LeToya "She Ain't Got..." Video Premiere

"She Ain't Got..." is the second single taken from LeToya's sophomore album Lady Love (August 25th). I don't really like the single choice because the edited version takes away from the entire point of the song. Nonetheless, she pulled out a pretty hot video for it.

*UPDATED* Michael Jackson "TV Guide" Magazine Cover + More

Michael Jackson is also featured on the cover of a special collector's edition of TV Guide. CNN reports that "Michael Jackson's body will be taken to his Neverland Ranch on Thursday morning for a public viewing Friday. A private memorial service is scheduled for Sunday at Neverland." R.I.P. MJ.

UPDATE: As for that public memorial, not so much.

Chilli Gets Dating Reality Show

In the glorious tradition of "I Love New York" & "For The Love Of Ray J," Chilli has landed herself a 'love'-themed reality show on VH1. Eight episodes of the as-yet-untitled show have been ordered to air in 2010. It may not be in the way I would prefer, but at least Chilli is getting her name back out there. Reluctantly, I shall add this to my upcoming VH1 line-up, right next to Fantasia's forthcoming show.

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LeToya "Lady Love" Cover

LeToya has unveiled the cover art for her forthcoming sophomore album Lady Love (August 25th). She's sticking with that date, huh?.. Well, ain't this a Sasha Fierce FAIL. Actually, the Beyonce ripoff wouldn't bug me if it weren't for the fact that she did it so badly, covering her face & all. I guess it could be worse though; she does look good herself.

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Preview Jordin Sparks' "Battlefield"

You know the drill: A clip of each song on Jordin Sparks' upcoming sophomore album Battlefield (July 21st) can be streamed HERE. Jordin, sugar pie, honey child, this sounds incredible! Battlefield is on its way to being the best album of the year so far.

The 2009 BET Awards Recap

Keri Hilson - Medley


Keyshia Cole & Monica "Trust"

Beyonce - Medley

Ciara "Heal The World" (MJ Tribute)

Janet Jackson Speaks

The Michael Jackson-dedicated 2009 BET Awards were held last night. Keri Hilson performed "Turnin' Me On" & "Knock You Down," ending her set with a tribute to Michael. Keri really put on a show last night & I gotta give her props for that; she didn't go home empty handed either, winning the Best New Artist award! Keyshia Cole was joined by Monica, wearing a jacket inspired by MJ, & their performance was decent, if not showstopping. Beyonce took to the stage with her tour pairing of "Ave Maria" & a cover of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel," which was vocal perfection, but not nearly the spectacle many, including myself, were expecting. I doubt Beyonce cares though, as she walked away with Video Of The Year for "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" as well as the Best Female R&B Artist award. Ciara was one of a few artists to do a special tribute to the King of Pop & I'm sure it meant a lot to her to do it. Unfortunately, the night featured a number of small, badly thrown together performances "in honor of" Michael, but not nearly worthy. I really wish BET had taken the few days they had to call up some of today's biggest stars, some of which were M.I.A. on the night entirely, & put together one big, nice tribute. The night ended on a bittersweet note, however, when Janet Jackson appeared to make a brief statement regarding her brother on behalf of the whole Jackson family. You're in our thoughts, Janet, & we commend you for being so brave. Additional awards given were to Jazmine Sullivan (BET J Award), Day26 for Best Group, & Rihanna & T.I.'s "Live Your Life" for Viewer's Choice (which was accepted by Tiny ... WTF? RiRi didn't show up either?!); congrats to all the winners.

Day26 Performs "Imma Put It On Her" On 2009 BET Awards Pre-Show

Following their win, the boys of Day26 took the stage during the 2009 BET Awards Pre-Show to perform "Imma Put It On Her" off Forever In A Day. This, right here, is not a fan of Day26's live showings of this song.

Imogen Heap "Ellipse" Trailer

Imogen Heap offers up a peak into the last couple of years she spent making her upcoming album Ellipse (August 25th) in this trailer for the album. Is it so wrong that I got excited simply by the music playing in the background of this clip? With Mariah's album also dropping that day, August 25th is gonna be a big one for me!

