It's very refreshing to see the level of talent this year after the utter crap we were subjected to last year (can you say Leon Jackson?). I'm really hoping these talented young ladies go far in the competition.

Your thoughts?

As Christina Milian preps her MySpace Records / Interscope debut (due early 2009), new promotional shots for her project have surfaced. She looks stunning. Stunning.

What do you think of the pics?

Labels: Christina Milian

Labels: Christina Aguilera

What do you think of the pics?

Labels: Ciara

In what has to be her first 'proper' interview in years, Britney Spears made a surprise visit to Z100 radio station in New York yesterday to promote new single 'Womanizer'. During the course of the interview, the 26 year old discussed going on tour, winning 3 VMA's this year and more. Good to see Ms. Spears acting her old self again.

Randomness: Did anyone else think 'errrm ok then' when Britney was explaining the concept of 'Womanizer' LOL?

Your thoughts?

Labels: Britney Spears

Pop superstar Janet Jackson has been forced to cancel / re-schedule the latest stop on her 'Rock Witchu' tour after being rushed to hospital last night:

After she "got suddenly ill during the sound check" of her concert in Montreal Monday, the singer was rushed to a local hospital, according to W&W Public Relations.

Jackson, 42, is being monitored at the hospital and hopes to reschedule the show.

No further information has been released. {Source}

Here's hoping she makes a speedy recovery.

UPDATE: Reports confirm Janet has been released from the hospital.

Labels: Janet Jackson

The video for Alicia Keys and Jack White's (of the White Stripes') collaboration for the new Bond movie 'Quantum of The Solace' - 'Another Way To Die' premiered just moments ago on Yahoo Music. I'm still not big on the song, something the so-so video did little to change. Though decent, I can't help feel a little short-changed by the 'we are so blatantly standing in front of a green screen' effects. I mean, honestly now...

What do you think of the video?

Labels: Alicia Keys

Famed for her extravagant hairstyles, as well as her undeniably talent of course, Beyonce's wigs, weaves, extensions (you get the point lol) have been valued to, in total, cost in the region of $ 1Million:

According to In Touch, the singer has tailor-made hair-pieces for every occasion.

A friend told the magazine: "The majority of them are custom-made from real hair and she's probably got $1 million worth of stunning wigs.

"It's part of the reason why she always looks so gorgeous."

Knowles is said to donate her old wigs to a charity which helps cancer sufferers.

The 'Crazy In Love' singer was recently named the second highest-paid music act of the past 12 months, banking more than £40 million. {Source}

Wow. I guess it figures; Bouncy always seems to be rocking a new 'do each time we see her. She wouldn't be the 'Beyonce' we love (and some hate) otherwise. Sidenote: It's good to see the hair goes to good use afterwards LOL.

Labels: Beyonce

R&B stars Kelly Rowland, Usher, Ne-Yo and Solange hit up the the Marlies Dekkers fashion show in Paris yesterday. Looking good...

Labels: Kelly Rowland, Ne-Yo, Solange, Usher

Music's 'IT' couple of the moment Rihanna and Chris Brown were snapped picking up a meal at a KFC in Hollywood, California yesterday. Ms. Fenty looks none-too-impressed with the paparrazzi. Almost looks like my face after hearing one of her live performances LOL. I joke.

Labels: Chris Brown, Rihanna

It has been revealed that Beyonce will be taking to the stage at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards - which take place on November 6th in Liverpool's Echo Arena. {Source}

Labels: Beyonce

I've always admired the fact that Will is versatile with his craft...a true actor. The movie's concept, granted a little hard to grasp, seems like it may be worth a look-see. What you think?

'Seven Pounds', which also stars Rosario Dawson and Michael Ealy, hits theatres December 19th in the US and January 16th in the UK.

Will you be going to see 'Seven Pounds?'

Labels: Will Smith

According to our friend Jawn Murray, over at AOL BV Buzz, R&B songstress Toni Braxton has signed a new record deal with Atlantic Records - the recording home of T.I. Check out the report below:

The R&B diva, currently competing on the ABC reality series 'Dancing with the Stars,' quietly inked a deal with the label recently and has been selecting music to begin recording her CD for Atlantic while competing on the show.

I'm told the label plans to have Braxton's first offering for the company ready for early 2009.

The 40-year-old singer was last signed to Blackground Records, where she released her fifth album 'Libra' in September 2005.

Braxton, who had released four albums over a 12-year stint on LaFace Records, then filed suit against Blackground's founder Barry Hankerson, who was also Braxton's manager, after her CD failed to perform.

