LOL...both Janet and Jermaine had me rolling. I must say, interesting choice for opening act.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri
R&B songstress Monica confirmed that her forthcoming LP 'Still Standing' will be hitting stores early 2009, during a recent message to her fans. The 28 year old star cites the fact that she is still in the studio working on the record as the reason for the delay. Labels: Monica
Your thoughts?
Labels: From The Vault
Enjoyable performance. Good stuff.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Kelly Rowland
With rumours about Danity Kane becoming almost a weekly occurrence, their label head/mentor Diddy has issued a statement reaffirming that the band are very much still together. Check out the report via Contact Music: A spokesperson for SEAN COMBS has denied claims his pop girl group DANITY KANE is on the verge of a split to make way for the solo career of one of its members.Great to hear all is supposedly well 'in-house', but a third album already? I mean that has to be some kind of joke, right? 'Making The Band' aside, the promotion for their current effort 'Welcome To The Dollhouse' has been far from satisfactory - lengthy gaps between singles...poor single choice(s) (I vote 'no' for 'Bad Girl') etc. Whoever is running the show in their camp needs to get it together ASAP, as this is quickly descending into one shambles of a situation. SMH...
Combs has reportedly planned the break-out of 23-year-old Dawn Richard, causing tensions in the five-girl group.
A posting on a popular music website claims the hip-hop mogul "has been flying Dawn out from Baltimore to him for private meetings. And these meetings are preparing her to be the breakout star in a solo career. Apparently, Diddy believes she's the most talented of the group, and the girls are pissy because they disagree."
But Combs' Atlantic Records spokeswoman Cara Donatto has denied the rumours, insisting the girls "absolutely" get along.
She says: "At no point was Dawn flown anywhere to record solo or meet alone with Diddy. The girls are still very much together. They're going out to the (MTV) Video Music Awards together... and they're promoting their album Welcome to the Dollhouse and working on their third."
Labels: Danity Kane, Diddy
A new Pussycat Dolls cut said to be lifted from their forthcoming 'Doll Domination' LP, titled 'Whatcha Think About That', surfaced today. The Missy Elliott assisted track's main appeal (IMO) is the fact that for the first time since their debut another voice that isn't Nicole actually sings something which you can hear lol (Melody's ad-libs don't count). Labels: Missy Elliot, Pussycat Dolls
The undisputed King of Pop Michael Jackson turns 50 today. I know, time really does fly by..."Just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons -- before getting right back to work.
Oh boy, that's a hard one," he said, before singling out "We Are the World," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller."
But Jackson was not content to rest on his laurels, saying, "I am still looking forward to doing a lot of great things."
He hopes to release new music and tour, though he doesn't have dates set.
"I am writing all the time," he said. "I love composing and the whole thing. But I am also raising my children and enjoying it and teaching them to ride bicycles and how to read. I love it."
Asked if he'd like his two sons and daughter to have the same sort of upbringing as him, he said he'd prefer to let them "enjoy their childhood as much as possible."
"I let them go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things," he said. "I want them to get to do the kind of things I didn't get to do. So, I fill them with a lot of enjoyment that way -- a lot of amusement. You know?
"I get pretty emotional when I see them having a wonderful time," he added, "when they are on a ride and they are screaming and they are happy. ... It makes me emotional, 'cause I see they are having a real good time."
Jackson said his kids "love music ... they are very much into the arts," but that, "I don't push them."
Labels: Michael Jackson
Awesome rendition!
Jen's self-titled debut hits stores September 30th.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Jennifer Hudson
The Knowles ladies (Beyonce, Tina & Solange) stopped by The Early Show today to promote Solange's 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' LP. A pretty interesting watch, I must say. Peep the performance of 'I Decided' below too:
Labels: Solange
Labels: Solange
R&B star Kelly Rowland really is doing her thing over here in Europe. Peep her new commercial for Nike's Human Race - the world’s biggest one-day running event - which takes place in many cities across the world simultaneously on August 31st. Rowland will also be performing at the Paris event.
Watches again: She was getting it!
What do you think of the commercial?
Labels: Kelly Rowland
Yes, the post's title may seem somewhat OTT, yet it's warranted all the same. Despite none of Mariah Carey's 'E=MC²' singles performing well - aside from 'Touch My Body' (which I still maintain only charted so high because of the hype from her 'Mimi' LP), 'I'm That Chick' has been chosen as the album's 4th single and will be going for radio adds on September 2nd.Labels: Mariah Carey
Body On Me
Decent performances, I guess. Randomness, I know, but Ashanti's dancers were getting it during 'Good Good'...lol.
Solange
Rapper as made Billboard chart history this week with the first single from his forthcoming 'Paper Trail LP, 'Whatever You Like' :T.I. establishes the mark for biggest jump to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, as "Whatever You Like" soars 71-1 in its third week on the list.
A No. 1 opening on Hot Digital Songs with debut-week sales of 205,000 downloads is the cause for the record-setting Hot 100 move, which surpasses the 64-1 jump taken by Maroon 5's "Makes Me Wonder" in May 2007.
"Like" is the rapper's first No. 1 as a lead artist (he was featured on Justin Timberlake's 2006 chart-topper, "My Love") and his opening-week digital sum is the best by a rap track since Nielsen SoundScan began compiling download data in 2003. {Source}
Conratualtions to ol' Clifford. Having released a bevy of more deserving singles, though, I would have preferred the likes of 'Bring Em' Out' and 'What You Know' to have achieved the same success. Anyway, enough of my lil' rant...a #1 is a #1. More power to him...
Labels: T.I
Teairra Marí recently spoke to KING magazine about former label-mate Rihanna's comments about her last year. Check out an excerpt from Marí's feature below:
Teairra took offense to some comments Rihanna made to Atlanta’s Peach magazine regarding her dismissal from the Roc. Rihanna said, “You have to be good to people. I could very easily say its all karma…”Ouch. I can't say I disagree with her...
“They asked her how she felt playing second fiddle to me, which I never felt [she was]. She had the number-one song in the country on Hot 100; I didn’t, so she couldn’t be playing second fiddle to me. When I heard that I was upset, like, ‘Why would she ever go there? Keep my name out your mouth, sweetie.” {Source}
Labels: Teairra Marí
Labels: Solange
With The Game's latest effort 'L.A.X having finally hit stores this week, the Compton-bred rapper performed current single 'Dope Boys', along with Travis Barker, on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show last night. The track is one of my favourites from the LP, so it's good to see it being done justice live. Good stuff.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: The Game
Word has it superstar siblings Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson will appear on stage together for the first time in 13 years at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7th: Although Britney shot promos for the VMAs, we're told the real gold is Michael Jackson. Sources close to the awards tell us MTV honchos have been working OT to get Jacko to reappear at the awards.With Michael's 50th birthday just days away, a high profile appearance at the show really isn't far-fetched. Here's hoping they do in fact appear.