Kanye West "Street Lights" Video Premiere

"Street Lights" is the sixth single off Kanye West's fourth album 808s & Heartbreak. Is Kanye's goal to release a video of some kind for every song on this album (cause he's more than halfway there..)? At least each one has its own identity & creative concept--& this one is no exception. Still, I wonder if he'll find another track that'll give him similar success to that of "Heartless."

Mary J. Blige "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" Teaser Poster & Trailer

Mary J. Blige is one of the stars of Tyler Perry's next film "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," which opens on September 11th. A motion poster similar to the above print can be viewed HERE. I'm certainly looking forward to the movie & if you don't think you are yet, just watch the teaser trailer for it below:

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Mariah Carey "Tennessee" Cover

Mariah Carey's movie "Tennessee" will be released on DVD September 1st. Although it had a (very) limited theatrical release earlier this month, it wasn't released anywhere near me, so I wasn't able to see it. But, the week after Mariah's new album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (August 25th) is released, I'll finally get the chance!

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Michael Jackson "Time" Magazine Cover

Time is publishing a special commemorative edition about Michael Jackson to hit newsstands on Monday. There is no doubt the King of Pop is deserving. I most definitely want my copy.

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Shontelle "Battle Cry (New Version)" Video Premiere

"Battle Cry" is (still) the second single taken from Shontelle's debut album Shontelligence. I'm glad the song has been given a proper video after the Obama-inspired one late last year. The video isn't exactly big budget, but it's alright. This girl has some decent material & I wish she were having more success.

Melanie Fiona To Release Mixtape

Melanie Fiona has teamed up with Questlove for a mixtape entitled "The Bridge Remixed Live." The two paired up for a live jam session, where they remixed songs from Melanie's forthcoming debut album The Bridge (August 18th), as is described above. Below, preview the outcome of "Ay Yo" (left) & a snippet of "Give It To Me Right" (right), & prepare yourself!

Imogen Heap "Ellipse" Cover

The cover art for Imogen Heap's upcoming album Ellipse (August 25th) has been revealed. It's really getting close, huh?! I actually like it, but Immi tweeted that she plans on changing it.

Syesha Mercado: Behind-The-Scenes

Syesha Mercado rewarded her Twitter followers when she reached 5,000 with this video of behind-the-scenes footage. Syesha is seen in the studio & just goofing off. More, more, more!

Day26 "Truth Is A Lie" Video Premiere

"Truth Is A Lie" is the fourth single taken from Day26's sophomore album Forever In A Day. This is one of the better songs on their album & the video is much better than yesterday's offering, so I approve.

Michael Jackson Tribute "Better On The Other Side" Song Premiere + More

Usher, The Game, Diddy, Chris Beatdown, Polow Da Don, Mario Winans, & Boyz II Men team up for "Better On The Other Side," a tribute to Michael Jackson. A nice heartfelt gesture. I don't exactly hear all those guys on it, but that doesn't really matter. Below, watch Jordin Sparks sing "Man In The Mirror," her favorite MJ song:

Adam Lambert Album Update

So, this post is about the REAL album. In a further attempt to take over the world (which I would gladly go along with), Adam Lambert has been working with some of the hottest names in the biz on his debut album. He has had songwriting sessions with American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, Ryan Tedder, & Greg Wells (Kelly Clarkson's "I Do Not Hook Up"), just to name a few. Adam has also met with producer Linda Perry. Phew... this album is gonna be BLAZING! You get 'em!

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Janet Jackson Returns For 'Married' Sequel + More

It has been announced that Janet Jackson will reprise her role in the Tyler Perry sequel "Why Did I Get Married Too." The movie, which follows up the play-based first film, is set to open next year on April 2nd. I enjoyed the first one & Janet even got awarded for it, so I'm excited for this.

In related news, Janet Jackson's manager has issued the following statement on behalf of Janet regarding her brother's passing:

"Janet Jackson is grief-stricken & devastated at the sudden loss of her brother. She is in pre-production on a film & is flying immediately to California to be with her family."

She has since made it to LA. I can't even imagine what Janet must be feeling right now, but she & the rest of the Jackson family are in my prayers. We lost a legend in Michael.

