excess of 220,000. In the wake of her chart success, Leona's next single 'Angel' has surfaced. Prodcued by Stargate, the song's sound is very similar to the many overplayed 'Irreplaceable'-type songs that have been making the rounds as of late. The track isn't bad, however it lacks originality. I expected better. Anyway, Leona's highly-anticipated debut album 'Spirit' is set to hit stores in the UK on November 12th and the US early next year.

LISTEN: Angel (HQ Radio Rip)

Labels: Leona Lewis

R&B star Keyshia Cole recently appeared on the Tyra Banks show. The interview was pretty interesting; Tyra questioned Keyshia on a number of things including the constant comparisons to Mary J. Blige as well her personal life. Check out the second part of the interview below:

What do you think of the interview?

Labels: Keyshia Cole

Labels: Nicole Scherzinger

It has been confirmed that singer Kelis has been released her record label Jive. The 'Milkshake' singer saw the most success with her 2003 album 'Tasty', however her most recent effort, 2006's 'Kelis Was Here', didn't fare too well on the charts. "She's a different kind of artist — very image and style-driven. It's either something you get or you don't" said her manager Jeff Rabhan. He went on to confirm that she is currently shopping around for a new 'non-traditional' deal. {Source}

I'm surprised, yet not at the same time. Despite her last album pretty much tanking, she still released three singles (and videos) and toured as well. - so I assumed the label support was there. Here's hoping she gets picked up by another label soon.

Labels: Kelis

With Mario set to drop his third studio LP 'Go!' on November 27th, an exclusive new track titled 'If' has surfaced. Upon first listen, some of you will recognize the lyrics from Beyonce's rendition of the song (from the 'B'Day Deluxe), as well as the beat - which samples Trey Songz current single 'Can't Help But Wait'. Though the track will not be featured on the album, it's still definitely worth a listen. Be on the lookout for a potential Mario feature in the coming weeks.

LISTEN: If

Labels: Mario

Kelly Rowland touched down in London yesterday for a series of PA's across the city. She first performed a set at EA's 'Be The One - X League' event last night in Trafalgar Square.

Labels: Kelly Rowland

Check out this new promotional pic for R&B collective Cherish. The sisters are currently prepping the release of their sophomore effort 'The Truth' - which is set to drop March 28th 2008. I'm guessing this pic is indicative of the look they're going for this time around; I'm liking it.

Labels: Cherish

The video for Sean Paul's new single 'Watch Dem Roll' surfaced earlier this week. I can't say I'm a fan of the song - particularly as a single. Considering Sean usually delivers with his first singles, the song is kinda so-so, as is the Rich Newey directed video.

What do you think of the video?

Labels: Sean Paul

R&B star Ashanti gave a rendition of 'God Bless America' at opening game at the MLB World Series in Boston this past Wednesday (October 25th). Till this day, I never understand why people argue that 'Ashanti can't sing'; she nailed this performance. Thinking about it, I guess it's because her true vocal ability doesn't always transcend onto her records. Here's hoping she comes with 'it' on her new CD 'The Declaration' (due February 2008).

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Ashanti

Def Jam's Rihanna is currently touring in support of her 'Good Girl Gone Bad' album. On September 24th, the Bajan star hit Montreal's Bell Center in Canada for a show and MSN Music was there to tape the event. By clicking the link at the bottom of this post, you can watch the entire concert - which was made available online yesterday .

About the concert, I thought she did 'ok'. Call me a hater or whatever, but it lacked the energy of a show I would spend my money on. Still, I'm sure there are those who are feeling what she has to offer...

Click here to watch the entire concert

What do you think of the concert?

Labels: Rihanna

Singing sensation Leona Lewis is hitting the promotional trail hard this week to support the release of her new single 'Bleeding Love'. She stopped by daytime talk show 'Loose Women' earlier on today to perform the track. Though not initially a fan of the song, I'm liking it more and more each time performs it - vocally she was overly on-point. A tidbit: though, I don't usually care for such things, her outfit had to be a joke, right?

In other news, 'Bleeding Love' is set to become the fastest-selling UK single this year, after going on-sale this Monday. The track is guaranteed the #1 spot come Sunday when the official numbers are announced.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Leona Lewis

What's more, the highly-stylized nature of the pics kinda clash with the album's title. Anyway, 'Still Da Baddest' drops February 12th 2008. The CD's first single 'Single Again' can be heard by clicking here.

Labels: Trina

After debuting at #1 at the US box office, grossing an approximate $21.5 million, in it's first week of release (and still riding high on the charts today), Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married' is an undeniable box office hit.

Labels: Janet Jackson, Tyler Perry