We're told a deal is as good as sealed to have MJ present an award with sister Janet. {Source}
Labels: Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson
It's been, somewhat, of a slow news 1. It's Like That (Sam's Single Pick #5)
2. We Belong Together (Sam's Single Pick #1)
3. Shake It Off 4. Mine Again
5. Say Somethin'(ft. Snoop Dogg)
6. Stay The Night
7. Get Your Number (ft. Jermaine Dupri)
8. One And Only (ft. Twista)
9. Circles
10. Your Girl (Sam's Single Pick #4)
11. I Wish You Knew
12. To The Floor (ft. Nelly)
13. Joy Ride
14. Fly Like A Bird (Sam's Single Pick #3)
15. Sprung
16. Don't Forget About Us
17. Makin' It Last All Night (What It Do) (ft. Jermaine Dupri)
18. So Lonely (ft. Twista) (Sam's Single Pick #2)
19. We Belong Together (Remix) (ft. Jadakiss & Styles P)
Your picks?
Labels: Control Freak
With Solange's new LP 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' out in stores this week, Ms. Knowles stopped by The Late Show with David Letterman last night to perform current single 'Sandcastle Disco'. Some of the 'interesting' choreography aside, it was a pretty good performance.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Solange
In all fairness to Nelly, the video was an age ago. I mean, come on now...people need to let it go already IMO...
Your thoughts?
Labels: Nelly
Recently, 'Slow Dance', a new cut from Keri Hilson's hotly anticipated album 'In A Perfect World' surfaced. Produced by Polow Da Don (and co-written by Justin Timberlake), it comes as no surprise, then, that the song bares slight resemblance to Ciara's 'Promise' - also produced by the Atlanta hit-maker.Labels: Keri Hilson
Kanye really is really churning out these videos from his 'Graduation' LP; so much so that I'm starting to think he's funding them out of pocket. Anyway, the latest for 'Good Morning', which you can view above, is pretty cool.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Kanye West
As the September 30th release of T.I.'s 'Paper Trail' LP draws nearer, his collabo with Rihanna from the set has surfaced. Bizarrely, the track, which is titled 'Live Your Life', samples 'Dragostea din tei' by Moldovan group O-Zone (you'll likely recognize it when you hear it lol). That said, with T.I. as on-form as ever and Rihanna doing her thing on the good, yet lyrically redundant hook, this song surprisingly works.
In what comes as very saddening news, Dr Dre's 20 year old son has been found dead, according to reports: The son of legendary rap producer Dr Dre has been found dead at his home in Woodland Hills on Saturday morning.Condolences to Dr Dre and his family, in what is no doubt a deeply troubling time. {Source}
Andre Young Jr., 20, was unresponsive when his mother went to check on him around 10 A.M., calling 911 to alert paramedics.
Young’s cause of death is pending completion of a toxicology report.
His father, Andre Young Sr, is better known to the world as “Dr. Dre”, an award winning producer who shot to fame as a pioneer of the influential gangsta rap group NWA, and becoming co-owner of West Coast record label Death Row records.
Later, he became popular for his discovery and production for white rap artist Eminem.
Labels: Dr Dre
Solange's sophomore album 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' hit stores today.Labels: Solange
Labels: T-Pain
Labels: RandomNess
Today marks 7 years since the tragic passing R&B star Aaliyah. As I am sure many of you know, at the tender age of 22, Aaliyah died in a plane accident in the Bahamas - an accident that claimed the life of 7 of her friends and workers. Rest In Peace
Labels: Aaliyah
R&B crooners K-Ci & JoJo showed exactly why not to touch drugs at a recent show in Sydney, Australia. Peep the clip above, as well as a fan report (via Perez Hilton below):
So last night some friends and I went to see a Jodeci "reunion tour" at the Enmore theater in Sydney. Mate, the whole thing was a disaster. First, one of the guys (Devante I think) didn't even show up, so it became a K-ci and JoJo concert. JoJo came on stage and right away you could tell he was messed right up- he kept forgetting the words to songs and just was a general weirdo. But then, after about 40 minutes into the "show" he decided to sit right down on the floor. His brother, the other crackhead K-ci was trying his best to carry the show on his own. By far, the best part of the evening was when JoJo walked off stage for about 5 minutes, then came back out to sing "All My Life"- and PASSED OUT mid song. His brother told the audience that they were tired after their 24-hour flight and that JoJo had gotten dizzy.
Sad.
Labels: K-Ci and JoJo
With Brandy's 'comeback' single 'Right Here (Departed)' heating up the airwaves, a snippet of, what is said to be, the 2nd single from her forthcoming 'Human' LP has surfaced. Produced by Hit Boy, 'First N' Luv' isn't really sounding like the follow-up I'd been expecting.LISTEN: 'First N' Luv' (Snippet)
Labels: Brandy
I was discussing with a friend recently; as Whitney's appeal has never been centered around sex or provocativeness - ala the Janet's and Madonna's (who are great in their own rights), she has proven that by simply dropping great tracks such as this, she need not compromise her trademark style to appeal to the masses - they had no choice but to listen. A good position to be in with her 'comeback' album on the horizon.
Your thoughts?
Labels: From The Vault
The video for Cassie's new single 'Official Girl (ft. Lil' Wayne)' premiered on FN'MTV yesterday. Directed by Chris Robinson, the clip is a pretty engaging watch; Bad Boy evidently pumped quite a lot money into this move-esque effort. That said, I'm still not sold on the Danja produced song...just doesn't move me.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Cassie
Rapper Da Brat has been sentenced to three years in prison for striking a waitress with a rum bottle at Jermaine Dupri's nightclub last year. Check out the report via Contact Music: A Superior Court Judge ruled on Friday (22Aug08) the hip-hop hitmaker - real name Shawntae Harris - will also serve seven years probation and 200 hours of community service for the incident in addition to her jail time.Pardon my bluntness, but good for her. No one is above the law; and as someone in the limelight you'd expect her to steer clear of such nonsense. SMH...
Harris, 34, was involved in the altercation at a Halloween party at Studio 72 nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia, on 31 October 2007.
The pair were reported by police to have gotten into an altercation prior to the assault - resulting in the victim's hospitalisation and permanent facial scarring.
Harris entered a guilty plea to aggravated assault in the case.
According to reports, the rapper pleaded to her weeping family as she was led out of the courtroom, saying: "I love y'all."
Harris was previously convicted in 2000 for misdemeanor reckless conduct.