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Alicia Keys "Ebony" Magazine Cover

Alicia Keys is on one of four collectible covers of the latest issue of Ebony. Lookin' good!

Beyonce's Show Your Helping Hand Commercial

Beyonce has teamed up with Show Your Helping Hand & Feeding America for her current tour. She's such a go girl. :) I Am... Sasha Fierce is out now.

Michael Jackson Dead At 50

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died at the age of 50. For details, read what CNN had to say:

He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, according to brother Randy Jackson. He died at UCLA Medical Center.

I am at a loss for words. The industry has lost one of the greatest icons of all time. I've decided to post my personal favorite MJ video, so that we may reminisce on the greatest performer to ever live.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

1958 - 2009

Billboard Update

^This week's #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart

This week's #1 single on the Hot 100 chart^

See full charts HERE.

The Jonas Brothers' Lines, Vines & Trying Times top this week's Billboard 200 album chart (after selling less than half the number of copies their 10-month-old album did the first week out.) The Black-Eyed Peas continue their 1-2 reign atop the Hot 100 singles chart, with "Boom Boom Pow" leading the way. Debuting at #100 this week is Kelly Rowland & David Guetta's "When Love Takes Over," so yay for them!

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

We Are The Fallen Performs "Bury Me Alive"

At their press conference Monday, We Are The Fallen performed their first single "Bury Me Alive" & professionally recorded footage of the performance has now hit the net. Excellent stuff. You hit those notes, Carly!

Mariah Carey "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel" Cover

Mariah Carey gives off a throwback vibe with the cover of her upcoming album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (August 25th). I really like it, especially because it's three times the Mariah for the eyes to enjoy!

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Day26 "Girlfriend" Video Premiere

"Girlfriend" is the third single taken from Day26's sophomore album Forever In A Day. Crappy video, worse song. I was thinking about listening to the album again because I thought I may have been too hard on it the first time around, but apparently I wasn't.

Adam Lambert "On With The Show" Tracklisting

An album of Adam Lambert recordings of debatable origin under the moniker On With The Show will soon be released. Here is the set's tracklisting:

1. Beg For Mercy
2. Crawl Thru Fire
3. Want
4. Kiss & Tell
5. Just The Way It Is
6. Turning On
7. On With The Show
8. Runaway
9. 15 Minutes Of Fame
10. The Circle
11. mp3 Killed The Record Companies

Just to clarify, this information is simply for those interested. In fact, I wouldn't even consider this an "Adam Lambert album," as he had no say in the actual release of the material. That said, it is Adam, so it can't be THAT bad, right? Whatever the case, the irony of the 19 logo on the featured photo is noted. :)

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Solange "Op" Ads

Solange is currently appearing in the OPen Campus ad campaign for Op, which is exclusively available at Walmart. She is certainly looking good! Solange's latest album SoL-AngeL & The Hadley St. Dreams is available now.

Ashanti "The Wiz": Access Granted

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Access Granted went behind-the-scenes with Ashanti, who stars in a new production of the musical "The Wiz." Part 1 features interviews with Ashanti as well as her fellow castmates Tichina Arnold & Orlando Jones. Part 2 features Ashanti giving a tour of the backstage area. Part 3 features some footage of opening night, which is a cop out because why would you have an Access Granted episode without a world premiere of any kind? Even though I won't be able to travel to New York to see the production, it was an interesting watch.

We Are The Fallen Update

Since I last posted about them, the new Carly Smithson-led band has changed their name to We Are The Fallen due to legal conflicts with the original name The Fallen. Also, instead of simply releasing an album, We Are The Fallen plan to release an additional song in September followed by a pair of tracks every eight weeks while they are on tour. A CD is planned to follow in 2010 that may include "extended versions of the songs as well as orchestral interludes & perhaps even live recordings & footage from the tour." I guess I can't knock this idea just yet, though I wish we would get an album sooner. Nonetheless, I look forward to what We Are The Fallen will have to offer.

