MTV News is reporting that rapper Chingy has squashed his beef with Ludacris and reunited with the Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP) family. The move comes as a surprise considering the reason the St Louis rapper left the group in late 2004 -alleged money/deception issues. Although it's unknown whether Chingy will re-join DTP at Def Jam (he's been signed with Capitol since his departure), he is definitely back in the fold.

I know R. Kelly has stated that his upcoming album 'Double Up' is 60% R&B and 40% Hip-Hop, but this cover is a joke. The man is 40 years old and looks like a fake thug. I'm getting the vibe that this is the direction the album is going in; I've heard the 2nd single 'Blow It Up' and it's a mess. I know his music has always had some Hip-Hop influence, but this is coming across like a big gimmick. 'Double-Up' hits stores May 29th.

Ne-Yo: "Mariah's Comeback Should Inspire Whitney"

R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo has described new songs by Whitney Houston that he has heard as 'impressive'. However, Ne-Yo, who is currently writing songs for Houston's album, wants to avoid creating songs that scream 'I am Whitney Houston and this is my triumphant comeback. Instead, he suggests that Whitney takes inspiration from Mariah Carey's comeback; not singing about her drama, but just everyday situations.

I think he kinda has a point; most of the albums that are too message-driven often fall flat e.g. Whitney's last album 'Just Whitney'. Let's just hope his tracks for the album are good.

Labels: Chingy, Ne-Yo, R. Kelly

Labels: Beyonce, Kelly Rowland

Having watched Rihanna's video for 'Umbrella', I can say that I'm liking it. The video didn't 'WOW' me but it's still good- her best video so far. From the images of vid I saw a while back, I was expecting more - but it still turned out ok. The ballerina scenes were pretty cool, as were the body paint scenes too. Rihanna's album 'Good Girl Gone Bad' hits stores on June 5th.

Hit or Miss?

Labels: Rihanna

I'm liking the 'different' vibe Fantasia went for in this video. It's generally unlike her past videos. The 'couples' theme was a nice touch as well. For some reason, some of the neighbourhood scenes remind me of TV show 'Everybody Hates Chris'. 'When I See U' is one of my favourite tracks from Fantasia's excellent self-titled album and I hope it does well.

What do you think?

Labels: Fantasia

So, Mya's back with her much anticipated new video 'Lock U Down' and I'm liking it alot. The best aspect of the vid has to be choreography... it's ON-POINT. It's a simple concept video and it works. As I've said before, I think the song is great and it's good to see that the video does the track justice. Mya's new album 'Liberation' will hit stores June 26th.

What do you think?

Labels: Mya

Labels: Left Eye

I really didn't understand all the hype about the original version of Diddy's 'Last Night' - I felt that it was just O.K. It seems I'm in the minority as most people are feeling the track, one his best performing singles from the album. This official remix features Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes and of course Keyshia Cole. I'm really liking it. Some of these remixes end up turning better than the originals, like this and Busta's 'Touch It'. Check it out...

Labels: Busta Rhymes, Diddy, Keyshia Cole, Lil Kim

MTV News is reporting that Beyonce and her label are pulling the plug on the 'B'Day Deluxe' album/DVD; stores will now have to stop selling it. This is all due to a lawsuit filed by UK singer Des'ree over her track 'I'm Kissing You', which Beyonce -allegedly- sampled without permission on the 'B' Day' re-release. Click here to read the full report.

Truth be told, I didn't think it would come to this. I mean, the album has only been out for like 3 weeks and it's already been shelved. You got to believe that Papa Knowles is somewhere fuming over this. The label, apparently, didn't fund the additional videos, Beyonce did - meaning she is losing a lot of money from the 'B'Day' DVD not being sold. If the lawsuit is true, I can't say she didn't deserve this.

Labels: Beyonce

Pop superstar Janet Jackson is set to return to the music scene later on this year. According to her boyfriend, Jermaine Dupri, Janet will release a new single in the summer - which will be featured on the Rush Hour 3 soundtrack. The single is set to be released and promoted by Island Def Jam, where Dupri is head of the Urban division.