Labels: Da Brat
The video for John Legend's brand new single, the Andre 3000 assisted 'Green Light', premiered on Yahoo Music today. With the song having been in heavy rotation on UK radio as of of late, this one has really grown on me. The accompanying clip, though pretty unspectacular, does the song justice and serves as one of John's best visual offerings.
Legend's third studio album 'Evolver' is set to hit stores on October 28th.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: John Legend
R&B star Ne-Yo debuted the video for 'Miss Independent' - the 2nd single to be lifed from his upcoming LP 'Year of The Gentleman'-a few hours ago on the FN'MTV finale. The clip, which features cameos from Gabrielle Union, Keri Hilson, Lauren London and Trey Songz, really brings to life the album's concept; something, if I'm to be honest, I was finding a little hard to grasp. Great song, even better video. Good stuff.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Ne-Yo
Review up in a lil bit...
In the meanwhile...
What do you think of the song / video?
Labels: Terrence Howard
As previously reported, female music heavy-weights, including Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Mariah Carey, came together to record 'Just Stand Up', in aid of the 'Stand Up To Cancer' campaign. The track itself, which I must say is pretty good, made its debut today on various US radio stations. You can listen to it below, as well as peep the full list of featured artists:Hit or Miss?
Labels: Ashanti, Beyonce, Ciara, Fergie, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna
I really enjoyed this one. Great vocals from Jennifer, as usual, and the crowd participation made for a real good overall performance.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Jennifer Hudson
Our friends over at SOHH are reporting that Jermaine Dupri's tenure as Head Of Def Jam Urban Division may be over already. Peep their report below: After several failed projects, which includes Janet Jackson’s Discipline, Mariah Carey’s E=MC2 and Johnta Austin's permanently shelved project it looks like the powers that be have had enough and JD’s time as head of Island Records' urban division has come to an end.Ouch.
I am being told that JD’s termination papers were being drafted this afternoon.
Labels: Jermaine Dupri
'It Chick' of the moment Rihanna has been confirmed as the latest performer at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. The Bajan star will take to the stage at the September 7th show to perform current smash 'Disturbia'. {Source}Labels: Rihanna
Lil' Wayne features on the cover of the latest issue of XXL magazine. Interesting lol...Labels: Lil' Wayne
Labels: Cassie
I'd been trying to steer clear of this one for a few days, as no official source could be cited; however when reputable news agencies such as MTV and NME are picking it up, there may just be something to it. A very interesting article regarding 'it' girl of the moment Rihanna being 'broke' surfaced at the start of the week and has been gathering momentum since. Long, yet real insightful, I must say. Check it out: Rihanna's now ex-business manager Patricia Willliams has been recently fired as she recalls "for no good reason, all in ignorance" and is "livid" with Rihanna & her management company Rebel One's decision to axe her.Source or no source, much of this seems legit to me. I mean, what else can explain Rihanna seemingly having so much funds pumped into her as a 'brand' when she is far from a guaranteed album seller (which is where most label revenue comes from). Many an artist will tell you that the fantasy and reality of being in the music industry are very different; reading this back really reinforces that to me.
Rihanna recently met with Willliams to check on her accounting affairs and was shocked to see that almost all her money was missing. She instantly accused Willliams of "stealing her money."
"I'm a professional Business Manager, I have a staff of more than a dozen, I have worked for many high profile actors, musicians and multi-million dollar corporations. Why would I steal from Rihanna?" She continues, "I showed her all the paperwork and tried to explain to her the circumstances but she wouldn't listen. She called me all sorts of horrible names and stormed off. I now feel compelled to share with the world the background story as I will not allow my name to be slandered"
The Barbados born singer has had four back-to-back albums, including a re-release since her debut of "Pon De Replay" in 2005.
According to Willliams, Marc Jordan, manager and owner of Rebel One Management has been taking care of Rihanna's financial situation with her. "Def Jam doesn't fund Rihanna properly, so Marc uses the money Rihanna makes from third-party endorsements and from tours to fund her album and music videos." Since 2005, Rihanna has been sponsored by the likes of JC Penny, Samsung, Covergirl, Secret, Venus Breeze etc,. and has gone on two major tours, most recently label-mate Kanye West's "Glow in the Dark" Tour and with PussyCat Dolls across Europe.
"I don't want to disrespect Marc's name. He is a fantastic manager and genuinely believes in Rihanna. But he uses her money to fund her future projects because he believes he can break her in the world-market. Her album sales are not nearly as close to her single sales and he knows that if she is only known as a 'singles artist' she will only be as good as her last hit. Unfortunately, he didn't inform his client and I'm receiving the brunt of it."
Why is Def Jam lacking in funding support for there act? Why was so much money spent? How much exactly? Williams continues,
"Her record label Def Jam has put out 3 albums in a time span of 2 years. Alot of that was orchestrated through her management Rebel One. It was never Def Jam's intention to release so many albums back-to-back but Marc Jordan found loop holes and ways to make it happen.
A lot of the money Rihanna made through her endorsements between CoverGirl Cosmetics, Samsung.. Notice that majority of Rihanna's videos have a cell phone in it?"
"After the release of Rihanna and Teairra Mari, Def Jam had intention to drop both acts because their album sales were not successful. Her manager fought to get [S.O.S (Rescue Me)] and quickly tried to negotiate with as many companies as possible. Nike picked up the song and funded a video. This brought the hype back for Rihanna in the company's New York office. Majority of the official 'S.O.S' video was funded by Samsung because the record label was only willing to put up a small amount. Once 'S.O.S' picked up digitally and at radio, Def Jam agreed to fund the rest of her album. Jordan instantly got a video shot to 'Unfaithful' (he negotiated with video director Anthony Mandler to drop his price and would be given more videos from Rihanna in return). Then they shot 'We Ride' which was an extremely cheap video to create. 'Break It Off' was released as a third album, but again, Def Jam was unhappy with the sales of her album "A Girl Like Me" and refused to shoot a video. At this point Rihanna was opening up for the PussyCat Doll's in Europe. She was making 30,000 a show but she didn't see any of that money because it was needed to fund her next album." Which is now known to the greater public as a 'Good Girl Gone Bad'.
"The song "Umbrella" was found & Jordan fought again for Rihanna to have it. They shot the video, which CoverGirl funded half of, and the song became a success. When the record label had there meeting with Music Stores across the U.S to order her album for shipment, the number's weren't coming in the way that they expected. When the album's first week numbers came in at less than 150,000, the label was shocked. Def Jam's President LA Reid was livid! Umbrella was #1 for 11 weeks! Any other artist would have sold way more first week. T-Pain even did better in sales than her that week. Def Jam told Jordan they were no longer funding the album, so Jordan needed money again to pay for music videos 'Shut Up & Drive' and 'Dont Stop The Music'. Almost 250,000 was spent to have those videos created. Plus, an additional 120,000 to shoot 'Hate That I Love You'. Jordan was noticing that 'Dont Stop The Music' was picking up, so her persuaded the label to support it at radio in the U.S and the remaining singles, and they did."
