The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards are tonight live from NYC! Despite being hosted by British comedian Russell Brand for the second consecutive year, I'm excited about tonight's broadcast.
It should be a very competitive night especially between Beyoncè and Lady GaGa, as both ladies are up for 9 moon men.
GaGa had a great year especially for her to be a new artist however no performer at least in my eyes had done more musically this year than Mrs. Carter. So am I biased? Yeah maybe a bit.
The show is scheduled to open with a tribute to Michael Jackson featuring the King of Pop's baby sister, Janet.
The awards air live tonight on MTV at 9 pm eastern time.
Keri Hilson released the video "Slow Dance", the fifth single from her debut album "In A Perfect World..." on Friday.
The video features cameo appearances from fellow singers Monica, Chris Brown, Omarion and Melody Thornton from The Pussycat Dolls, designer Melody Eshani and producer Polow da Don.
The track was always one of my favorites off the album. It has that 90's throwback feel to it and Keri looks so damn good in the video.
Above is a photo of Grammy nominated singer, Amerie on the set of her new video. The 31 year old singer is shooting the video for the second single from her fourth album (3rd U.S.), In Love & War which hits stores November 3rd.
Written and produced by Sean Garrett (Beyoncè "Diva") and Eric Hudson (Whitney Houston "Worth It"), the track will feature Lil' Wayne.
After seven years, allegations of drug use and a divorce; Pop/R&B icon, Whitney Houston looks for redemption on new album. Whitney Houston appears ready to reclaim the top spot on the charts with her seventh studio album, “I Look to You”.
Boasting production and writing credits from some of music’s biggest names including Norwegian production team Stargate (Beyoncè “Irreplaceable”), Grammy winning singers/songwriters R. Kelly, Alicia Keys and Johnta Austin (Mariah Carey “We Belong Together”), songwriter Diane Warren (Celine Dion “Because You Love Me” ) and Akon, who is the album’s only featured artist.
The album’s opening track and first official single, “Million Dollar Bill”, produced by Swizz Beatz and written by Alicia Keys, is almost a 70’s throwback unlike anything Houston’s ever recorded. The up-tempo track shows Houston’s ability to still have a good time despite rough past couple of years had by the songstress. “If he makes you feel/Like a million dollar bill say/ Oh oh oh oh” sings a newly liberated Houston.
“Call You Tonight” shares a similar beat pattern to Oscar/Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson’s 2008 #1 hit single “Spotlight” possibly due to both tracks being produced by Stargate (Ne-Yo “Miss Independent”). And just as “Spotlight” proved to be a hit for Hudson , “Call You Tonight” could have the similar result for Houston if released as a single.
The album’s title track, “I Look To You” allows Houston to display her voice. The R. Kelly written and produced track also reveals Houston’s vocal limitations, gone are the days of the songstress belting out notes or showing off her stellar five octave vocal range. While “I Look To You” isn’t “I Will Always Love You” in terms of vocal performance, Houston still conveys the message of the song.
Other album highlights include the Dianne Warren penned “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”, which is possibly the most powerful song ever recorded by the Newark, New Jersey native. “Worth It”, the Akon produced “I Got You” and “Salute” all have single potential. The latter finds Houston insisting not to call her reemergence a comeback. “Don’t call it/A comeback/ I been here for years/Through all the drama/pain and tears” .
For some the sound of Whitney Houston’s name leaves a sour taste in their mouths. However, on her new album “I Look To You”, the fourth best selling female artist of all time in the United States is stronger, wiser and ready to reclaim the top spot. “I Look To You” is a contemporary album unlike anything in Houston’s extensive musical catalog. With production and writing credits from some of the biggest names in music, new life has been given to the artist simply known as “The Voice”. If redemption was Houston’s goal with the release of “I Look To You” -MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
Jay-Z released the first single from his eleventh album, The Blueprint 3, today.
"Run This Town" features label-mates Rihanna and Kanye West, who also produced the track. And while personally, the track does absolutely nothing for me, I'm sure radio will eat it up and hit #1.
Okay, so after another lengthy hiatus I'm back and ready to blog my a$$ off! There's so much to cover from Jay-Z & Whitney's new singles, Solange going bald, more tension within The Pussycat Dolls, The Wendy Williams show and so much more!