It's great to see Toni getting back to what she does best - the music. As one of those who really enjoyed her last LP 'Libra', it disappointed me how mismanaged that whole episode was. Here's hoping the future's bright for one of music's most distinguished voices.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Toni Braxton

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson stopped by The Tonight Show With Jay Leno earlier this week to promote her forthcoming self-titled album, as well as current single 'Spotlight'. Peep her interview above(in which she discusses the record, her recent engagement and much more) and performance of 'Spotlight' below:

Labels: Jennifer Hudson

This week's dates are:

* Boston: TD Banknorth Garden, Massachusetts – Oct 1st 2008

* Philadelphia: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia – Oct 2nd 2008

Click here to enter!

Lord knows this has been one slow-a** week LOL, so I'll throw it back to you guys to express yourselves as you wish. Always entertaining to read, I must say...

As per the title of this post, feel free to drop anything and 'errrrrthing' in the comments section.

So, anything from your thoughts on the site, to random ramblings, particular views on any story (music, politcs, sports etc), share a story/new song, shameless promotion of your own site/material lol...not to be limited to music alone...a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g!

It's your shout....

Labels: RandomNess

According to Hits Daily Double, the Pussycat Dolls sophomore effort 'Doll Domination' is set to debut in the Top 10 on next week's Billboard Hot 200 - with sales between 70,000-75,000. While not immediately seeming so bad - considering the current music sales climate - it still must come as a major disappointment considering the high charting of lead single 'When I Grow Up', as well as the triple Platinum sales of their debut 'PCD' back in 2005. {Source}

Labels: Pussycat Dolls

Hmmm. Well, it's very Pop sounding and by that I mean bubble-gum meets the oh-so-popular Electronica sound that is all the rage these days type of 'Pop'. I'm kinda puzzled as Britney's last go-round saw her embrace a much more Urban sound - fusing it with Pop. This has me wondering whether she's alienated/confused her new acquired Urban audience with this. Whatever the case, there's no doubt this one will be big.

Britney's new album 'Circus' hits stores December 2nd.

Hit or Miss?

Labels: Britney Spears

In typical 50 Cent fashion, the rapper is stirring up controversy again - this time with Jay-Z. According to the G-Unit general, Jay-Z wasn't as famous until he started dating Beyonce. Check out the report via Contact Music:

50 CENT has taken a sly swipe at rap rival JAY-Z, insisting the 99 PROBLEMS hitmaker was a "no one" until he wed BEYONCE KNOWLES.

Superstar Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, wed the Bootylicious beauty in April (08), and 50 Cent claims it was their union - not the rap mogul's music - that raised his profile on the international scene.

He says, "I'm a big fan of Jay-Z, but outside of the States and hip-hop circles, no one really knew who he was until he married Beyonce."

The In Da Club rapper has also disputed reports that Jay-Z is worth an estimated $1 billion, but is adamant he's not jealous of his fortune.

He adds, "I don't believe he's worth that much! It's all been exaggerated. I'm comfortable. I don't want for anything so I'm not in a race."

It seems ol' Curtis is up to his nonsense again. Don't you think, should 50 put as much effort into his music as he does in running hi mouth, his relevancy wouldn't be in free-fall as it is now.

Labels: 50 Cent, Beyonce, Jay Z

Labels: Cassie

Continuing along the promotional trail for her current effort 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams', Solange stopped by New York's Hot 97 station on the Angie Martinez show recently. During the course of the interview, the youngest of the Knowles clan spoke on 'that' Fox News interview, Beyonce, her album and...Young Berg (I know). An interesting listen, I must say.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Solange

Word has it Beyonce's much anticipated new singles 'If I Were A Boy' and 'Single Ladies' -originally set to debut October 7th - has been pushed back a week. The reason being cited is that delay is due to Beyonce and/or her label wanting to accommodate the release of Michelle Williams' new album 'Unexpected', which is slated to hit stores on October 7th.

Granted this is can been seen as commendable move on Beyonce's part, I can't help but feel regardless of Beyonce's release, the label need to be doing a whole lot more with Michelle's project. I mean, come on now; it's little just over a week until the album drops and...well...yeah...SMH...

Your thoughts?

Labels: Beyonce

Labels: Beyonce

....ok then LOL.

In other Ciara news, in a MySpace blog, she shed light on what to expect from the 'Go Girl' video:

I just shot the video for Go Girl and it was crazy! All My Go Girls, stand up! Melina directed it and of course Jamaica got busy on the choreography! I added a little two cents but Jam Session(jamaica) layed it down on the steps. Talk about some Go Girls: Melina(director) Jamaica(choreographer) Yolanda(make Up) Kiyah(hair) all the ladies put it down. Go Girls in the house!! You will see it shortly!