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Ciara ft. Missy Elliott "Work" Video Premiere

"Work," featuring Missy Elliott, is the next international single off Ciara's new album Fantasy Ride. CiCi sure was workin' it! This video was definitely worth the wait. I'd say that I hope "Work" does Ciara some favors on the charts, but apparently we have to rely on "Like A Surgeon" for that...

Christina Milian "Bring It On: Fight To The Finish" Cover

On September 1st, "Bring It On: Fight To The Finish," the fifth film in the series, starring Christina Milian will be released on DVD. As the cover obviously displays, the movie should be nice & corny. I'm just trying to figure out why nothing has happened yet with Christina's next album Elope.

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Jordin Sparks "Battlefield (Deluxe Edition)" Cover

The slightly improved cover art for the deluxe edition (the details for which, at time of posting, can be found on the main page by scrolling down) of Jordin Sparks' forthcoming sophomore album Battlefield (July 21st) has been revealed. I like it, though I can't quite figure out why they 1) picked a photo that has Jordin covering up one of her eyes & 2) cut it in half to use it as the standard cover when they have this much better final cover for the "Battlefield" single:

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Eve To Guest Star On Glee

When Glee airs this fall on FOX, a familiar face will be joining the cast for a two-episode arc. Eve is set to play "a no-nonsense girls' choir director from a rival school" on the music-themed show. I was a fan of Eve's show on UPN a few years back, so this is cool. I haven't really jumped on the Glee bandwagon though. Actually, how much longer are you gonna make us wait for that upcoming album Flirt of yours, Eve?

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Ashanti Performs "Home" On Regis & Kelly

Ashanti took a little time to promote the production of "The Wiz" that she is currently starring in by performing "Home" from the musical on Live With Regis & Kelly. If I'm being honest, she sounded very uncomfortable & out of her element during this performance.

Usher "Got Milk?" Ad

Usher has become the latest in a long line of celebrities to endorse the Got Milk? ad campaign. He is set to drop his new album Monster in October.

Ace Hood ft. Jazmine Sullivan & Rick Ross "Champion" Video Premiere

Jazmine Sullivan turns her swag on in the video for Ace Hood's latest single "Champion" off his forthcoming album Ruthless (June 30th). She sure does steal the show, huh?! Jazmine looks & sounds great in this. I just got way more excited for her next album, whenever that's gonna drop.

Chris Brown Gets No Jail Time In Rihanna Assault

Rihanna was at the court house today, ready to testify against Chris Brown, but before she got the chance, he reached a plea agreement that included no jail time. Instead, for felony assault, Chris will get five years probation, 180 days of community labor, & have to take domestic violence classes. In addition, the two aren't allowed to communicate. ... Wow. Seriously? Don't get it twisted: Just because it's been a little while now since it happened doesn't mean what went down wasn't a big deal. I really hope people don't stand for this ridiculation & show it come time for Chris' new album to drop. The fact that he is even recording one... sickening.

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Kelly Rowland Performs On Biz Sessions

When Love Takes Over

Daylight

Kelly Rowland performed an acoustic set for Biz Sessions recently. Nice. Very nice.

Ciara "Rap-Up" Magazine Cover

I am loving Ciara's cover shot for the new summer issue of Rap-Up magazine. Her third album Fantasy Ride is out now.

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The 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards Recap

The Black-Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow"

Kelly Clarkson "My Life Would Suck Without You"

The Black-Eyed Peas & Kelly Clarkson performed their big hits in the usual fashion on stage at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards in Canada last night. It wasn't all old news though: The BEPs walked away with the Best International Video Group award for "Boom Boom Pow."

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Kelly Rowland Performs "When Love Takes Over" In France

Kelly Rowland performed her hit single "When Love Takes Over" with David Guetta in France recently. As it turns out, the song just hit #1 in the UK, so congrats to the pair of them!

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Jordin Sparks "Battlefield (Deluxe Edition)" Details

Jordin Sparks is the latest to participate in the exciting trend of releasing a deluxe edition of her album Battlefield when it drops July 21st. In addition to the tracklisting I just posted, you will get the bonus tracks "Papercut" & "Postcard," should you purchase this edition. Also, a DVD will be included that features the "Battlefield" music video, photoshoot footage, behind-the-scenes, & the Hanging With Jordin Sparks featurette. Personally, I love these things & appreciate being able to buy the deluxe edition in the first place!