"Then came for the repackaging of her album 'Good Girl Gone Bad', which is called 'Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded', that entire project was funded through Rihanna's money. 'Take A Bow' was bought through her money, the video was created with her money and so is her most recent video and single 'Disturbia'. The label didn't even want to pay a dime for anything! Close to 750,000 was spent on those two songs alone. And now she expects to see money in her account?"
Williams states that Jordan, her publicist from well-respected public relations firm 42-West, Alicia Silverman has built alot of hype around Rihanna's name but the singer has only made "a little bit above a million" and "all of it was spent on making her as big as she is now. It's not my fault that she only has 20,000 to her name."
Labels: Rihanna
As reported, Brandy filmed the video for comeback single 'Right Here (Departed)' in Los Angeles this past weekend. Peep pics snapped on set above and below.
What's more the 28 year old songstress spoke with MTV about the video, reuniting with hitmaker Darkchild, launching her 'Human' LP on Oprah and more:
Brandy's people really are not playing this go round. Everyone and their mother knows Oprah usually equals sales...well most of the time lol. After less than a week since being unveiled, 'Right Here (Departed)' has debuted on the Billboard Hot R&B Chart at #70. November 11th couldn't come sooner...She has enlisted some hip-hop heavyweights, including director Little X (Usher’s “Yeah”), for the video and is reuniting with producer Rodney Jerkins for the first time in six years. Brandy insists she and Rodney have moved far beyond any past conflicts, saying, “The chemistry brought Rodney and I back together. It’s undeniable, it’s magical. … We are back, and I’m never leaving Rodney again.”
And if that weren’t enough, Human’s official launch will take place on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” on November 10, the day before it drops. For Brandy, that day can’t come soon enough.
“It feels so great to be back on the scene,” she said. ” … I went through a struggle, and I really needed to get myself together and connect with my purpose, which is music. Music is all I know how to do, so to be on this set today, I feel really blessed for the second chance and for the opportunity … and for everybody here just showing me so much love and support. … It just feels good to be back, and I never want to leave again for that long!”
On the set, Ms. Norwood’s genuine excitement to be back must have been contagious, as both Jerkins and her brother Ray J showed up to make cameos in the video. “I canceled all my plans to be here in this video, because I know how important it is to her,” Ray J said.
Brandy said that her dedicated fans are the main priority: “I just really hope the world embraces me back, because I’m embracing them with my music. I made it for them.”
Labels: Brandy
It appears Janet Jackson is a very busy lady these days. In between releasing an album, preparing for a tour and recording a reality show, the superstar is set to launch a ladies lingerie line before the years end. Check out the report via Women's Wear Daily: The legendary hip-hop and R&B diva teamed with Bruno Schiavi, the Australian lingerie designer behind Dr. Rey's Shapewear line (named for "Dr. 90210" fixture Dr. Robert Rey), for her debut fashion duet. The 18-piece line is named after the hit single from Jackson's 1986 multiplatinum album "Control," is designed to be comfortable for a range of sizes - 32A to 44G, and is crafted of mostly satin and lace.It's good to see Janet expanding her profile in other fields. More power to her...
Items will be manufactured in China and will be in department stores by late this year or early 2009. Jackson and Schiavi are currently in negotiations with major chains to carry the line; U.S. stores will be revealed in coming months, with releases in Australia, Japan and Europe to follow.
Jackson said the combination of beauty and comfort was the primary driver for the designs, though affordability was also paramount. Price points for the bra and underwear pieces are all under $40.
"I hate when you've had on a bra all day long and you just can't wait to take it off - every woman has experienced that," she said. "A lot of lingerie tends to leave those marks and be uncomfortable. This line is about detail, fit and comfort as well as beauty and making women feel sexy."
Labels: Janet Jackson
R&B star Omarion recently spoke with MTV about a number of issues, including the B2K/Chris Stokes controversy, his departure from Sony and new recording home, Timbaland's Mosley Music Group. A lengthy, yet interesting read:On the Chris Stokes / B2K Controversy
"Really, my thing is, I talked to the cats (his ex bandmates), and it's sad what people will do when they're in the position of 'don't have,' " the singer said of his onetime group members Raz, Fizz and J-Boog. "People will say, 'Omarion is still out there and in the pubic. Omarion is still successful.' But they don't sit back and think, 'Why is Omarion able to get this opportunity? Why are they not getting this opportunity?' Fizz put a single out. They are a product of their karma. I can't talk in detail about what was done [on their parts], but a lot of wrongdoing was done. A lot of false statements — off-the-wall, disrespectful things. Not even on a dislike level. On a hurtful level.
"I used to rock with them dudes, and now when I see them, it's not like that," he added. "It's gotta be like, I look at you funny or you look at me funny. If somebody has done something to disrespect you as a man, I feel like I have to protect myself. So now when I see them, after everything that happened, how do I be nice? How do I be cool? I'm a spiritual dude, and a part of me is forgiving. But there is so much that has been done, you get tired of that. This whole next album, you'll see a whole new Omarion."
On Leaving Sony:
"I asked to be released," he said of the rumors that Sony dropped him. "A release is different from a drop. When an artist is dropped, usually they haven't brought any revenue to the company. As you know, I've been with that company for a long time, roughly over six years. Throughout B2K and my solo albums, revenue was still brought in. An artist like me could never get dropped. How did I get dropped and I still ended up in a great situation? Usually when you hear 'drop,' it means, 'Oh, he's over.' It's a wrap. It's unfortunate that stuff like that gets put out there. Everybody likes to associate — especially me being such a cool dude — with negative things. Are you kidding me?"
On Working With Timbaland / New Album:
"We're just picking each other's brains to see what can be done differently," he continued. "My energetic style and aggressiveness when I perform, I don't think that's necessarily been captured [for the length of] an album. I always felt like I had joints like 'Touch,' even 'Entourage,' where it's upbeat. But it hasn't been captured in an album. All these crazy new dances, all these different things I wanna do. When I look at my peers in the game, they capture the true essence of who they are. I kinda felt like throughout my career, I had just blots of that."
'Hmmm' at Omarion believing that the Chris Stokes allegations stemmed from jealousy and whatnot. Anyway...