Reading this definitely has me hyped for what the vid will be serving up; the undeniably talented ensemble behind the vid make me hopeful that the clip will compensate for the track's lack of 'WOW' factor.

Labels: Ciara

Check out the official album cover for John Legend's third studio album 'Evolver' (due October 28th). I like...

Labels: John Legend

With several axed singles under her belt, it seems Mariah Carey and her team will attempt another assault on the charts with the 4th release from her 'E=MC²' LP - the ballad 'I Stay In Love'. According to All Access, the song will go for adds on Top 40/Mainstream radio stations on October 21st. {Source}

Granted the song has grown on me a little since my initial listen, I'm not sure this will do much to save this sinking ship of an album. Never say never, I guess, though.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Mariah Carey

I definitely enjoyed this performance moreso than the 106 & Park performance last week. Good stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Keri Hilson

We reported back in January that Christina Milian was set to sign with MySpace's new label (in partnership with Interscope). The deal did indeed go through and the singer has confirmed to Billboard that her new album will be hitting stores at the top of 2009:

Her label debut is due next spring. The first single, "Us Against The World," is a "cinematic power ballad" and will be available via the social networking site (MySpace) on October 6.

"I've been out of the game for one and a half years, and I think I'm long overdue for a comeback, so I'm treating this album like it's my last chance to make an impression. I'm competing with myself and being very detailed," the 26-year-old Cuban-American told Billboard. "Before, I had a label telling me what direction to go in. Now, it's my choice, so I'm being very particular about it and I'm really excited."

Kanye West is the sole guest artist so far, but Milian, who wrote most of the album, hints at potential collaborative surprises down the line.

Milian's stint with Def Jam did not end well. She was dropped just a month after the release of her third studio album, 2006's "So Amazin'," allegedly because of poor sales. The set has shifted more than 163,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

But she views the MySpace deal as a chance for a fresh start. "I have a lot of support from my peers. I have lots of people that love me and want the best for me," she said. "Sometimes things don't work out the right way, but I know I work my butt off on my end. As long as you know you worked hard, you feel accomplished. Thankfully, I took the time off to check out what's going on and now I'm back, and MySpace is allowing me to do tons of different things creatively." {Source}

Labels: Christina Milian

Can't say I'm really feeling the remix all that much, yet kudos to Ne-Yo for putting a new spin on the song. The R&B crooner is set to hit #1 with his third studio LP 'Year of The Gentleman' this week.

What do you think of the song / video?

Labels: Fabolous, Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo

What do you think of the pics?

Labels: Kelly Rowland

Looks great. Most definitely anticipating this one.

Will you be going to see 'Notorious B.I.G' ?

Labels: Notorious BIG

Awful.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Rihanna

Tracklist

1. Genie In A Bottle (New Version)
2. What A Girl Wants
3. Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)
4. Lady Marmalade (New Version)
5. Dirrty (featuring Redman)
6. Beautiful (New Version)
7. Fighter
8. Ain’t No Other Man
9. Hurt
10. Candyman
11. Keeps Gettin’ Better
12. Dynamite

I'm liking the cover; very striking...the track-list not so much. That said, I'm being cautiously optimistic about Xtina's latest 'sound/image' as I'm still not entirely sold on either. Anywhoo, the LP drops November 11th.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Christina Aguilera

With Janet having been so vocal about her displeasure with her relationship with the label, this hardly comes as a surprise. Here's hoping that with the success of Janet's 'Rock Witchu' tour, things are on the look-up for Ms. Jackson (if you're nasty!...).

Your thoughts?

Labels: Janet Jackson, Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins

Your thoughts?

Labels: Tyra Banks

It seems the 'beef' between Kanye West and 50 Cent, which culminated in Kanye's 'Graduation' besting 'The Massacre' last September, has been reignited as both rappers prep new albums. Check out Kanye's latest blog which takes jibes at the G-Unit general - who rubbished Ye's latest single 'Love Lockdown' (click here to watch 50 'performing' the song):

just woke up from a quick studio nap… I’ve been workin’ on 808s and Heartbreak about 16 hrs a day and Superman passed out for a little bit… I’m in hawaii but I’m still on NY time so I wake up mad early, do some business, blog, jog for an hour, play ball, eat and then hit the stu by noon. While approving the final cut for the Love Lockdown vid, I marvel at the fact that it was written less than 3 weeks ago. I’m very excited about the everything… I guarantee this will be 50’s favorite album of mine. This will be gangster’s album of the year. {Source}

There's no doubt this is a ploy to drive sales for both projects. In any case, here's to Kanye winning 'Round 2'!