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Album Review: The Black-Eyed Peas "The END (Deluxe Edition)"

Following a hiatus that saw breakout member Fergie release a mega-successful solo album, The Black-Eyed Peas have returned, poised for more success than ever before, with their new album The END, or “The Energy Never Dies.” Arguably the Peas’ most outspoken member, will.i.am was inspired by dance music while making the digital-themed album. The BEPs were aiming to bring something different to the industry with The END & judging by their first single, the reigning #1 hit “Boom Boom Pow,” it seems to be working out so far.

The END starts off with a cheesy intro at the beginning of the catchy “Boom Boom Pow,” which is followed by the equally fun “Rock That Body.” I’m not nearly as fond of their slower material like “Meet Me Halfway” though. Probably my favorite track on the album, “Imma Be,” is a banger that speeds up towards the end & shows the Peas at the top of their game. Next up is second single “I Gotta Feeling,” which is growing on me, but isn’t particularly my cup of tea.

The slow jam pairing of “Alive” & “Missing You” is, respectively, just alright & a little better, thanks to vocals from Fergie. I, again, much prefer the uptempo sweetness found in “Ring-A-Ling” & “Party All The Time.” When it comes to “Out Of My Head,” I don’t suppose the musical styling of the song is that different from even my favorite offerings on The END, but with the lack of a catchy hook & emphasis lyrically on “going crazy” in a not-quite-as-innocent-type way, it just doesn’t do it for me.

“Electric City” is an interesting one; I love the Jamaican influence. “Showdown” is pretty good—a little filler-ish—but I do suppose they needed a little something like this before the next couple tracks. I do not like “Now Generation” or “One Tribe.” They are as preachy & stupid as you can imagine. How big IS will.i.am’s ego? He needs to realize that people do not buy records from The Black-Eyed Peas to hear about how his wonderful self is single-handedly revolutionizing the music industry or his political views. Didn’t he get that out of his system with the Obama tunes? Anyway, the standard edition closer, “Rockin’ To The Beat,” is an instrumental & feels a little pointless, but serves well as a calming mechanism for anyone who just listened to the preceding pair of songs.

The deluxe edition disc kicks off with “Where Ya Wanna Go,” which is nothing special. Probably your best bet from this disc is the creative “Simple Little Melody.” I’m not huge on the Filipino anthem “Mare,” but it’s not that bad. Before we get into the remixes, the forgettable “Don’t Bring Me Down” is offered up. I’ll be honest: It’s difficult enough getting through a whopping 25 tracks in one sitting, let alone lasting all the way to the 19th one, so these filler tracks may seem better should you take a break between discs.

I liked the idea of re-imagined versions of past BEP songs & the result is definitely worth at least picking up the deluxe edition of The END, especially “Shut The Phunk Up,” the remix to “Shut Up.” As for the main album, I like it as a whole. I find it difficult not to skip the songs I don’t like as much, mainly because no matter the actual track length, every song has a tendency to feel really long, as if they ran out of ideas two minutes into each song, but continued ‘letting the beat rock’ for another couple minutes. Still, The END is a fun album, especially for summer, & features The Black-Eyed Peas in their prime.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Jordin Sparks "Battlefield" Tracklisting

Jordin Sparks is prepping to release her sophomore album Battlefield on July 21st. Check out the tracklisting for one of my highlights of the summer below:

1. Walking On Snow
2. Battlefield
3. Don't Let It Go To Your Head
4. S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)
5. It Takes More
6. Watch You Go
7. No Parade
8. Let It Rain
9. Emergency (911)
10. Was I The Only One
11. Faith
12. The Cure

So, it looks like "Faith" made the cut, so that's cool. I am also really hoping the rumors are true about the third track being a cover of the Fefe Dobson song of the same name because I LOVE that song. Only one month from today!