I just got turned on to this song. I know it's been out for a minute but after Cassie's past performances and debut album I wasn't interested in her this time around.
However, this song is actually good and the hook is addictive. I find myself humming it at random times. (pause)
Def Jam's newest signee Amerie's fourth album has been pushed back from August 11th to September 8th.
No word or exactly why the album has been delayed however it's safe to assume due the single "Why R U" not causing the instant impact the label may have thought it would.
The track is one of my favorite R&B songs of the summer and hopefully it starts to get some spins on radio.
For the second straight week, Eminem's Relapse reigns as the #1 selling album in the U.S. Despite a 65.3% sales drop, Em's sixth album sold 211,000 copies this week pushing the album's two week sales total to 816,208.
In other chart news Chrisette Michele's sophomore effort Epiphany dropped to number 26 in it's fourth week on the charts. Chrisette's sophomore set has now sold just under 150,000 copies.
Keri Hilson's debut In A Perfect World falls to number 27 in it's twelfth week. In A Perfect World has now sold 311,000 copies in the U.S. Keri is currently on tour with Keyshia Cole and Bobby Valentino.
After 28 weeks, Beyoncè's I AM...Sasha Fierce sits at number 23 this week. The singer/actress third album has sold 2,204,600 copies. Knowles is set to re-release the album on June 26th along with a video anthology. Above & Beyoncè will be available exclusively at Walmart.
Ciara's Fantasy Ride continues to die a slow but deliberate death. In it's fourth week, the album slides to number 48 selling just 10,200 copies. In a month the album has sold just under 133,000 units.
Jadakiss's The Last Kiss drops to number 63. Bringing Jada's total sales to 277,000.
Perhaps in the week's biggest sales disappointments, girl group Electrik Red's debut How To Be A Lady, Vol. 1 hit the charts at number 100. Selling just 5,000 copies. This is definitely not the way, the ladies wanted to begin their careers.
Is anyone else tired of these two besides me? Anyway, 2009's version of Ike and Tina are back at it. New pictures were leaked today of Rihanna and Chris Brown.
The new pics surface just weeks after nude photos of Rihanna were leaked. No statements have been released regarding the leaked pictures from either artists.
I'd like to know who exactly are leaking these pictures? Is it Chris? Is it Rihanna?
Singer/Actor Mario is heading back to the studio and ready to release a new album. The 22 year-old recently sat down with Singersroom.com and talked about the new release.
"My last album was very R&B driven. I would say this one is still very musical but it's not as R&B as my last record," he tells Singersroom in an exclusive interview.
"One of the things I feel like has kept me around as an artist in our generation is the fact that I have made transitions on each album and (am still) continuing to do that you know... I want to say everything that I’ve done, even outside of music (you know doing TV shows and doing shows out of the country) all of it influences me as an artist. You'll hear that on the album, it's a lot different."
"And Then There Was Me" is schedule to be released this summer.
Mario's new single "Break Up" ft. Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett is available on Itunes now.
Ginuwine, Missy and Timbaland reunite after ten years. The trio team up on Ginuwine's new single "Get Involved". The high energy dance track is the second single from "A Man's Thoughts", Ginuwine's new album slated to drop June 23rd.
Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams returns to the stage in the West End production of "Chicago: The Musical".
"It's a real thrill to be given the opportunity to play Roxie Hart in the West End's spectacular production of 'Chicago,'" says Williams.
The singer will be the first black actress to play Roxie in the British production and one of the few black actresses ever to play Roxie.
"She's one of the greatest characters in the history of musical theater and it's both a challenge and a lot of fun to bring her to life on-stage. I hope that everyone who comes to the show enjoys it as much as I do."
The singer/actress will have a limited six-week run as Roxie Hart from July 13 through August 23 at the Cambridge Theatre in London.
Chicago is the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history.
This will be Michelle's third stint on stage as she played Shug Avery in "The Color Purple" in 2007 and as the lead in Aida in 2003.
Day 26 released the video for their new single "Stadium Music (Flashing Lights)". "Stadium Music (Flashing Lights)" is the second single from their sophomore album Forever In A Day which debuted on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart at #2 back in April and has sold just under 200,000 copies in the United States according to Nielsen Soundscan.