He's undeniably talented, but he's yet to present much of substance on a solo tip, in my opinion. Evidently confident in his standing as an artist/performer, it'll be interesting to see if his latest venture propels him to the heights he, obviously, believes he can/should be achieving.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Omarion
I'm liking the look of this one. The movie hits theatres in the US on October 17th.
Will you be going to see 'The Secret Life Of Bees'?
Labels: Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah
With the season premiere of Making The Band 4 (season 3) kicking off tonight, the timing of this latest 'drama' among the ladies of Danity Kane is real apt.Your thoughts?
Labels: Danity Kane
music heavy-weights including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Mary J. Blige have joined forces for a star-studded single called 'Just Stand Up'," benefiting the Stand Up to Cancer campaign. Check out the report via MTV below:The unprecedented gathering features vocals from Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood. The tune is being produced by the powerhouse duo of Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid, who are working together for the first time in nearly 20 years.
The song will be available for purchase exclusively on iTunes on September 2 and will get its TV premiere on September 5 during the live "Just Stand Up" special, which will air simultaneously and commercial-free on CBS, ABC and NBC. According to a press release announcing the project, the song was conceived by Reid, the chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group, after a meeting with the women behind the Stand Up to Cancer campaign.
It's great to see so many major names come together for a worthy cause.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Ashanti, Beyonce, Ciara, Fergie, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna
Our friends over at Rap-Up.com have received official word on Ciara's much anticipated new single - the first from forthcoming LP 'Fantasy Ride'. Both produced and featuring T-Pain, 'Go Girl' will serve as the record's first release.Labels: Ciara
Kelly Rowland has hinted at that Destiny's Child may, in fact, record new material for a 'comeback tour' soon: Rowland has previously revealed the trio will make a stage a comeback next year.Granted there have been rumors for forever and a day about the ladies reuniting, it's interesting to note that the quote puts a 'when' rather than 'if' slant on the prospect of a comeback (of some sort). Despite their solo success and individual fan-bases, there is, evidently, still a massive demand for the return of the biggest selling female group of all time. Whether that demand is met will be interesting to see...
And now Rowland claims her former bandmates, Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams, are keen to produce some new tracks.
She says, "We're so looking forward to working with each again and we just need to find a time in our diaries when we can get into the studio together."
The trio split up in 2005, with Rowland, Williams and Knowles all going on to forge successful solo careers. {Source}
Labels: Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams
Labels: Amy Winehouse
Bad Boy's five-piece Danity Kane pose it up in the latest issue of GQ magazine. Though the ladies all look pretty good, Dawn looks a little 'iffy in the face'. Is it just me or...?Labels: Danity Kane
Great to have Ms. Norwood back on the scene. The 'Right Here' video is set to premiere early September.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Brandy
Home-grown (and now International) star Estelle's video for new single 'Pretty Please' premiered today. Serving as the 4th release from her awesome sophomore effort 'Shine', the single's accompanying clip features appearances by Danity Kane's Aubrey O'Day, Taraji Henson, Jackie Long and Malik Yoba.
Having gone to see Estelle live for the first time at London's Shepherds Bush Empire back in June, this was one of the many songs I came away humming. Great song for the summer. The vid is pretty good too.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Estelle
Ne-Yo recently posted a sneak peek of his brand new video 'Miss Independent' on his official blog - Year Of The Gentleman (which we are proudly affiliated with lol). The clip, which features cameos from Keri Hilson, Lauren London and Gabrielle Union, premieres on BET Access Granted on August 21st. Good stuff.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Ne-Yo
There is mounting speculation that Britney Spears will take to the stage at this year's MTV Video Music Awards to redeem herself after last-year's train wreck performance: Now, desperate to rebuild her career and recover fully from that nightmare period, 26-year-old Britney intends to bounce back at the scene of her humiliation.Without sounding a pessimist, I'm not sure this will be a good look for her. After last year's truly shambolic showing, the pressure will be on for her to deliver and every last aspect of thr performance will be dissected. That said, that will be the case whenever she returns to the stage. So...
Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music Group, said: “Everyone deserves a second or third chance, right?
“I’m not sure how we top Britney opening the show but we are working on it every minute of every day.”
Britney is already appearing in commercials previewing next month’s event at Paramount studios alongside Russell Brand, who will host the show.
A friend said last night: “She is as nervous as hell but at the same time itching to get back in front of the same audience where she screwed up so badly last time.“
It is the perfect platform for her to announce to her fans and the world that the dark days are behind her and she’s back on track with her life and her career. {Source}
Labels: Britney Spears
Undeterred by the latest pushback of her debut LP 'In A Perfect World' (now due October 7th), Keri Hilson recently performed at San Diego radio station Channel 933's AJ's Playhouse gig. Hilson performed a new cut from the album called 'Do It' - which from the sounds of it, samples LL Cool J's classic 'Doin' It'.
Though the crowd were deader than dead (why go to the show in the first place?), Keri done her thing. Is it me or did anyone else not think she was the choreography type? Nonetheless, good performance.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Keri Hilson
Rapper 50 Cent has topped Forbes magazine's 2008 list of Top 20 Earners In Hip-Hop, with a whopping fortune estimated at $150 Million. Check out the full list below:Interesting. The top part of the list was pretty much a cert; however, who knew Chamillionaire had it like that...Lil' Jon for that matter too.1. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson: $150 million
2. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter: $82 million
3. Sean “Diddy” Combs: $35 million
4. Kanye West: $30 million
5. Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley: $22 million
6. Pharrell Williams: $20 million
7. Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean: $17 million
8. Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus: $16 million
9. André “Dr. Dre” Young: $15 million
10. Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges: $14 million
11. Clifford “T.I.” Harris: $13 million (tie)
11. Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter: $13 million (tie)
12. Marshall “Eminem” Mathers: $12 million (tie)
12. Lonnie “Common” Lynn Jr.: $12 million (tie)
12. Aliaune “Akon” Thiam: $12 million (tie)
13. Jermaine Dupri: $11 million (tie)
13. Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith: $11 million (tie)
14. OutKast: $10 million (tie)
14. Hakeem “Chamillionaire” Seriki: $10 million (tie)
14. Jayceon “The Game” Taylor: $10 million (tie)
Labels: 50 Cent
Labels: Mo'Nique
Peep Soulja Boy's latest Youtube video blog, in which he takes aim at his 'haters'. Though his 15th minute was over a while ago, I couldn't help but find this funny. He's managing to stretch it for all it's worth, so more power to him lol.
Any thoughts?
Labels: Soulja Boy
Thousands, including celebrity friends and family, came out for the memorial service of the Late Bernie Mac yesterday at Chicago's House of Hope - the church where the funny man grew up. Mourners rallied around Mac's wife Rhonda and daughter Je'Niece who were visibly grieving.