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Album Review: Ruben Studdard "Love IS"

Ruben Studdard has had his ups & downs ever since winning the second season of American Idol. After a rather successful debut, Ruben hasn’t been able to maintain his initial level of success & failed to make a ‘return’ a few years ago. Back with a new label, Ruben has recorded his fourth studio album Love IS, a project devoted to simply singing & reminding the public why he won them over in the first place, but does he succeed in what he’s aiming for?

Love IS kicks off with its first single “Together,” a proper lead offering, though radio isn’t much into playing “singers” these days. A nice cover of “More Than Words” is then followed by “Song For Her,” a special dedication to his fiancé that reflects (& explains) the overall mood of the album. A bit of desperately needed life is pumped into Love IS with “How You Make Me Feel,” though it is at this point that you realize that everything on the album is going to sound basically the same.

“Don’t Make ‘Em Like U No More” is a pleasant midtempo—surprisingly, I know, though you can’t deny (& neither can America) Ruben’s smooth vocals on it or the following track “I Can’t Help It.” However, while trying to get past the halfway point, a song like “Just Because,” though not bad, becomes difficult to sit through. Thankfully though, one of the album’s highlights, the ballad “My Love Is A Rock,” follows & brings back memories of Ruben’s past Idol glory.

Now, while Ruben’s cover of “The Long & Winding Road” is very good, it has nothing on David Archuleta’s performance of the song on the Idol stage a little over a year ago. Ruben shows off his vocal ability much better on the retro “For The Good Times.” As Love IS winds down, Ruben continues to sing nicely on some more ballads: the big, inspirational “We Got Love (That’s Enough)” & “Footprints In The Sand.”

I get what Love IS is supposed to be & I’m not trying to belittle it for that, but I actually preferred the variation Ruben offered on his third album The Return. I think the choice to include some covers was smart because it will encourage people to embrace the man who does justice to their favorite tunes as they once did… should they give this album a listen. In fact, as always, I have to encourage you to enjoy the soul of Ruben Studdard once again when you’re in the mood for some good music.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Keyshia Cole, Others Added To BET Awards Performer Lineup

Keyshia Cole will be joined by Monica on stage at the 2009 BET Awards, where the pair will perform their hit single "Trust." Also recently added to the show's lineup of performers was Kanye West. Cool! The 2009 BET Awards air live on June 28th @ 8/7c.

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Pink "Funhouse" Video Premiere

"Funhouse" is the fourth single off Pink's latest album of the same name. The video definitely is 'fun' & I like it, but it doesn't top some of her others for the Funhouse album, like "So What" & "Please Don't Leave Me." I'm a little unsure about the song as a single because it's not as strong as one I'd heard rumors about being the next single ("Bad Influence"), but it is good.

Mariah Carey "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel" Update

Details about Mariah Carey's upcoming album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (August 25th) are slowly emerging. A few song titles have been confirmed, including "Candy Bling," "The Impossible," & "H.A.T.E.U.," which Mariah has already recorded one of her classic remixes for. These, of course, are in addition to her blazing new single "Obsessed," which describes quite well how I currently feel about the song. August 25th can't come sooner!

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Adam Lambert Pre-Idol Album To Be Released + More

Hi Fi Recordings (Melinda Doolittle's label) is prepping to release On With The Show, a set of pre-Idol recordings from Adam Lambert, later this summer. The album will be preceded by the lead single "Want," which can be heard HERE. Here's what Adam had to say about the matter:

"Back in 2005 when I was a struggling artist, I was hired as a studio singer to lend my vocals to tracks written by someone else. I was broke at the time & this was my chance to make a few bucks, so I jumped at the opportunity to record for my first time in a professional studio. The work I did back then in no way reflects the music I am currently in the studio working on. I'm thrilled to be working with some of today's hottest songwriters & producers & can't wait for people to hear what my music really sounds like."

I take it Adam doesn't find this situation ideal, as he shouldn't, though I won't necessarily object to as much Glambert as possible. In related news, RedOne (ya know, the producer with all the hits at the top of the charts) has been working with Adam on his REAL debut album & reveals that he hopes they "record at least six tracks for Lambert's record." Adam has also been putting some time in with David Hodges, the same guy who recently worked with Kris Allen. Off to a great start!

