Friday, April 30, 2010

Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

The latest Glee soundtrack The Power Of Madonna is on top of this week's Billboard 200 album chart. In other depressing news, the B.o.B/Bruno Mars collabo "Nothin' On You" remains atop the Hot 100 singles chart this week. Moving 8-6, Usher's will.i.am-assisted "OMG" earns both Digital & Airplay Gainer titles. Also, debuting this week are Shontelle @ #88 with "Impossible" & Ciara & Ludacris' "Ride" @ #93.

See full chart HERE

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Christina Aguilera "Not Myself Tonight" Video Premiere

"Not Myself Tonight" is the first single off Christina Aguilera's upcoming fourth studio album Bionic (June 8th). X-Tina has returned for the start of a new decade! There is a new look every, like, second in this Hype Williams-directed video, but that just gives me an excuse to put it on repeat! It even makes the song better!

Leona Lewis "InStyle UK" Magazine Cover

Leona Lewis is featured on the cover of the June issue of InStyle in the UK. They're really on the ball rolling out issues over there! Leona looks really good though. Her underrated second album Echo is out now.

Sean Kingston ft. Justin Bieber "Eenie Meenie" Video Premiere

"Eenie Meenie", featuring Justin Bieber, is the first single lifted from Sean Kingston's forthcoming third album. (It's also available now on Justin's album My World 2.0.) Average video, but--& I'm sure I just need some sleep--the song actually sounded slightly better than the last time (which was also the first time) I listened to it.

Adam Lambert Performs "Whataya Want From Me" On Morgenmagazin

Adam Lambert performed "Whataya Want From Me" off For Your Entertainment on Morgenmagazin in Germany. Pretty sure I hate this song now. Just wondering though: Are you required to wear nail polish to be in Adam's band? lol

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Rihanna "Rated R: Remixed" Cover

Rihanna switches it up ever-so-slightly for the cover of Rated R: Remixed (May 25th). I hope this is good & that it does well, so that Mariah Carey Vs. Jump Smokers gets a release date!

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Esmee Denters ft. Justin Timberlake "Love Dealer" Video Premiere

"Love Dealer", featuring Justin Timberlake, is the new US single from Esmee Denters' upcoming debut album Outta Here. Cool song.

*UPDATED* Christina Aguilera "Not Myself Tonight" Video Preview

Christina Aguilera has offered up this tease of her new music video for "Not Myself Tonight", the first single off her upcoming album Bionic (June 8th). Oo, raunchy! I don't think I can wait 'til Friday!!

UPDATE: Another!

UPDATE #2: And another!

Toni Braxton Performs "Make My Heart" On Ellen


Toni Braxton worked the Ellen DeGeneres Show stage while performing her new single "Make My Heart" off her upcoming album Pulse (May 4th). She can dance like that & still sing like that?! Go Toni!

Usher Performs On Stripped



There Goes My Baby



That Girl (Stevie Wonder Cover)



Love In This Club

Usher recently performed a set for iheartradio's Stripped series in support of his new album Raymond Vs. Raymond. Here's a dichotomy for ya, Usher: I hate your personality, but you still have one of the best male R&B voices out there. I mean, that Stevie Wonder cover was pretty incredible! On the other side of the spectrum, you can watch an additional performance of "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" (as well as interview clips) HERE.

Adam Lambert On GMTV



"For Your Entertainment"



Interview

While visiting the UK to launch his For Your Entertainment album release, Adam Lambert performed the title track on GMTV & slaaayed! You better get it with that choreography, Adam!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Nicole Scherzinger On Dancing With The Stars: Week 6

Nicole Scherzinger ruled the competition once again after dancing the Samba during her sixth week on Dancing With The Stars. I read that Len was in a cranky mood with everybody... my favorite judge is Bruno anyway! Nicole FTW!!