The song has that "knock" and potential to become a summer banger however with the low budget video I don't know how well it'll do. Time will tell.
Coming off the hills of less than stellar opening week sales, Ciara is back at it and is ready for a dual single release.
The first of the two singles is 'Work'. The Missy Elliott assisted track will be serviced to Pop and Top 40 radio. I'm not really feeling the song too much but I'm sure pop and dance radio will eat it up.
The second of the two singles is'Like A Surgeon'. Produced by Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, the track has the potential to go #1 (on the R&B charts). I expect this single will draw more people's attention to the album and most likely be the single to sell the most units.
The new album, "Fantasy Ride" seems to lack direction and it appears Ciara was given too much creative control. When it comes time to work on album number 4, I expect her to revert back to what bought her to the dance.
Ciara proved with this album that her vocals are definitely sub-par at best. She is and was meant to be a dancer and I honestly believe she'd be better suited as a background dancer than an artist. And anyone who thinks I'm a hater, watch the video below and you'll see how awful her vocals are.
Watch Ciara performs on Good Morning America below.
Everyone's favorite white rapper,Eminem hit up Jimmy Kimmel this week to promote his new album, Relapse which hits stores this Tuesday.
While watching the interview, I noticed not only how boring Eminem is but also how different this man looks. Okay, yeah everybody loses weigh but I mean damn Em you look like you weigh 105 lbs soak and wet. Then I don't know what the man did to his face but it definitely appears he had some work done---Botox anyone?
But who cares about all that right? It's all about the music. And after a lengthy absence, four years to be exact. My expectations for his new material was high but so far I have been disappointed. And while many may argue Em has never really released "good singles", it goes without saying that all his best material never gets released to radio. I've been disappointed with the singles that have been released.
"Crack the Bottle" was wack even though it did go #1 on Billboard's Hot 100. "We Made You" is trash truck juice. I'm over the whole parody phase it's tired and nobody cares. "3 AM" I haven't heard the song and have no desire to but whatever.
In the nutshell, I'm not feeling Em this time around, I definitely expected more. Will I be buying the album when it drops? NO Will I download it for free? YES Will I buy it, if it turns out to be a good album? Probably Not. We're in a recession!
Side note: This wasn't meant to be an anti-Eminem post but it is what it is.
The third single from Keyshia Cole's latest album, A Different Me features R&B veteran Monica. There isn't any doubt in my mind that Monica killed Keyshia vocally on the track. Overall both ladies delivered a solid performance. I can see this song being nominated for "Best R&B Vocal Performance by Group/Duo" at next year's Grammy Awards.
Monica is prepping her new album which is scheduled to be released later in the year. Her last album,The Makings of Me was one of the most slept on albums of 2006, it will interesting to hear her new material.
Keyshia is currently on tour with supporting acts Keri Hilson and Bobby Valentino.
On this dry Saturday evening, I find myself surfing the net and I happened to stumble across something that made this monotonous day appear worthwhile.
Singer/Songwriter, Jazmine Sullivan released her debut, Fearless last fall which garnered her 5 Grammy Nominations. Despite leaving the industry's biggest show empty handed, Jazmine has been grinding hard and has proven (at least in my mind) why she not only earned those nominations, she also deserved to win----hell at least one.
The Philly native recently went on a promo tour across Europe and while there she performed for MTV UK's Sessions. The web-based show streams online and is similar to AOL's show "Session @ AOL".
To make a long story short, Jazmine performed two of my favorite songs from her album, "After The Hurricane" and "In Love With Another Man". Needless to say, she ripped the hell out of these performances.
According to her Twitter, Jaz is currently working on her sophomore album. I can't wait!!!!
Platinum selling R&B singer, Maxwell is back with his new single "Pretty Wings". The track debuted on three Billboard charts this week.
Debuting at numbers 84, 15 and 9 on Billboard's Hot 100,R&B/Hip Hop Singles and Adult R&B Singles charts respectively. The singer's forthcoming three-part album is generating massive buzz. The first part titled "Black" is schedule to be released on July 7th, with parts 2&3, titled "Summers" and "Night" due out within the next two years.