Your thoughts?

Labels: Kanye West

Danity Kane siren Aubrey O'Day features in the latest issue of Complex magazine. As you can probably tell from the pic from her shoot above, this was no tame feature. See an extract from her interview below (the following contains adult content and may not be suitable for minors....I always wanted to say that LOL...sad I know):

Where to start? Wow. Aubrey seems to really be treading the fine line between being honest and being too honest. As for the pic(s) (the rest of which you can see by clicking here), it really does nothing to put an end to the barks of 'sl*t' oft directed towards Aubrey. Got to love the girl, though.

Labels: Danity Kane

The video for R. Kelly's new single 'Skin' premiered today on Yahoo Music. Of the material I've heard from his forthcoming LP '12 Play: 4th Quarter' (due unsurprisingly in this year's 4th quarter), 'Skin' has definitely been a personal standout cut. The video isn't bad either...

What do you think of the song?

Labels: R. Kelly

Check out these promotional shots for Brandy's forthcoming album 'Human' (due November 11th). She looks great!

Labels: Brandy

{Click image to enlarge}

Labels: Chris Brown, Keri Hilson

Granted the girls look and move great, it's a shame can't be said for the single; Nicole's voice on the all-round wack track is as jarring as ever. What's more, upon listening to their forthcoming LP 'Doll Domination', I can honestly say that it was complete and utter garbage. Still, with their 'formula' being so serviceable, I can see it still selling well regardless. SMH...

Your thoughts?

Labels: Pussycat Dolls

Singing sensation Leona Lewis is set to re-release her smash hit album 'Spirit' this Christmas here in the UK. The Cassidy-assisted 'Nowhere Left' to go is set to feature on this version of the album - having been (record for, but) left off the US release.

About the mid-tempo track, I'm really liking the fact that Leona isn't being pigeon-holed in the ballad-only category - the song is very 'current'. Saying that, the song, though not bad, doesn't really serve up much of substance; what's more there is a distinct lack of chemistry between Leona and Cassidy on the track (his part feels kinda 'phoned-in'). Decent, I guess.

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: Nowhere To Go (ft. Cassidy)

Labels: Cassidy, Leona Lewis

With Jay-Z having just finalized his multi-million dollar deal with Live Nation; reports are circulating that the rapper has formed a new record label with hit-makers Stargate - the duo behind big hits from the likes of Beyonce, Ne-Yo, Usher, Mary J and more:

Hot on the heels of his deal with Live Nation, which reportedly has the live music promotions giant contributing $5 million each year in overhead for five years, $25 million to finance Jay-Z's external acquisitions and investments, plus $10 million per album for a minimum of three albums within the deal's term, as well as aanother $20 million for other rights including publishing and licensing, Jay-Z is reportedly in the process of starting a new joint venture project with Norwegian based production crew Stargate.

The Stargate team of Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen will join Jay-Z in the formation of the StarRoc record label imprint. {Source}

There really is no stopping Jay these days, is there? With Stargate on board, it'll be interesting to see what the label will deliver in terms of artists and overall sound.

Labels: Jay Z

Great performances from both ladies. On a random note, it really does go to show that genuine, raw talent can be found on shows such as American Idol.

Anyway, the full show airs in the US January 24 and 25, 2009 on BET and WGN.

What do you think of the performances?

Labels: Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson

The much anticipated theme for the forthcoming James Bond movie 'Quantum of The Solace', featuring Alicia Keys and Jack White (of the White Stripes), 'Another Way To Die' , has surfaced. I'm kinda on the fence about this one...

Labels: Alicia Keys

It's not often you see Pink around these sides. However, as one of the few who think she's actually become better since switching up her sound from R&B, I'm real pleased to see her getting her dues. The singer's new single 'So What' jumped #2-#1 this week on the Billboard chart - marking her first time atop of the chart.

It's weird thinking back, that despite her 'Misunderstood' record being her biggest to date, the album's single's didn't yield any #1's. I mean great tracks such as 'Just Like A Pill', 'Family Portrait' etc were all deserving. That said, there's no point dwelling on what could have been...she's #1 now. More power to her!

Any thoughts?

Labels: Pink

Fresh off the success of 'American Boy', UK breakout star Estelle is set to serve up 'Come Over' as the 2nd US single from her highly acclaimed 'Shine' LP. This brand new version, not found on the album, features Sean Paul - who I must say compliments the already great track very well. Good stuff.