Jordin Sparks & Natalie Grant Perform "Human" On 2010 Dove Awards

Jordin Sparks joined Natalie Grant to perform "Human", a song lifted from the latter's upcoming album Love Revolution, at the 2010 Dove Awards. Apparently Jordin wrote the song, which is a bit of a shame because it doesn't do anything for me, nor does Natalie, so let's just say that Jordin might just be a little better at the whole singing thing! Speaking of which, her terrific sophomore album Battlefield is out now.

The Caffeine Patch: Toy Story 3's Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear Viral Commercials

I couldn't resist. Pixar has launched a totally awesome viral marketing campaign for "Toy Story 3", which hits theaters on June 18th, centered around the new character Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear. Above, you can view a "real" commercial for the huggable teddy circa 1983 that's all VHS-to-digital-ified! Then, below, check out the Japanese version! Ah, gotta love Pixar.

Sean Kingston "O Let's Do It" Video Premiere

For some ... reason, Sean Kingston has done his own horrible version of Waka Flocka Flame's horrible song "O Let's Do It" with two of (I'm assuming) his artists, whom I don't care enough about to remember the names of. This is so horrible, I have no clue why I posted it. I apologize.

Usher "944" Magazine Cover

Usher covers the latest issue of 944 magazine. His new album Raymond Vs. Raymond is in stores now.

[Source]

Brian McKnight ft. The Frat "I Love LA" Video Premiere

So, I take it, being that Brian McKnight's radio show takes place in LA, he recorded "I Love LA" with The Frat, which I think is made up of his sons & their friends, for the local CBS affiliate to promote the Lakers... because he hasn't an ounce of dignity left? Umm... his, uh, latest album Evolution Of A Man (which does NOT feature this song) is, uh, out now.

Preview We Are The Fallen's "Tear The World Down"

We Are The Fallen's debut album Tear The World Down will be released on May 11th, but you don't have to wait until then to wet your appetite. Click HERE to listen to snippets of the album. I like what I'm hearing. 2010 is the year of the return of the voice! Note: "Like A Prayer" (a Madonna cover, I believe) will no longer be included on the album. Wonder why.

Dondria In The Studio With Johnta Austin

Recently, Dondria helped out her So So Def labelmate Johnta Austin by adding a lady's touch to his song "15 Minutes". The lyrics are absolutely repulsive, as is the testosterone-driven conversation that takes place mid-way through the clip, but Dondria sounds great! Her debut album Dondria Vs. Phatfffat finally comes out June 22nd.

LeToya's Derek Blanks Alter-Ego Photoshoot

LeToya is the latest in a long line of celebs who have participated in photographer Derek Blanks' alter-ego photoshoot series. She actually has quite a bit going on: Her sophomore album Lady Love is available now, her movie "Preacher's Kid" arrives on DVD May 4th, & she apparently has a role in the Katherine Heigl/Ashton Kutcher comedy "Killers", which opens in theaters on June 4th.

N.E.R.D. ft. Nelly Furtado "Hot & Fun" Viral Video Premiere



N.E.R.D. has unleashed a viral video for their first single "Hot & Fun", which features Nelly Furtado, off their forthcoming album Nothing (June 15th). It's becoming increasingly clear why their Instant Gratification album was scrapped... the rumors must be true: Rhea's out. It's probably why Nelly Furtado is on this track, but that doesn't really make sense because it still gives their music the female touch that they would've had with Rhea. I was excited about Pharrell & co. pulling a Fergie & having a girl in the group who shares their style, yet offers something fresh & new, but maybe she just didn't fit in &, in the words of Westlife, "you can't lose what you never had."

Janelle Monae "The ArchAndroid" Tracklisting

The release of Janelle Monae's debut album The ArchAndroid on May 18th will soon be upon us. The set's tracklisting has now been revealed, so you can check it out below:

1. Suite II Overture
2. Dance Or Die (ft. Saul Williams)
3. Faster
4. Locked Inside
5. Sir Greendown
6. Cold War
7. Tightrope (ft. Big Boi)
8. Neon Gumbo
9. Oh, Maker
10. Come Alive (The War Of The Roses)
11. Mushrooms & Roses
12. Suite III Overture
13. Neon Valley Street
14. Make The Bus (ft. Of Montreal)
15. Wondaland
16. 57821 (ft. Deep Cotton)
17. Say You'll Go
18. BabopbyeYa

18 tracks! That's what I'm talkin' about!!