Check out the music video for "Pretty Wings" below.
After a four year absence Amerie is back with a new album and brand new single. "Why R U" is a classic Amerie track, produced by the Buchanans who also worked with the DC native on her European and Asian release "Because I Love It" LP.
After leaving Columbia Records and signing to Island Def Jam, Amerie is prepping a new album scheduled to be released in August.
R&B songbird Chrisette Michele notches her first #1 album on Billboard's Top 200 Album charts this week with her sophomore album, Epiphany.
Epiphany moved 83,000 units, thus giving the best first week sales of Chrisette's career. According to Billboard, Michele's opening of 83,000 is the lowest sum for a No. 1-debuting album in Nielsen SoundScan's 18-year history.
Singer/Dancer Ciara released her third album, Fantasy Ride which had been pushed back at least 4 times since 2008. Ciara's junior effort sold just 81,000 copies.
Billboard noted CiCi's disappointing outing stating, "Fantasy Ride is her third top three debut in as many tries. Her freshman 2004 effort "Goodies" entered the list at No. 3 with 125,000 while 2006's "The Evolution" blasted onto the tally at No. 1 with 338,000. Seemingly, despite the fair amount of heat generated by "Fantasy Ride's" first single -- "Love Sex Magic" (featuring Justin Timberlake) -- the album clocks Ciara's lowest first-week sum yet".
Without a doubt Chrisette has the hottest of the two albums and apparently fans think so as well. This sluggish opening week could spell trouble for Ciara. It already took three singles for fans to care about the project and it's apparent they still don't.
Check out Chrisette Michele performing "Blame It On Me" on the Late Show with David Letterman below.
Okay, after a lengthy absence that included the completion of my junior year of college and returning back home where I currently sit aimlessly unemployed-----I'm BACK!
During my time away so much has happen in the entertainment world and while these initial posts will probably be of things you've read elsewhere, sit back and enjoy anyway!
And it continues....As if this story hasn't been exhausted enough, the suits over at VIBE decided to have Rihanna cover the magazine's May issue.
At this point, I could careless about the outcome being as though neither party has come out and spoke on the situation. Chris recently plead not guilty to the charges while Rihanna was seen poppin' bottles in Barbados. I think the most Chris will get in the way of time will be probation.
Both are scheduled to release new albums within the coming months and it's safe to assume Rihanna's will drop first being as though Chris has his hands tied. This all seems like a publicity stunt gone wrong.
So if you feel so inclined, to pick up the new issue of VIBE at newsstands now.
The youngest Knowles sister is been dropped from Geffen/Interscope Records according to AOL Black Voices .
The website reports that after the lackluster sales of Solange's sophomore album, Sol-Angel And The Hadley Street Dreams which only moved around 138,000 units since it's release last summer; the label "didn't see the value in doing a new CD on her".
A source also told the website, "Geffen did a one-off deal with Music World Entertainment for Solange and wasn't interested in doing a new contract with her.There were challenges dealing with her camp, but Solange was great to work with. In the end, the CD didn't sell despite Solange's countless high profile appearances,"
Either way with the economy, people aren't buying music like they use too. So it only makes sense that artist who aren't selling are dropped from labels. However, Solange's album as definitely one of the best of last year and was highly slept on.
We'll continue to follow the story and see what becomes of it.
Chrisette Michele released a remix to her new single,"Epiphany",featuring guest appearances from Rick Ross and Julez Santana.
The addition of the rappers, do add a little more to the Ne-Yo written track, which may lead to more adds on Hip Hop/R&B radio stations. So more power to you, Chrisette.
Still, Julez and Rick Ross are the last two people I'd imagine to collaborate with the Grammy nominated singer.
"Epiphany" is the first single and the title track from her sophomore album due to hit stores on May 19th.
Day 26 released the music video for their new single "Imma Put It On Her" featuring Yung Joc and Diddy.
The group's sophomore album, Forever In A Day is scheduled to drop April 14th. And with all the on-going drama between Que and Will, Que and Brian, hell Que and EVERYBODY. Watching the success of this album should be interesting.
While the drama makes for good TV, will it translate into album sales?
R&B singer, Trey Songz released a new promo single,"Brand New" to build support for his third album, READY slated to drop June 30th.