Labels: Janet Jackson

Former Destiny's Child member, Michelle Williams covers of the current issue of Time Out Chicago magazine. Her appearance in the magazine was to promote her stint as Shrug Avery in the Chicago theatre version of 'The Colour Purple' (not the New York version of the show that Fantasia is starring in).

{Click to images to enlarge}

The interview is a real interesting read. It's good to see Michelle is keeping her name out there and that she isn't sitting at home collecting those Destiny's Child royalty cheques. I've always felt she was an underrated performer and I never understood people's problem with her. Having said that, her 106th & Park 'Fall' is a classic; I had it on constant replay. For real though, I like Michelle and hope she does well.

Mya Album News

R&B singer Mya is finally set to release her new album 'Liberation'. The CD, which drops on the same day as Kelly Rowland's 'Ms Kelly' album (June 26th) - features production from Bryan-Michael Cox, JR Rotem, Kwame and Scott Storch. Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg both make guest-appearances. 'Liberation' has been delayed several times; Mya tells Billboard that the 'transitioning' from label to label was one of the main reasons for the wait (word has it that Interscope dropped her after her last album, 'Moodring' flopped). She is now signed to Motown.

I'm really liking Mya's first single from the album, the Scott Storch produced 'Lock U Down'. However, I heard that track months ago and there is still no video. I hear the vid will debut next week, but isn't it kinda late? The scheduled second single 'Walka Not A Talka' sounds like it's gonna be interesting - it's a futuristic club track. I'm not holding my breath with this album though, seeing as there is a high chance it will get delayed again or be mediocre (with only a few good tracks) like her last two albums.

New Sisqo Video - Who's Ur Daddy

Why? That's the first thing I thought when I watched this. This has to be the cheapest video I've seen in a long while. For real though, how much did they spend on this, cus' it looks like I could have done this one myself. The song is wack as well; I heard it ages ago but forgot about it...I now know why. He's still singing about 'unleashing the dragon' etc. I don't doubt that the guy is talented, great songs like 'Incomplete' and his work with Dru Hill prove that, but this is a mess.

Labels: Michelle Williams, Mya, Sisqo

Ciara - Like A Boy (Remix) (ft. Trey Songz)

I'm really liking this remix. Ciara's vocals are basically the same as the original version, however Trey Songz raps and sings about the song's topic from a male perspective. I've always felt 'Like A Boy' was one of the better tracks on Ciara's 'Evolution' album. I'm not sure if this is an official remix, either way Trey Songz is really getting himself out there in preparation for his own upcoming album 'Trey Day' - due May 8th.

LISTEN: Like A Boy (Remix) (ft. Trey Songz)

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Fabolous - First Time (ft. Rihanna)

This one has been floating around the net for a while; it's yet another Fabolous collaboration (he should just put out a collaboration album already). 'First Time' is scheduled to be one the singles from his new album 'From Nothing To Something' (due June 12th). I'm kinda feeling the track; the beat knocks and Rihanna does her thing singing the hook.

LISTEN: First Time (ft. Rihanna)

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Usher - Oooh Shawty (ft. Sean Paul of Youngbloodz) (Remix)

As Usher preps his new album 'The Masterpiece' (due for a November release), this remix version of one of the earlier leaked tracks has hit the net. Produced by DJ Unique, the 'Oooh Shawty' remix is hot; I'm actually liking it a lot more than the original. The beat is on-point, it's definitely a banger. I'm anxious to see what Usher comes with on this new album, as I don't think he can top 'Confessions' in sales or quality. You never know, though.

LISTEN: Oooh Shawty (ft. Sean Paul of Youngbloodz) (Remix)

Labels: Ciara, Fabolous, Usher

As some of you already know, American Idol winner Fantasia is currently starring in Oprah Winfrey's Broadway production of 'The Colour Purple'. Fantasia plays the leading role of Celie and the reviews, so far, have been great. Check out the MP3 of her singing the show's main song 'I'm Here' live on stage. It's the same song she performed on Oprah last month that had Fantasia, herself, and the audience in tears. She did even better this time. Flawless. The audience went crazy for her too {listen at 4.31 - "Sing it Fantasia" LOL}.