[Source]

Monday, April 26, 2010

Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

For reasons that are beyond the realm of my understanding, Justin Bieber's My World 2.0 & B.o.B & Bruno Mars' "Nothin' On You" top the latest Billboard 200 & Hot 100 charts, respectively. Elsewhere on the Hot 100, Christina Aguilera debuts @ #23 with "Not Myself Tonight" after selling 77,000 digital copies. Usher & will.i.am's "OMG" earns the Airplay Gainer title, moving 10-8, & Adam Lambert makes his way into the top 10 with "Whataya Want From Me" jumping 23-10 after his performance & mentoring stint on Idol, earning himself the Digital Gainer title with more-than-double sales of 108,000 downloads!

See full charts HERE

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Idol Review: Top 7



Mary J. Blige "Stairway To Heaven"



Alicia Keys - Medley



The Black-Eyed Peas "Rock That Body"



Carrie Underwood "Change"

So, Idol Gives Back had its moments. My favorite was Mary J. Blige's performance with her all-star band (Travis Barker, Randy Jackson, Ron Fair, Steve Vai, Orianthi...). It's really cool that they got them all together to perform this, especially on American Idol & for charity. The week's mentor Alicia Keys performed "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" & a pitchy "Empire State Of Mind (Part 2) Broken Down". I wish she had just done her new single. Also there were The Black-Eyed Peas, who were their typical selves, & Carrie Underwood, who reminded us of the days when talent actually came from this show.

On Tuesday night, the only thing the contestants inspired me to do was bang my head against a wall. Casey continued to treat the competition like his first audition & the judges FINALLY started to catch on. Old Yeller 2.0 was awful & Aaron embarassed the crap out of himself, as he does best. Siobhan deserved a whoopin', Michael was pathetic, & Crystal was dumb! Tim, being the only contestant the show would've sent home this week anyway, especially deserved his ticket home this week for disrespecting that song the way he did. Overall, the show made me wanna cry.

Below, you will see this week's episode of The BabyV Show. I recommend that you watch. ;)

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Ciara ft. Ludacris "Ride" Video Premiere

"Ride", featuring Ludacris, is the first single off Ciara's upcoming fourth album Basic Instinct. This video is my hero. Four minutes and 39 seconds of bliss. She's so fiiine! CiCi, please marry me.

*UPDATED* Adam Lambert Performs At 2010 GLAAD Media Awards

None other than Adam Lambert was on hand at the 2010 GLAAD Media Awards to perform his Lady Gaga-penned For Your Entertainment track "Fever". Fiiierce! (At least it wasn't "Whataya Want From Me"...)

UPDATE: Glambert was also going full force during his performance of "Music Again" at the ceremony:

Janelle Monae Collaborates With B.o.B

Janelle Monae is featured on "The Kids", a new song from B.o.B, who just hit the top of the Billboard singles chart. "The Kids" will be featured on his forthcoming debut album The Adventures Of Bobby Ray (April 27th). Take a listen:



I actually quite enjoyed that. I don't like "Nothin' On You"... maybe it's Bruno Mars... I dunno, but this was actually decent--on both of their parts. Janelle sounded especially lovely!

[Source]

Esmee Denters ft. Justin Timberlake "Love Dealer" Video Preview

Check out this 30-second sneak peek at Esmee Denters' video with Justin Timberlake for "Love Dealer", the new single off her upcoming album Outta Here. The full video will premiere on April 28th.