The video for the track premiered today on Trey's Myspace page and in just several hours has recieved nearly 60 thousand views. While these views don't account for replays of the video that is impressive. If only Trey could get that nearly 60,000 people to purchase his album in one day or hell even one week of it's release that would really be impressive. *Insert sarcasm here*
While the song isn't anything to jump through hoops for, the beat does go hard. Produced by Soundz (Love In The Club Pt. II and Damaged), what the song lacks lyrically, the beat makes up for it. The video is as low budget as it comes but I guess when it's just a "promo" single there's no need to waste money.
The album's first official single is titled "I Need A Girl" , produced by Grammy Award winning team, Stargate (Beyoncè and NE-YO)was released to radio last week and has debuted on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart at #90.
Set to release his first album since 2005, Ginuwine returns to the music scene with his new single, "Last Chance".
The veteran R&B singer recently premiered the video for the album's lead single on BET's 106 & Park. He also talked about the album and his relationship with friend/producer, Timbaland. The 38 year-old singer, stated he and Timbaland hadn't spoken in 5 years because they "simply grew apart".The singer also mentioned that the second single would feature Missy Elliott, describing the track as "sort of a reunion".
The video for "Last Chance" features appearances from singers Ray J and Tyrese and actress Lisa Raye. Due to Lisa Raye's role as the leading lady and comments made by the actress fueled rumors that she and Ginuwine we're an item. Allegation of Ginuwine and his wife, rapper Sole separating further fueled the rumors, Ginuwine has since dispelled them. Read Story
Ginuwine's new album titled, "A Man's Thoughts" is set to hit stores June 2nd.
Kelly Rowland began 2009 by dropping a bombshell that she had ended her professional relationship with Mathew Knowles as her manager. Now the 28 year-old songtress is making more dramatic changes by severing ties with Columbia Records.
On Monday (March 30th), reports of Rowland being dropped from the label began to surface due to her no longer being "commercially valuable". Possibly due to the artist and record label catching wind of this, a joint press release was issued. The press release stated that Rowland would no longer record as a solo artist on Columbia Records however would remain on the label with Destiny's Child.
While this may seem shocking to some, it doesn't come as a surpise to me.It appears that Kelly is finally ready to take control of her career.And leaving the Knowles camp and Columbia is definitely the right move to make. On a personal,sure they were good to her. However,professionally she needed to disassociate herself from them in order to be taken seriously as a solo artist.
She could be a on the brink of superstardom, I'm sure many record labels would love to have the Destiny's Child Alum on their team and hopefully she will be picked up before long.
Her last album, "Ms. Kelly" (2007) sold just 213,000 in the US according to Nielson Soundscan was actually a solid album. Much like her former bandmate Michelle Williams, the album's quick death and inability to sell was due to poor single selection and inadequate promotion.
Possibly due to the underwhelming success of their sophomore album, Doll Domination, Nicole and the girls are prepping a re-release.
Slated to drop April 14th, Doll Domination 2.0 will carry 10 tracks including "Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)", the English version of the "Slumdog Millionaire" score.
The album will feature hit singles,"When I Grow Up" and "I Hate This Part", in addition to fan favorites, "Halo", "Takin' Over the World" and "I'm Done".
The Rodney Jerkins produced "Painted Windows" is scheduled to be the re-release's first single.
After debuting on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart at #5 and selling 90,000 copies in the first week of release, the Dolls sophomore set has under-performed here in the states. In six months the album has only sold 310,000 copies, considering their debut remained on the charts for over a year and sold 3.1 million in the U.S. alone.
Ron Fair and the heads of Interscope maybe second guessing their decision to allow Scherzinger (the group's lead singer) to have lead vocals on every song.
Nevertheless, the ladies aren't deterred as they have released 4 singles, while only two became semi-hits ("When I Grow Up" and "I Hate This Part").
The Dolls are currently on tour as the opening act for Britney Spears in support of her "The Circus Starring: Britney Spears" tour. Listen to "Painted Windows" below.
The track features leads from Nicole (of course), Melody and Jessica
The economic downturn is hitting hard and it's not only affecting the banks and investment firms on Wall Street but now we can add Blender Magazine to the list of causalities.