Labels: Fantasia

Credit: Rihanna-Fenty.com

Labels: Rihanna

It's being rumoured that Ashanti has parted ways with The Inc Records- the label that catapulted her to stardom in 2002. The 'Only U' singer has apparently been in negotiations with Jive Records (home to Justin Timberlake, R. Kelly and Ciara) for 'some time now'. Reps for Jive state that 'if the deal is finalized, Jive can offer her up to $15-20 Million for a four-year contract'.

Labels: Ashanti

Teen R&B star, Chris Brown has shed some light on his upcoming sophomore album, 'Exclusive' (due September). Producers on the album are set to include Bryan-Michael Cox, Scott Storch and will.i.am. Brown, who co-wrote some of the cuts on the album, describes the CD as having a 'more mature/edgier sound'- including songs of a sexual nature. 'I'm not trying to go overboard and lose my (younger) fans though' Brown told Billboard.

Labels: Chris Brown

Labels: Kelly Rowland

Labels: B5, Beyonce, Pretty Ricky

Labels: Rihanna

{No, this isn't the album cover}

Labels: Kelly Rowland

NY Daily News is reporting that R&B star Alicia Keys has pushed back the release of her third album from June to October. The official reason given by her spokesperson was that there were 'scheduling conflicts' with her blossoming acting career. However, it is rumoured that the singer is unhappy with the promotions situation at her label, J Records. Ken Wilson, the promotions director Keys 'trusted and relied on' was fired from the Clive Davis owned label.

Whatever the case, there are definite problems over at J Records. Solid albums by previously successful artists such as Fantasia and Monica severely underperformed due to bad promotion. It was as if the label's artists would pop-up a month before their album would drop. With no single out now, Alicia would have been in the same situation come June. The label need to sort themselves out if they want their artists to actually sell; it's not good when the top artist isn't happy. It kinda makes me worry for upcoming J Records releases from Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson.

Labels: Alicia Keys

Labels: Ali and Gipp, Ciara, LeToya, T.I, Trey Songz

Labels: Pretty Ricky, Sean Paul

As you may have noticed, new tracks from Ne-Yo's sophomore CD 'Because of You' have been leaking pretty quickly. Having now listened to the album in full, I can say that he has definitely managed to avoid the 'sophomore slump' by delivering a pretty solid album. After listening to the earlier leaked tracks and snippets, I felt that Ne-Yo hadn't really pushed himself creatively and was just dishing out more of the same. However, the album has proven me wrong as there are quite a few great songs that aren't typically his style. Though I'm unsure whether this tops his fantasitc debut, 'Because of You' (due May 1st) is definitely worth a buy. Check out some of my highlights from the album (which I haven't posted already)...

Labels: Jennifer Hudson, Ne-Yo

R&B singer Ashanti has been out of the limelight for some time now, however reports suggest that she is on the verge of making a comeback. According to her publicist, the 'Only U' singer has just finished recording with super producers Pharrell Williams, Polow Da Don, Nephew and LT Hutton. Collaborations with Robin Thicke, Snoop Dogg and Jim Jones are also complete.

Labels: Ashanti

Fabolous - Make Me Better (ft. Ne-Yo)

This track is from Fabolous' upcoming 'From Nothing To Something' album (due June 12th). As with most of Fabolous singles, there is a feature artist- this time it's Ne-Yo. The Timbaland-produced song isn't bad, however it's not that good either. Ne-Yo's singing on the hook sounds uninspired and the track doesn't really go anywhere.

Download: Make Me Better (ft. Ne-Yo)

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Naturi (Formerly of 3LW) - Real Chick (ft. Lil' Kim)

Some of you may remember Naturi from her time in R&B group 3LW; depending on which side you believe - she left or was kicked out. Whatever the case, Naturi was replaced in 2002. While it's good to know she hasn't disappeared altogether, she needs to go back to the studio if this is all she can come up with. After listening to this one several times, I still dunno what the hell she's singing about. On the plus side, Kim's rap is kinda good. I hear Naturi is working with Jermaine Dupri and Nelly, so hopefully her future material is better than this.

LISTEN: Real Chick (ft. Lil' Kim)

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Aaliyah - Girlfriends

This rare track by the late Aaliyah has only just hit the net. I'm unsure as to what time-frame it's from. 'Girlfriends' is a nice mid-tempo song, however I can see why it was never included on any of her albums; it's just not an album-worthy track.