Nicole Scherzinger On Dancing With The Stars: Week 5

Nicole Scherzinger topped the night after dancing the Tango during the fifth week of Dancing With The Stars. I never thought I'd say this, but DWTS is actually more entertaining than Idol this year--& I'm only watching Nicole! She was so awesome!! Nicole FTW!

We Are The Fallen Performs At Q101

I Am Only One

Bury Me Alive

We Are The Fallen performed a short acoustic set for Chicago radio station Q101 recently to promote their upcoming debut album Tear The World Down (May 11th). This is the first time I am/we are hearing "I Am Only One" & it seems nice! It'll be interesting to hear the studio version. You show 'em how it's done, Carly!

Teairra Mari "Automatic" Video Preview

Teairra Mari offers up a first look at her video for "Automatic", the latest single lifted from her forthcoming sophomore album At That Point (June 29th). I'm a Teairra fan & everything, but all I'm sayin' is that she better have Nicki up in that video!

Jennifer Hudson & Leona Lewis To Duet For "Sex & The City 2"

Jennifer Hudson may not be reprising her role from the first film in "Sex & The City 2", but that isn't stopping her from being a part of the sequel. She has recorded a duet with labelmate Leona Lewis entitled "Love Is Your Color" for the movie's soundtrack. These two powerhouses on one track?! I don't think I can take it! (But I'll sure try!!) The soundtrack to "Sex & The City 2" will be released on May 25th, two days before the film hits theaters.

[Source, Source]

Esmee Denters ft. Justin Timberlake "Love Dealer" Behind-The-Scenes

Entertainment Tonight visited Esmee Denters & Justin Timberlake on the set of their video for "Love Dealer", the new US single from her upcoming debut album Outta Here. In addition to footage of them shooting & discussing the video, there are some sneak peeks of the final cut throughout the clip. It looks like they're pulling a Ciara out all the stops so that Esmee can get the success here that she deserves!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Ciara "Basic Instinct (U Got Me)" Video Premiere

Here, we have Ciara's viral video for "Basic Instinct (U Got Me)", a buzz track for her upcoming fourth album Basic Instinct. CiCi heads back to the hood for this one & even gets her rap on... which I could do without personally. I also feel the need to mention that I'm not really buying that Ciara is really THIS ghetto, but she doesn't care what I think anyway! Ya know, Ciara, not all bloggers post about you to hate on you--some of us genuinely like your music & just want to support you, so don't hate on us..! Anyway, I do think this is kinda cool & I'm ready for CiCi to shut it down! We'll see what else she has in store for us when the video for her first official single "Ride" premieres ..later today!

Janelle Monae "The ArchAndroid" Cover

The fliest of them all AKA Janelle Monae graces the cover of her full-length debut The ArchAndroid, which arrives May 18th. You keep doin' you, girl!

[Source]

Monica On Wendy Williams

"Everything To Me"

Interview

As a guest on The Wendy Williams Show, Monica KILLED another performance of her #1 single "Everything To Me". Love that ending! She also sat down for another one of her charming interviews. Monica's soulful new album Still Standing is out now.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Nicki Minaj "I Am Nicki" Spring Bling Special

Nicki Minaj starred in her very own half-hour special during BET's Spring Bling called "I Am Nicki". (According to her, it was the highest-rated telecast in Spring Bling history!) She takes us along for the ride as she gets ready for her first-ever Spring Bling performance, which takes place at the end & is a medley of "My Chick Bad" (following a bit of it earlier), "I Get Crazy", "Roger That", "5 Star Chick", & "Lil' Freak" (her verses where applicable of course). I love Nicki. She's flier than an eagle that's balding!

New Christina Aguilera Promo Pics

Christina Aguilera is lookin' her gawgeous self in this new set of promotional photos for her upcoming fourth album Bionic (June 8th). I'm so excited that she's baaack!!