Labels: Estelle

Both Ne-Yo and Keri Hilson stopped by BET's 106 & Park to perform their current singles, 'Miss Independent' and 'Energy' respectively. You can check out Ne-Yo's showing above and Keri's below:

As has become the norm, Ne-Yo delivered an awesome performance. Keri, though iffy in parts, was pretty good too.

What do you think of the performances?

Labels: Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo

Some of you may remember this new Keri Hilson track, 'Shake It Like A Dog', from last year; the track was originally recorded by Mya for placement on her ill-fated 'Liberation' LP. Now featuring R&B crooner R. Kelly, as well as amped-up production (the beat knocks!), the track has been re-branded by Keri on her serially delayed album 'In A Perfect World' (which has now been pushed back to November 4th (SMH). I must say, I'm really feeling this one....a lot. Here's hoping the pushback and delays with Keri's record don't hamper what is sounding like a very deserving (of success) album.

Hit or Miss?

Labels: Keri Hilson, R. Kelly

Billboard recently confirmed that Mariah Carey was set to release fan/critic favourite 'Migrate' as the fourth single from her under-performing (by her standards) LP 'E=MC²'. However since then, uber reliable Mariah fansite Mariah Daily received word from Def Jam that the release of the single has been axed, with no further information on future releases from the album.

Labels: Mariah Carey

Your thoughts?

Labels: R. Kelly

Labels: Akon, Ashanti, Nelly

Ouch. From what I've seen prior to now, the girl can actually sing; however all the unnecessary vocal runs and acrobatics killed the performance right from the jump. Still trying to establish herself in the industry, it would be a shame if this is what she is remembered for...

Your thoughts?

Labels: Kat Deluna

While promoting his debut album 'Just A Rolling Stone' (did anyone else NOT know it was out?! LOL) on Rock Me TV, Donnie decided to air out Danity Kane's Aubrey. I won't ruin it, however I doubt Aubrey will be pleased to hear his comments. SMH:

You'd think Donnie would have more sense than to trash his co-star and 'expose' the behind the scenes aspect of a show he is still starring in with the very same Aubrey. Then again, I guess these are the type of stunts pulled when your album sells a pathetic 20, 000 copies - as Donnie's did. Any publicity is good publicity, ey?

Your thoughts?

Labels: Danity Kane, Donnie

Hot on the promo trail, Solange stopped by the Tyra Banks show yesterday to promote her new album 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams'. The burgeoning star talked to the supermodel turned talk show host about her project, being a teen mother, the Beyonce comparisons, the shooting of her best friend and much more. Check out parts 2 and 3 below as well as Solange's performances of 'I Decided' and 'Sandcastle Disco':

Part 2

Part 3

Sandcastle Disco

I Decided

Great interview, and equally as awesome performances. More power to her...

Your thoughts?

Labels: Solange, Tyra Banks

It's been a while since we've heard anything from LeToya, it's been even longer since there was any sign of the follow-up to Ms. Luckett's Platinum certified debut (which was supposed to drop early this year). Word has it that since the merger of her label Capitol with Virgin last year, things haven't been right at the label since (example: the last time you heard of Cherish or J. Holiday?).

Anyway, a brand new track featuring R&B crooner Avant has surfaced titled 'Somebody Else'. I must stress that the song IS NOT LeToya's first release from the new album - and thankfully so. It's not that the smooth, laid back' mid-tempo isn't good - quite the contrary; I'm just gonna need LeToya to knock the ball out the park with her new material - coming off such a solid debut, as well as the fact she's been gone for so long. Here's hoping the album's release is nigh.

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: Somebody Else (ft. Avant)

Labels: LeToya

During his recent promotional stop here in the UK, 50 Cent asserted his self-appointed spot as the 'largest hip-hop touring artist in the world', while also taking underhanded jabs at friend Eminem. Peep the report below via Contact Music:

Rapper 50 CENT has criticised Eminem for failing to travel the world to meet his fans.

The hip-hop star claims he is the biggest hip-hop touring artist in the world because Eminem refuses to go on tour.

He says, "I'm the largest hip-hop touring artist period. Eminem is the biggest rap artist on the planet, I'm the biggest touring artist because I travel places.

"He won't actually go to each one of those territories to be in front of all his fans. Not that he doesn't love them but he won't make the sacrifice of travelling as hard as I do."

Granted rappers tend to boast like there's no tomorrow, it definitely seems like this is a case of there being a problem when you have to remind everyone of how relevant you are. Randomness: While I don't have stats at hand, wouldn't the title of biggest Hip-Hop touring act go to Jay-Z at this point? Correct me if wrong...

Your thoughts?

Labels: 50 Cent