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Keri Hilson Collaborates With R. Kelly, The Clipse

With a top three hit under her belt, Keri Hilson is the new go-to chick. R. Kelly has recruited Miss Keri for "Number 1 Sex," the first single off his upcoming album Untitled. Listen to it HERE. He sure made the right choice cause Keri was doin' her thang on that song! Also, The Clipse are set to include a Keri-featured track titled "Eyes On Me" on their forthcoming third album Till The Casket Drops. Listen to it HERE. If you don't have it yet, make sure to pick up your copy of Keri's debut album In A Perfect World....

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Kris Allen Album Update

Some collaborators for Kris Allen's debut album have been revealed. Producers David Hodges & Salaam Remi have jumped at the chance to work with the Idol winner, as has songwriter Claude Kelly (Leona Lewis' "Forgive Me"). Interestingly enough, Kris even put in some time with a member of The Fray, the band that inspired his breakout performance of Kanye West's "Heartless" on the show. Kris seems to be enjoying his writing sessions, as he had this to say:

"Each writing session has been a learning experience. I think that we are trying to figure it out & that it's going the right way & I'm really excited about it. I can't wait."

Sounds good. Is it just me, or are Idol finalists getting bigger names for their debut albums than ever? Definitely a good look for Kris.

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David Archuleta "Seventeen Malaysia" Magazine Cover

After playing a huge show there recently, David Archuleta finds himself a cover boy in Malaysia for the latest issue of Seventeen magazine. This sure says a lot about his talent, considering I don't even know where Malaysia is. Visit the beyond awesome folks at Snarky Archies to see scans of the inside! David Archuleta's self-titled debut album is out now.

American Idol Season 8 CD Cover & Tracklisting

On June 30th, a compilation CD for the eighth season of American Idol will be released exclusively to Walmart. This is the first time one of these has been released since season five & since the contestants began recording each week's song. I find it kinda pointless, but do check out the tracklisting below if you're interested:

1. Kris Allen "No Boundaries"
2. Danny Gokey "Stand By Me"
3. Allison Iraheta "I Can't Make You Love Me"
4. Matt Giraud "Human Nature"
5. Adam Lambert "Mad World"
6. Kris Allen "She Works Hard For The Money"
7. Lil Rounds "I Surrender"
8. Scott MacIntyre "Just The Way You Are"
9. Michael Sarver "You Are Not Alone"
10. Megan Corkrey "Walkin' After Midnight"
11. Anoop Desai "Always On My Mind"
12. Adam Lambert "No Boundaries"

So, what's with the Kris Allen sabotage, being that they aren't including "Heartless" or even "Falling Slowly?" Hmm.

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Lily Allen "F*** You" Video Premiere

"F*** You" is the third single (in Europe, anyway) off Lily Allen's sophomore album It's Not Me, It's You. I thought this was gonna be stupid, but it's actually quite entertaining.

Carly Smithson Joins The Fallen

Former American Idol finalist Carly Smithson has teamed up with the band from Evanescence to form a new band named The Fallen. The Fallen, whose name alludes to Evanescence's first album Fallen, are set to release their debut single "Bury Me Alive," which can be downloaded for FREE HERE, on Monday, while more new music is to be gradually released every few months. Their music is said to sound quite like Evanescence, which is cool with me because 1) that's the kind of music Carly has shown interest in making & 2) Carly has those same powerful pipes that Amy Lee does. This is such a great opportunity for her & I'm pumped for what's to come!

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Kelly Rowland Performs "When Love Takes Over" On Le Grand Journal

Kelly Rowland & David Guetta performed "When Love Takes Over" again, this time on Le Grand Journal, & Kelly shut it down even better than before! Chick doesn't get enough credit for those pipes. Note: As always, the interview that follows is completely in French.

Billboard Update

^This week's #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart
This week's #1 single on the Hot 100 chart^

See full charts HERE.

The Black-Eyed Peas rule this week's Billboard charts with the #1 album The END, which sold 304,000 copies, & #1 single "Boom Boom Pow" on the Billboard 200 & Hot 100, respectively... but it doesn't end there! The Peas' second single "I Gotta Feeling" debuted at #2 after selling 249,000 digital copies, putting them in a position that no one has managed to get to in five years, so a huge congrats to the BEPs! Also, Jordin Sparks did get herself the Sales Gainer status, as her single "Battlefield" rises 65-46, so yay!