[Source]

Dondria Performs "You're The One" On The Mo'Nique Show

Mo'Nique recently had Dondria on her show, where they chatted a bit before the up-&-comer was given the opportunity to perform her single "You're The One" for the first time on TV. And, uh, she killed it! Those vocals were on-point!! Dondria's debut album Dondria Vs. Phatfffat drops on June 22nd. Errbody cop dat! ;)

We Are The Fallen "Tear The World Down" Tracklisting

Carly Smithson & co. AKA We Are The Fallen are prepping for the release of their debut album Tear The World Down on May 11th. The tracklisting for the disc has been revealed:

1. Bury Me Alive
2. Burn
3. Paradigm
4. Don't Leave Me Behind
5. Sleep Well My Angel
6. Through Hell
7. I Will Stay
8. Like A Prayer
9. Without You
10. St. John
11. I Am Only One
12. Tear The World Down

So, there you have it! I can't wait to hear some (more) of these.

[Source]

Beyonce & Jay-Z Perform "Young Forever" At Coachella

Check out this professional footage of Beyonce joining Jay-Z on stage at the annual Coachella music festival to take over the Mr Hudson part during Jay's performance of his Blueprint 3 song "Young Forever". Besides to make a special guest appearance, Beyonce was just there to support her hubby, who was the headliner, & I must say... relaxation looks good on her! That's not to say I personally want her to take much time off, but she definitely deserves it.

Jennifer Lopez Does Vanidades Magazine

Jennifer Lopez is currently on the cover of Spanish magazine Vanidades. If these clothes look familiar, that's because this is the same shoot (different shots though) as the one featured in the Ukraine edition of Marie Claire that Jennifer is also on the cover of. Regardless though, she looks great. I'm excited to see "The Back-Up Plan" when it opens this weekend!


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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Rihanna "Last Girl On Earth" Tour Behind-The-Scenes

<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&from=sp&vid=e8bc04c6-5abb-4056-a1f5-ff7172416e4e" target="_new" title="Behind the scenes of Rihanna's upcoming tour">Video: Behind the scenes of Rihanna's upcoming tour</a>


Rihanna is now embarking on her "Last Girl On Earth" world tour in support of her latest album Rated R. If you'd like to get a sneak peek at what you can expect if you plan to catch RiRi when she hits your town, check out the pair of clips above. She may not have the best reputation when it comes to performing, but if she's even bringing along guns to sit on top of during "Te Amo", then that just might be a show I'd wanna see!

Idol Review: Top 9 (Pt. 2)



Adam Lambert "Whataya Want From Me"



Elliott Yamin & Kara DioGuardi Visit Africa

To cap off a week of trying to help this sad, sad group with their stage presence (& failing... but don't worry, Adam--it's not your fault! Ya gotta work with what ya got!) as mentor, trusty ol' Adam Lambert gave a stellar performance of his stale current single. He was easily the week's highlight... but--imagine--what if that performance had been of "Aftermath"?! (Or "Broken Open"... or "Sleepwalker"... or "Soaked"... or anything something else!) Anyway, also putting in an appearance, more or less, during the results show, Elliott made a return trip to Africa to kick off this year's Idol Gives Back, which occurs next week. Throughout his segment, they played his James Fauntleroy-penned Fight For Love bonus track "Doorway", which is my JAM! Onto the contestants though... Crystal was her typical BowersUx self, Tim was his typical snoozy self, Old Yeller 2.0 was his typical awful self, Aaron actually managed to embarass himself more than usual, Siobhan was her typical talentless self, Michael was his typical snoozy self (They're so boring, my mind isn't even bothered to come up with different adjectives!), & Casey was his typical headache-inducing self. It was definitely Andrew's time to go, while I actually thought Katie was halfway decent for once... oh well. On to The BabyV Show(!):

Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

Justin Bieber Some fetus returns to the top of the Billboard 200 album chart this week with My World 2.0. For a fifth week, Rihanna's "Rude Boy" sits atop the Hot 100 singles chart, where Usher scores his 15th top 10 in the will.i.am-assisted "OMG" @ #10.