Labels: Bernie Mac
Watching this back really has me itching for Michael to own the stage (and the charts) like he once did. Bring on the new album already!
Your thoughts?
Labels: From The Vault
Freak Like Me
Red Dress
Push The Button
About You Now
Great performances! One of the ladies' main appeal is their roughness around the edges. Far from a typically 'polished' act, the Keisha, Heidi and Amelle have managed to successfully appeal to the masses with their all-encompassing sound and, of course, their undeniable talent.
{Wondering who the hell they are lol? I will hit you up with a mega post highlighting some of the best acts the UK has on offer in the coming week}
What do you think of the performances?
Labels: Sugababes
The video for Solange's brand new single 'Sandcastle Disco' premiered on MTV's great new show FN'MTV a few hours ago. Directed by Ms. Knowles herself, the clip, put simply, is awesome! Great song, even better video. For those in doubt of the legitimacy of Solange's sound/image this go round, this should silence them. Good stuff.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Solange
Superstar Madonna turned 50 today. Yes, 50!Labels: Madonna
It as been confirmed that Keri Hilson's much anticipated debut 'In A Perfect World' has been pushed back from its scheduled release date of September 23rd to October 7th. Here's hoping the already overdue LP doesn't receive the push-back treatment hereafter.Labels: Keri Hilson
Just days after Brandy's 'comeback' single 'Right Here (Departed)' surfaced, the R&B star's new label Epic Records have issued a press release regarding her forthcoming album. Titled 'Human', the set will arrive in stores on November 11th. Check out the press release below:I'm really anticipating this one. Welcome back, Ms. Norwood!NEW YORK, Aug 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Epic Records proudly announces the release of "Human," the new full-length studio album from the multi-platinum-selling Grammy-winning R&B/pop music superstar Brandy, available online and in stores on Tuesday, November 11.
Brandy's Epic Records debut and first new album since 2004's Grammy-nominated RIAA gold-certified "Afrodisiac," "Human" is a bold new collection of songs reflecting the artist's evolution as a musician and an individual.
"'Human' is my most personal album to date," said Brandy. I have grown so much since my last album. Being able to express myself and my journey through my music is a feeling I can't describe. With this new chapter of my life it feels good to have Rodney, a familiar face, by my side again. He brings out emotions in me like nobody else."
Reunited with executive producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who first collaborated with Brandy on her 1998 multi-platinum-selling collection "Never Say Never," Brandy has created the most emotionally resonant album of her career with songs and performances reflecting the truth and complexity of her experiences.
"It feels good to be back in the lab with Brandy again," said Rodney Jerkins. "We've always made great records and I'm humbled and honored to be continuing our legacy. The sound might be new, bigger, and more uplifting but we've kept our musical promise by making great songs and great music once again. There is no musical combination like ours!!!"
The album's title is a real life mirror of Brandy as a woman, an artist, a musician and a performer, communicating what it means to be fully "Human": strong yet vulnerable, candid and triumphant, in love with life and in touch with the things of the spirit.
"Right Here (Departed)," the first single from "Human," will impact Pop radio on September 16. The single and ringtone are scheduled to be released on August 26, with a digital pre-order for the album slated the same day.
Other key tracks on "Human" include "Fall," which Brandy co-wrote with the chart-topping British dance/pop singer/songwriter Natasha Bedingfield, as well as the new songs "Long Distance," "Piano Man," and "Torn Down." Brandy's other musical collaborators on Human include Brian Kennedy (Rihanna/"Disturbia"), emerging production whiz RedOne (Kat DeLuna, 2006 World Cup Official Single "Hips Don't Lie" with Shakira & Wyclef Jean), and James Fauntleroy (Jordin Sparks/"No Air").
Labels: Brandy
R&B songstress Monica's latest single surfaced last week in preview form; today, owever, the full version has materialized.Labels: Monica
In an attempt to revive his luke-warmly received 'Here I Stand' LP, Usher is set to go for the dual-single approach for the album's third release. Title track 'Here I Stand' as well as 'Trading Places' are to be serviced to radio shortly. It's unknown at present whether both singles will receive the video treatment.Labels: Usher
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Ne-Yo
Def Jam star Rihanna has landed her 4th #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week with 'Disturbia'. According to Nielsen Soundscan, the track jumped from #3-#1 this week, leap-frogging rumored boyfriend Chris Brown's 'Forever' which remains at #2 for a second week. Labels: Rihanna
Funny stuff.
Randomness, I know, but isn't it time for Jermaine to pop the question already? Just a thought...
Your thoughts?
Labels: Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri
While not the best collaborative effort I've heard from Brandy and Darkchild, I am very impressed with this one....very. The beat has a serious 'knock' and everything from the vocal arrangements to the hook are on-point. Put simply, this song has a lot of commercial potential. Welcome, Ms. Norwood.
Brandy's Epic debut is slated for a late 2008 release.
Hit or Miss?
Labels: Brandy
Many thanks to all those baring with me as regards the Ne-Yo interview. I was hoping to have the matter tended to by now, yet it's all still in the works. So the situation is as follows lol:Labels: Ne-Yo
LMAO!
Your thoughts?
Labels: Solange
Peep the clip above of R&B singer Omarion having his lengthy hair cut off. This seems to be the latest trend among guys as of late - both in the industry and more generally (well those around me lol).
Your thoughts?
Labels: Omarion
The latest cycle of Tyra Bank's model search show America's Next Top Model is set to feature a transgender hopeful. Check out the report via US Weekly below: One of the 14 girls who will compete on the new season of America’s Next Top Model – which returns to The CW on September 3 – is transgender. “My cards were dealt differently,” Isis, a 22-year-old former receptionist, tells Us Weekly exclusively in its new issue, on newsstands now. Hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Isis identifies herself as “a woman born physically male.”Each to their own, I guess. I must say, though, that I find it real apt that, amid talk of the show becoming stale and boring, such a non-conventional contestant has been added into the mix. Hmm...
Will she be a role model? “I like to help people, but I’m here to follow my dreams,” she tells Us.The inclusion of Isis is being hailed by GLAAD president Neil Giuliano as “an unprecedented opportunity for a community that is underrepresented on television. “We applaud Tyra Banks and The CW for making this historic visibility of transgender people possible,” Giuliano said.
Labels: Tyra Banks
The Michelle Williams promotional campaign is finally in full swing (thankfully so); the 28 year old star stopped by The Wendy Williams Show for an interview as well as to perform her single 'We Break The Dawn' today. As with everything 'Wendy', no stone was left unturned; so everything from the album pushback, to Matthew Knowles to 'the engagement' were addressed. Michelle came across very, very well - real personable. The performance was great too. More power to her. Check out the performance above and the interview below:
Randomness: Wendy had me rolling...they both did. Good stuff.