LISTEN: Girlfriends

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Nina Sky - Clothes Off (ft. Daytona)

One-hit wonders, Nina Sky are back. After the massive success of their 2004 song 'Move Ya Body' they kinda disappeared. 'Clothes Off' is rumoured to be the duo's new single from their upcoming sophomore album 'The Musical' (due later this year). It's a relaxed uptempo track and is pretty good.

LISTEN: Clothes Off (ft. Daytona)

Labels: Aaliyah, Fabolous, Lil Kim, Naturi, Nina Sky

Labels: T-Pain

Labels: Ciara

I posted a small clip of this song last week and now the full version has hit the net. I'm liking this one alot; it's a typical Jermaine Dupri production and Bone Thugs are back at their best. It doesn't rate as high as their past collaboration with Mariah 'Breakdown', but is good in it's own right. Check it out...

Labels: Bone Thugs N' Harmony, Mariah Carey

Labels: Fantasia

It has been reported that Remy Ma has officially been released from her deal with Terror Squad/Universal. The New York rapper apparently requested that she be granted the release after the poor performance of her debut solo album 'There's Something About Remy' which sold a disappointing 75,000 in it's opening week. Speaking of her next move, Remy had to say:

I'm sitting in meetings all day, everyday politicking my own label, with me being my first artist...I have so many other projects involving films, TV and endorsements, but most important is my album.

Ok then, whatever you say lol. Ma's release was inevitable after she called out her fellow Terror Squad member Fat Joe on radio last year after her album flopped. What happened to the female rap group Ma, Jackie-O and Shawna were supposed to be in?

Labels: Remy Ma

Labels: Bobby Valentino

This is the full version of a new Ne-Yo track called 'Make It Work'. I posted a snippet of this a few days ago, saying that I think it will be a standout track on his new album 'Because of You'. After hearing the song in it's entirety, I feel that Ne-Yo MUST release this....it's fiyah, no lie. As always with Ne-Yo, the harmonies are ON-POINT and the hook is real catchy. I don't think I've been so impressed with a Ne-Yo track since 'When Your Mad'. 'A-yo A-yo Oh'...you'll know what I mean when you hear it LOL...

LISTEN: Make It Work (FULL) {*UPDATED LINK*}

Labels: Ne-Yo

Rihanna has dropped a new mixtape in the lead-up to the release of her new album 'Good Girl, Gone Bad' (I still can't take that name seriously). This track is featured on the mixtape and will most likely make the album's final cut. The Bajan singer spoke about working with Ne-Yo not too long ago and this seems to be the finished product.

Labels: Ne-Yo, Rihanna

Labels: Kelly Rowland

Some of you may have already heard the rumours about Olivia being kicked out of the G Unit; and supposedly suing them for sexual harassment. Well, 50 Cent has shed some light on the situation. During an interview this week on New York radio station, Hot 97, 50 confirmed that Olivia is no longer with G Unit. The G Unit leader rubbished rumours of sexual harassment and stated that her departure was due to 'creative differences' over her never released album (yeah right).

Labels: 50 Cent, G Unit, Oliva

Beautiful Liar

What did you think?

In more Beyonce news, a new track which is only featured on the European version of the B'Day re-release (due April 23rd) has surfaced. The song, titled 'If', is decent. If anything, it reminds me of Rihanna's 'Unfaithful'.

You liking?

Download: If

Labels: Beyonce

Lil Kim To Write About Prison Experience

Rapper Lil Kim is ready to break her silence on her prison experience. The pint-sized star has allegedly signed a book deal with St Martins Press and will write about her time in jail for perjury. Kim was convicted in 2005 and sentenced to one year in prison; she was released in August 2006. The book should hit shelves later next year.

This should be an interesting read, seeing as she hasn't spoken of her time in jail since she came out last year. A book though? I'm waiting on that new album. Kim is at her best when she has something to talk about about other than just sex, as her critically-acclaimed 'Naked Truth' album showed.

New Ne-Yo Track - 'Drugz'

Another track from Ne-Yo's new album has hit the net. 'Drugz' is a nice mid-tempo that showcases Ne-Yo versatility as a writer. Check it out...

DL: Drugz

Labels: Lil Kim, Ne-Yo, Rihanna