See full charts HERE

Backstreet Boys On The Bonnie Hunt Show



"Bigger"



Interview (Pt. 1)



Interview (Pt. 2)

The Backstreet Boys emerged from their worldwide This Is Us tour to put in an appearance on The Bonnie Hunt Show, where they performed their latest single "Bigger". The guys are as charming as ever. I like "Bigger"... I wish it would do something for them...

The Caffeine Patch: New Shrek Forever After Poster

Here's the final poster for "Shrek The Final Chapter Forever After", which hits theaters on May 21st. Shrek kinda looks weird in the latest promo artwork for this movie--not to mention that he's the only familiar character on this poster. Hmm...

[Source]

Mary J. Blige On Oprah


Mary J. Blige appeared on Oprah recently to perform her rendition of "Stairway To Heaven" & discuss revisiting her hometown of Yonkers. Mary absolutely killed on stage & it's very cool to see her giving back to her own community.

Kelly Rowland "Everywhere You Go" Song Premiere

Kelly Rowland has recorded the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme song for South Africa "Everywhere You Go" with local artists 2Face, Awadi, Chameleone, Crotale, Jozi, Kwesta, Rola, Samini, Slikour, & Zuluboy. Take a listen to the track below:



Seeing as how this is a pretty big deal, I'm happy for her! My happiness doesn't stop there though because I think Kelly sounds great on the song! Sure it's still obviously a sports team's theme song, but that doesn't change the fact that it really has me looking forward to her next album now!

Monica On Lopez Tonight



"Everything To Me"



Interview

Monica stopped by Lopez Tonight to promote her new album Still Standing with a performance of "Everything To Me" & an interview. This is one of the best promo stops I've seen in a long time! Monica was absolutely phenomenal during that performance! They also had me going nuts, talking about Rocko & Romelo during her interview. Monica is the best!

Adam Lambert Does Rolling Stone Japan

Adam Lambert is apparently America's biggest little import in Japan, as he's currently being featured with a cover spread in their Rolling Stone. Looks like Adam had fun with the shoot & I don't blame him! At least he's never boring. ;) Adam's debut album For Your Entertainment is out now.



Kelis "Flesh Tone" Cover

Kelis is all shiny on the cover of her forthcoming album Flesh Tone (July 6th). It's weird, it's Kelis... I like it! Btw, "Acapella" happens to be the Music Video Of The Week on iTunes, so click HERE to get it for FREE!

[Source]

OneRepublic Performs On Down The Front



Secrets



Stop & Stare

Here are two more performances, this time via VEVO, from OneRepublic's Down The Front sessions. They performed one old song & one new tune from their sophomore album Waking Up. Nice job, guys.

Keri Hilson Is The New Face Of Avon

Keri Hilson has been chosen as the new face of Avon. Following in the footsteps of Jennifer Hudson, the singer will promote the Avon fragrances Imari & Imari Seduction as well as their Color makeup brand. Looking lovely, Keri. You get that endorsement money, but don't keep us waiting on your new music too long!

[Source]

Janelle Monae "The ArchAndroid" Trailer

Check out the trailer for Janelle Monae's upcoming debut album The ArchAndroid (May 18th). I don't really know what to say about this, but I can say that I totally dig someone who is genuinely original!

Rihanna "Rated R: Remixed" Tracklisting

On May 25th, Rihanna will be releasing Rated R: Remixed, a remix album made up of reworkings of the first 10 tracks off the singer's fourth album. Check out the set's tracklisting below:

1. Mad House (Chew Fu Straight Jacket Fix)
2. Russian Roulette (Chew Fu Black Russian Fix)
3. Rockstar 101 (Chew Fu Teacher's Pet Fix)
4. Wait Your Turn (Chew Fu Can't Wait No More Fix)
5. Photographs (Chew Fu 35mm Fix ft. will.i.am)
6. Rude Boy (Chew Fu Bumbaclot Fix)
7. Hard (Chew Fu Granite Fix ft. Jeezy)
8. G4L (Chew Fu Guns In The Air Fix)
9. Fire Bomb (Chew Fu Molotov Fix)
10. Stupid In Love (Chew Fu Small Room Fix)