What do you think of the performance / interview?
Labels: Michelle Williams
More than two years since her last interview, Pop star Britney Spears sat down with OK! magazine, speaking candidly on her kids, sister Jamie Lynn's pregnancy as well as her forthcoming new album:On Learning Of Jamie-Lynn's pregnancy:"I’d love them unconditionally if they wanted to," she explains. "I’d just as soon they have a more normal childhood."
"I was shocked a little bit," says Brit. "She’s always been the baby, and now the baby was having a baby. It was mind-boggling."On Her New Album:
"I’m sure the boys (her sons) will be like big brothers to Maddie," she says.
"I’m writing every day, right here at the piano in this living room... This is my best work ever."
Good to see Ms. Spears on the mend. There's no doubt 'Blackout' was a very solid effort, so I'm sure many are hopeful at the prospect of something even better. Britney's new album is tentatively scheduled for an early 2009 release.
OK! hits stores in the US tomorrow.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Britney Spears
Jennifer Hudson glams it up in this latest photo shoot by shot Derek Blanks. Awesome shoot. Jennifer's self-titled debut hits stores September 30th via J Records. 
What do you think of the pic?
Labels: Jennifer Hudson
Great performance! Michelle really did her thing; vocally she was on-point and the band were a great addition too.
Click here read our recent interview with Michelle
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Michelle Williams
Danity Kane's Aubrey O'Day stopped by The Wendy Williams Show earlier this week. O'Day, arguably the group's most renown member, spoke about plastic surgery, the Diddy (Cassie) rumors, her love for black men, as well as the forthcoming season of Making The Band 4. With Wendy being so no-holds barred and Aubrey so open, this is pretty good interview.
Check out part one above and part two below:
Your thoughts?
Labels: Danity Kane
As the Pussycat Dolls ready their sophomore effort 'Doll Domination' for a September 16th release, 'Out Of This Club' from the LP has surfaced. Put simply, the R. Kelly assissted cut doesn't really move me. I can't say I'm a fan of this 'mushy, uninspired' type of track. Very run-of-the-mill, I must say. Labels: Pussycat Dolls
The UK's premier girl group the Sugababes are back with brand new single 'Girls'. A spin on the Ernie K. Doe classic of the same name, this version will serve as the first release from the ladies as yet untitled new LP. Granted the stellar nature of their last album 'Change', I must say I'm a little underwhelmed by this - though it does appear to have grower potential. Here's hoping the their other new material hits the mark.
Hit or Miss?
Labels: Sugababes
Labels: Britney Spears
I'm really liking how Kanye is switching things up with the clips which have accompanied the singles/releases from his 'Graduation' LP (namely 'Flashing Lights' etc). Good stuff.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Kanye West
With Jay-Z currently hard at work on his forthcoming LP 'The Blueprint 3', the studio version of 'Jockin' Jay-Z' (a cut from the album) has surfaced. Some of you may remember, Jay recently performed the Kanye West produced track at a show in New York's Madison Squared Garden. Having heard the song (which samples Run DMC) in its entirety, I must say I'm liking this one a lot. Definitely has me anticipating what Jay will be serving up with the album more wholesomely.Labels: Jay Z
{Original photo source // Spottted over at Sandra Rose} Labels: Lil Kim
Michelle Williams sat down with That Grape Juice during her recent promotional visit to the UK. The 28 year old star spoke very candidly about a number of things including the push back of her forthcoming LP 'Unexpected', her love for That Grape Juice as well as offering a surprising response to those age-old Destiny's Child reunion rumors. Enjoy! For those of you who missed Part 1 of our interview with Michelle back in May, click here to read. 
lad that Michelle could come out with all the other great material coming out this year. This year really is a great year for music. Whitney, John Legend…everybody’s coming out!Labels: Interview, Michelle Williams
Check out another shot from Beyonce's feature in Fashion Rocks 2008 magazine. The 26 year old songstress looks pretty good decked out in this Armani set. Labels: Beyonce
For those unfamiliar with Taio or some of the other great acts the UK has on the come-up, do be sure to stay tuned as I'll be hitting you up with a mega-post of sorts in the very near future. In the meanwhile...
Hit or Miss?
Labels: Busta Rhymes, Sugababes, Taio Cruz
Rihanna appears in the September issue of Essence magazine. Say what you will about her (which I sure do lol...), there's no denying Ms. Fenty is looking on-point right here. Great shoot. 
Labels: Rihanna
This weekend really has been a sad one; soul legend, Isaac Hayes passed away today at the age of 65: (CNN) -- Soul singer and arranger Isaac Hayes, who won Grammy awards and an Oscar for the theme from the 1971 action film "Shaft," has died, sheriff's officials in Memphis, Tennessee, reported Sunday.Our thoughts go out to his family.
Relatives found Hayes, 65, unconscious in his home next to a still-running treadmill, said Steve Shular, a spokesman for the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.
Paramedics attempted to revive him and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m., the sheriff's department said.
No foul play is suspected, the agency said in a written statement.
Hayes won a third Grammy for pop instrumental performance with the title track to his 1972 "Black Moses" album.
From the late 1990s through 2006, Hayes provided the voice of "Chef" for Comedy Central's raunchy animated series "South Park," as well as numerous songs. {Source}
Labels: Isaac Hayes
I remember having to pick up my jaw from the floor when watching this for the first time. I guess 'shock value' needs to be employed at times to make people sit up and listen; and listen they did. Christina's 'Stripped' LP, which featured 'Dirrty', stands as her second best selling album to date, having sold over 9 million copies world wide.
Your thoughts?
Labels: From The Vault
In what is, no doubt, very sad news, comedian Bernie Mac passed away early this morning due to complications from pneumonia, his publicist has confirmed: Bernie Mac's publicist says the actor and comedian has died. The entertainer passed early Saturday morning at Northwestern Memorial hospital after recently being hospitalized for pneumonia.Bernie has long stood as one of my favourite comedians; this is really really sad. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family.
Bernard McCullough or Bernie Mac as his fans knew him, was known for his edge and off-color comedy routines. Mac made many supporting appearances in films during the 90's such as "Friday" and "Booty Call," but it was his recent acting in blockbusters like the 'Oceans Eleven' franchise and 'Transformers' which rocketed the comedian to super stardom.
Mac had several movies coming out in the coming months including "Soul Men" with Isaac Hayes and Samuel L. Jackson and "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" starring Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer and Chris Rock. {Source}
Below is one of my favourite performances from Bernie...some of you may have seen it already - "get some milk and cookies" LMAO!!!