According to Alpha Media Group,the magazine's owner; Blender will cease publication with its April issue, but will continue to publish on its Web site, blender.com.
The music and entertainment magazine "went as far as we could in a difficult environment,” said Nora Haynes,an Alpha Media spokeswoman.
While Blender may be the first, in the coming months I think we can expect to see more magazines bite the dust.
The final issue of Blender Magazine with Jay-Z on the cover is on newsstands now.
R&B's newest diva, Keri Hilson stopped by Jimmy Kimmel to perform her hit single, "Turnin' Me On".
While the singer/songwriter needs to work on her singing and dancing combo in order to not sound out of breath. She and Wayne definitely put their all into this performance, the crowd was hot and gave Keri that extra boost of 'energy'.
As of late, Hilson has been everywhere, from commercials to Youtube videos promoting her freshmen effort. And the hard work appears to be paying off as her debut album In A Perfect World is expected to enter Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart in the top 3 next week. With sales estimates of 90-110 thousand, which in today's market is by no means dismal.
Her third official single, "Knock You Down" featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West has reached the top 15 on the Itunes singles chart and is expected to also debut high thanks to it's digital sales.
Check out Keri and Lil' Wayne performing "Turnin' Me On" below.
The 27 year-old superstar kicked off her third full-length solo world tour,dubbed the I Am...Tour, Thursday night in Edmonton,Alberta,Canada.
Performing all her hits including "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)","If I Were A Boy", "Crazy In Love" and "Irreplaceable". The tour is to support her already double platinum album, "I Am..Sasha Fierce". The Edmonton Sun calls the show "Spectacular". Knowles paid homage to some of Canada's finest by singing Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" and Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know". Both artist are natives of Canada.
With just 8,000 fans in attendance, the show had all you'd expect from the "African-American queen of all media" according to the Edmonton Sun.
The first North American leg on the I Am... Tour finishes up on April 1st in Seattle, Washington and then she begins the European leg of the tour on April 26th.
The second North American leg of the tour begins July 3rd in New Orleans,as Knowles headlines the Essence Music Festival for the second consecutive year.
Check out Beyoncè perform Ring The Alarm and Video Phone at the opening night of the concert.
Video courtesy of a youtuber and was recorded on their phone or camera so excuse the quality.
The Destiny's Child alum, performed this past weekend at the 23rd Annual "Night Of A Thousand Gowns" event in New York City. Check out the pics below of Michelle's performance.
The singer is schedule to re-release her album,"Unexpected" later this year.The album was released last fall selling a dismal 14,000 copies in the first week and debuting at #41 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart. Yet,it was a solid effort for it to be her first dance/pop album. Lack of promotion and bad single choices are to blame for the album's quick demise or at least in my view.
Watch Michelle perform "Hello Heartbreak" live @ Yahoo.
According to reports, music mogul and former Roc-A-Fella Records Executive, Damon Dash has been served divorce papers from his wife, fashion designer Rachel Roy. A divorce suit was filed in a New York's Supreme Court earlier this month court earlier this month by Roy causing an end to Dash, who she married in Mexico in January 2005.
According to an electronic record of the case obtained by the New York Daily News, the divorce is for "non-monetary relief". Roy, who launched a clothing line with her now estranged husband's backing is aware of his recent financial woes.
The New York Daily News reports that Dash is facing foreclosure on his two Tribeca, New York properties and owes $2 million in state taxes. His car was also seized by Manhattan officials by a Judge's order after he failed to make payments.Dash is also being sued by various law firms and landlords for unpaid bills.
The couple has two children together, Ava Dash and Talullah Ruth.
Dash pictured above with daughter Ava and more recently walking with 11 month old, Talullah in NYC.
Beyoncè and her 4 year old nephew, Julez recently filmed a commercial for Nintendo DS.
The campaign starts on March 30th and features them playing the new "Rhythm Heaven" DS game. The singer is also slated to begin the first leg of her "I Am" Tour later this month. The tour is in association to her #1 album, "I Am...Sasha Fierce" which debuted at #1 back in November making it her third consecutive #1 solo album on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart. As of March 2009, the album has sold 1.9 million copies in the United States according to Nielsen Soundscan.