They did a similar thing with Good Girl Gone Bad, but seeing as how I REALLY like Rated R, I might just have to pick this one up! I also like the fact that they went with one remixer for the whole thing because that should make it feel like a cohesive body of work that might be able to be enjoyed in ways that don't have to involve booty shaking. On a related note, I guess this is a Def Jam thing, with Mariah still at least dropping one & J.Lo rumored to be releasing one alongside Love?... I'm not complaining though (yet--we'll see).

[Source]

Friday, April 16, 2010

Toni Braxton "Hands Tied" Video Premiere


"Hands Tied" is the ballad of Toni Braxton's new dual singles off her upcoming album Pulse (May 4th). Toni took this gorgeous song & gave it a sexy, yet classy video! This one's also directed by Toni's longtime collaborator Bille Woodruff. Keep an eye out for the familiar faces of Michael Jai White & Eric Balfour as well.

Nicole Scherzinger On Dancing With The Stars: Week 4

The lovely Nicole Scherzinger gracefully danced the Rumba for her fourth performance on Dancing With The Stars. Don't be nervous, Nicole! You're great!! Nicole FTW!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Toni Braxton "Make My Heart" Video Premiere

"Make My Heart" is the uptempo of Toni Braxton's new dual singles off her upcoming album Pulse (May 4th). First of all, this song is ridiculously hot--as much so as it was the day it leaked as well. Similarly, Toni is on fire in the Bille Woodruff-directed video. And, while I must admit that I'm a bigger fan of her long hair, not even her peers that are half her age are dancing like that in their videos! You mad?

Melanie Fiona "Ay Yo" Video Premiere

"Ay Yo" is the third US single lifted from Melanie Fiona's debut album The Bridge. I've always found this track catchy & the video is very cool! Alright now, Melanie.

Shontelle "No Gravity" Update

Shontelle recently chatted with Rap-Up TV about her upcoming sophomore album No Gravity. She revealed some of the producers featured on the project, including Mr Hudson, The Jackie Boyz (Sean Kingston, Wynter Gordon), Tony Kanal of No Doubt, Jimmy Harry (Pink, David Archuleta), & Bruno Mars, among others. Hey, as far as I'm considered, I like "Impossible", so we'll see!

Teairra Mari "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" Video Premiere

Teairra Mari plays Usher's woman in the viral video for her cover of his song "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)". Whatever gets the album out, right Teairra? SMH... her sophomore album At That Point is due in June.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Mariah Carey Album Update

As we await the release of the Memoirs dance remix album, Mariah Carey has wasted no time in getting started on her next project. She recently hit the studio with her "We Belong Together" collaborator Jermaine Dupri & Bryan-Michael Cox to kick off the album. There are so many things to say...

1) As a Mariah stan, I can't say this upsets me. It's not like they're going to release the music they just started working on tomorrow, so by the time the album's done, I might be ready for some new Mimi!

2) Having released a new album in each of the last two years & with talks of starting a family with Nick, Mariah might just be due for a break. If she's going to have/adopt a kid, there's no time like the present & maybe people will realize what they had whilst it's away!

3) As for Mariah specifically working with Jermaine Dupri, I want to be excited, but I'm stuck with this thought... isn't this kind of a step back from the growth she displayed on the last album? I know going back to JD is safe(-ish), but she's already showed that she's better than 'safe'!

So, that's my take. Do you agree with any/all of the above?

[Source]

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Leona Lewis "Cotton" Commercial

Following in the footsteps of Jazmine Sullivan is Leona Lewis, who has also joined the latest Cotton ad campaign by recording her own version of "Fabric Of My Life." She looks lovely in the commercial. Leona's sophomore album Echo is out now.