Labels: Bernie Mac
With the Pussycat Dolls set to release their sophomore effort 'Doll Domination' on September 16th , the cover for the set has surfaced. The ladies look every inch the fierce five-some they are. Great cover.Labels: Pussycat Dolls
Bad Boy signee Donnie Klang debuted the video for his first single 'Take You There (ft. Diddy)' on FN'MTV last night. The slickly produced video looks pretty good, however I'm still not sold on Donnie and the direction they seem to be going with him. Contrived and 'Justin Timberlake re-hash' come to mind when listening to this.
Donnie's album 'Just A Rolling Stone' hits stores September 2nd.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Donnie
As per the title of this post, feel free to drop anything and 'errrrrthing' in the comments section. Labels: RandomNess
During his headlining set on the Glow In The Dark's NYC tour stop, rapper Kanye West condemned homophobia, urging people to 'open their minds': "Open your fucking minds. Open your minds. Be accepting of different people and let people be who they are. You know how many people came to me calling me gay cause I wear my jeans the fresh way? Or because I said hey, dude, how you gonna say 'fag' right in front of a gay dude's face and act like that's ok. That shit is disrespectful. Coming from Chicago, where if you saw somebody that was gay you were supppoed to stay ten feet away. It should be time to break out of the intuitions that I was sayin', the steretypes, or the fear, the backlash that I would get if you don't believe in what I believe in, acceptin' people for who they are…they're very talented and if they do something special in the world and they're discriminated. I've flown across the world y'all, and I've come back here to tell you — open your minds and live a happier life…" {Source}
Labels: Kanye West
Despite the controversy that has ensued regarding Beyonce's unrecognisable ad for L'Oréal, the French cosmetics giant have denied altering the shot: "We highly value our relationship with Ms. Knowles. It is categorically untrue that L'Oréal Paris altered Ms. Knowles' features or skin-tone in the campaign for Feria's hair color."
A rep for the 27-year-old Knowles declined to comment beyond the L'Oréal statement.
The ad is appearing in this month's Elle, Allure and Essence. So far the magazines have not said anything about possible Pantone issues. {Source}
Granted we all know that was a lie from the pits of hell (I mean, honestly now...), it was unlikely they'd own up to such nonsense. After all, that would allow for increased debate about the whole issue; they wouldn't want that now, would they. SMH...
Any thoughts?
Labels: Beyonce
As the press and public alike continue to speculate on the supposed 'relationship' between young stars Rihanna and Chris Brown, the pair are generating a buzz elsewhere - more specifically, on this week's charts. Labels: Chris Brown, Rihanna
Continuing along her promo trail here in the UK, Solange performed 'I Decided (Part 2)' on T4 recently. The few off-notes aside, I enjoyed this performance. I'm hoping we see more live performances of other material from her forthcoming LP 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' soon, though.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Solange
Rapper Nas stopped by The Wendy Williams Show to perform 'Hero' from his #1 album 'untitled'. Great performance; highly charged and Nas' flow was as on-point as ever.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Nas
You know the deal; That Grape Juice, once again, wants to see what you all are listening to. Which 5 tracks have you got on constant rotation at the moment? Remember, it doesn't have to be limited to Urban music; could be something new, throwback, even something you made yourself LOL. Drop a comment in the comments section. Mine are - in no particular order:Watching this kinda reignites my slight disappointment with the actual video (you'd think the finished product would have been better); it lacked that certain 'something' IMO. With summer in full swing, I'm still kinda holding out for a release of the oh-so-aft (for this time of the year) 'Sucka For Love'. Then again, this is Bad Boy we're talking about...
Your thoughts?
Labels: Danity Kane
The Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul Mary J. Blige has been hit with whopping $2 Million fine over the 'illegal' placement of a track from her most recent LP 'Growing Pains': Producer Theron (NEEF-U) Feemster wrote the music for the song "Work That," but the tune is owned by Dream Family Entertainment Inc., according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Manhattan Federal Court.It's always somewhat baffling to see issues like this arise with such renown and high-caliber artists. You'd think all the 'formal stuff' was tended to prior to the album dropping. Randomess: 'Work That' wasn't even all that great IMO anyway lol...
The court filing claims the New York-based firm never gave Blige, Feemster or Geffen Records, the distributor, rights to use the song.
"Mr. Feemster created the music while he was under contract with Dream Family. Dream Family then owned the music, yet the music was used without permission in a Mary J. Blige release recording," said Dream lawyer Brian Caplan.
"It was released as an album, a single and in a commercial," Caplan said.
Rights to the lyrics of the song - which was featured with Blige in an iPod commercial - are not in question.
Geffen Records, Feemster and representatives for Blige didn't return calls.
Caplan said it was unclear if Blige knew the music belonged to someone other than Feemster, and said the producer "had no rights to the music he used." {Source}
Labels: Mary J. Blige
Peep Kelly Rowland's new promotional shot with French singer Nadiya. The pair teamed up for a duet called 'No Future, No Past', which is being released in France. Awesome pic.Labels: Kelly Rowland
Labels: Jay Z
R&B crooner Joe, seemingly, out of nowhere has taken aim at R. Kelly, blaming the singer for trying to ruin his career. Check out the report via Contact Music below: R&B singer JOE has accused R. KELLY of pressuring radio DJs not to play his records - in a bid to scupper his growing stardom.
The Stutter singer released six albums with Jive Records over an 11 year period, but left the label earlier this year (08) after the company pushed back the release of his 2007 LP, Ain't Nothin Like Me, several times.
And the Grammy-winning star believes his rival labelmate Kelly was to blame, insisting he would call Jive bosses and radio stations and urge them not to promote the singer too strongly.
Joe says, "R. Kelly was very instrumental in making a lot of decisions when it came to my records being played on the radio.
"He would make a call to the radio station or to the label and say, 'Hey, this Joe record is too hot right now. Y'all (sic) need to pull that back.' And they would oblige. It's incredible that now I get the opportunity to, I don't know, maybe pay (R. Kelly) back in some sort of side bar kind of thing."
And Joe, who left Jive to release his forthcoming LP New Man through Kedar Entertainment Group, insists he is still a prevalent musician despite R. Kelly's alleged intervention.
He says, "I'm still very relevant in the game. But yeah, he did try to make some decisions when it came down to my records being on fire, and climbing up the charts and on the radio stations. He felt like they should pull back because he felt he was more important. And with their loyalty to him, they obliged."
Though I do support Joe, it does kinda seem like he's a little bitter about being...well...not all that relevant in the contemporary music scene and is taking aim at R. Kelly because of it. I mean, I find it a little odd that he's only coming out of the woodwork now. Anyway...
Labels: Joe