"Knock You Down" Watch

TW: #3 - LW: #3 - Peak: #3 - Week: #12

Busta Rhymes ft. Big Tigger "If You Don't Know Now You Know" Video Premiere

"If You Don't Know Now You Know," featuring Big Tigger, is some kind of joke taken from Busta Rhymes' latest album Back On My B.S. They must've been really bored one day to make a video for this. This "song" has got to be one of the worst things I've ever heard.

Angels & Airwaves Album Update + More

Angels & Airwaves fans have been curious what is next for the band ever since blink-182 reunited. Well, AVA has an announcement to make & it's quite a large one! The band is set to release their third album Love as well as a film project of the same name before the year's end ... for FREE! The "Love" film was previously to be named after their sophomore album I-Empire, but I'll let Tom give the rest of the details:

"[Love is] the biggest release of my life, the pinnacle of my creativity; it's super conceptual & highbrow in many ways, very artistic. ... It's a very modern version of what could happen when you blend the film industry & the music industry together in a very, very arty, kind of cool way with professionals involved all along the path."

Angels & Airwaves are one of my random musical obsessions, but it's only because they are completely brilliant, so you can imagine my excitement that comes along with this news!

[Source, Source]

Avril Lavigne "Black Star" Commercial

Avril Lavigne stars in this commercial for her first fragrance Black Star, which also includes a theme song, if you will, for the perfume. Whatever keeps them checks rollin' in!

David Archuleta On Stripped

"A Thousand Miles"

"A Little Too Not Over You"

"Angels"

Q&A

David Archuleta performed a few tunes, including "A Thousand Miles," which is available on his recently released digital fan pack, for the Stripped series. He also twittered onstage! Curious what the lettuce reference is about (as if you didn't know, but you know you wanna watch him explain it again)? Click HERE to find out. As always, if you like what you hear, David's self-titled debut album is out now, so go buy it for yourself or a friend or that last dork on your block who still doesn't have it yet!

Beyonce "Sweet Dreams": Behind-The-Scenes

Check out this footage of Beyonce making her new video for "Sweet Dreams" off I Am... Sasha Fierce. Fierce is definitely the word for what this video looks to be! After all these dull videos, who would've known?

Ciara's Do Something Commercial

Ciara is the latest celeb to encourage you to Do Something. To return the favor, you might 'do something' for her (& yourself) by purchasing her new album Fantasy Ride!

Mariah Carey "Obsessed" Song Premiere

Click HERE to listen to "Obsessed," the first single off Mariah Carey's forthcoming album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (August 25th). Thank God for Mariah Carey. First of all, this song is HOT, but that's a given. Secondly, we FINALLY have something to REALLY look forward to in 2009! Radio, you know you want this. Eat it up. Oh, & HERE is the remix with Gucci Mane.

Beyonce "Broken-Hearted Girl" Video Premiere

"Broken-Hearted Girl" is the third pop track to be lifted from Beyonce's latest album I Am... Sasha Fierce. I'm a little on the fence about this one... mediocre video, ok song. I mean, it's good, but I'm not jumping for joy here. This is the last video we hadn't seen from the newly released "Above & Beyonce" CD/DVD.

Kelly Rowland On This Morning

"When Love Takes Over"

Interview

Kelly Rowland appeared on This Morning alongside David Guetta to perform their #1 single "When Love Takes Over" & sit down for an interview. She was killin' that performance! I was hoping we would hear more about Kelly's future solo projects during the interview, but I guess she's a little busy at the moment.

Fantasia's Derek Blanks Photoshoot

Photographer Derek Blanks has really been making his mark lately, so I've decided to feature his work. He definitely caught my eye with the couple of shoots he's done with Jennifer Hudson, but he sure worked his magic for Fantasia! I am loving these shots & I hope this is just the first in a string of new things to come from Fantasia. Check out the rest of the shoot below:

[Source]