Exclusive: James Fauntleroy "Leading By Example" Mixtape


If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you've no doubt seen James Fauntleroy's name pop up a few times. To catch the rest of you up, James Fauntleroy is my favorite songwriter. He's scored his biggest hit thus far in Jordin Sparks' "No Air," but he has also written incredible songs for Rihanna ("Fire Bomb") & David Archuleta ("Running") as well as most of Brandy's best material as of late ("Home," "Drum Life," & "Stand Back," just to name a few), etc., etc. What's cool about him is he seems to write for his own voice, so he sounds great on his demos (as does any talented singer he gives a song to)--which is REALLY cool because there is a plethora (& I mean PLETHORA) of his songs floating around! For example, his (excellent) demos for all of the aforementioned songs (with the exception of "Fire Bomb," sadly) are available online for your listening pleasure. What I've compiled here in Leading By Example, however, does not include songs you're probably familiar with, but rather the best of his material that has not been recorded by someone else. (That is, unless you're a Chris Cornell fan, as he did record the mixtape's first track, but seeing as this is an R&B/pop blog, I'm assuming you aren't... but either way, J-Faunt's version is awesome!) Naturally, James connects to his music remarkably well & you'll likely find yourself feeling the same way about it after listening to Leading By Example, which just so happens to be one of the most-played albums in my iTunes library. As before, click the play button above, check out the tracklisting below, & enjoy yourself!

1. Stop Me
2. Stingy
3. Between Me & You
4. Last Mistake Ever
5. Example
6. Fertilizer
7. Know You
8. Heart Dead
9. Make Your Body Talk To Me
10. Dizzy
11. Overhead
12. On Tour
13. Love Isn't Free
14. Stadium Love

P.S. Fun tidbit: James once informed me on Twitter when "Last Mistake Ever" leaked that when he wrote the song, he never named it, so he has no idea where the song's random title came from. He did, however, jokingly tell me that he would have called it "Act Like I'm Not All In Love With You." My recommedation? "All In Love With You." ;)


Friday, April 9, 2010

Brandy "Jet" Magazine Cover

Brandy & her brother Ray J are featured on the cover of the latest issue of Jet. Lookin' good there, Norwoods! Check out their show Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business, which premieres this Sunday @ 9/8c on VH1.

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Nicole Scherzinger Collaborates With Slash

Move over, Rihanna: The real rockstar has entered the building! Nicole Scherzinger belts alongside Alice Cooper, Steve Adler, & Flea on "Baby Can't Drive," a bonus track from Slash's new self-titled album:



Get it, Nicole! You wish your fav could sound like they've been rockin' out their whole life & still sing as gorgeous as Scherzy can!!

OneRepublic Performs "All The Right Moves" On Today

OneRepublic performed the only single from their sophomore album Waking Up that they care to promote on the Today show...

Fergie Collaborates With Slash & David Guetta

Just cause she's busy dominating the world with the Peas doesn't mean Fergie hasn't found time to do a little solo work on the side! For one, she's featured on a pair of tracks on Slash's new self-titled solo album. The first is called "Beautiful Dangerous":



I love this one! She kills it. The other is a bonus track also featuring Cypress Hill that's a cover of Guns & Roses' "Paradise City":

I think it's cool. Ferg's also featured on David Guetta's new single "Gettin' Over You," which includes LMFAO & the One Love album version's featured artist Chris Willis as well:

Yup. Sounds like Guetta to me! She was probably just returning the favor following the success of "I Gotta Feeling" anyway.

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Toni Braxton "Bleu" Magazine Cover

Toni Braxton gets her model on on the cover of the new issue of Bleu. I have a love/hate relationship with this hair of hers because I thought I didn't care for it, but she's rawking it fiercely here! Toni's hot new album Pulse is due on May 4th.

Nicole Scherzinger Does Prestige Magazine

Nicole Scherzinger glams it up in her cover shoot for the latest issue of Hong Kong's Prestige. She looks simply stunning! I love my Scherzy. *crosses fingers for her solo album to finally be released this year*