Rihanna "S&M" Video Premiere

"S&M" is the third single off Rihanna's latest album Loud. The word 'mediocrity' comes to mind, as in "S&M" is neither amongst my favorite, nor my least favorite Loud tracks, & while the Melina-directed video isn't one of Rihanna's worst videos (see: "Only Girl (In The World)"), it certainly isn't among her most innovative. At the end of the day, a lost opportunity, if you ask me. P.S. I'm willing to let the Perez Hilton cameo go... but only because he plays a dog.

Whitney Houston & Kim Burrell Perform "I Look To You" On Celebration Of Gospel

On BET's Celebration Of Gospel yesterday, Whitney Houston joined her favorite singer & good friend Kim Burrell for a performance of Whitney's "I Look To You", the title track off her latest album. Whitney's voice may not be what it used to be, but it was still nice to see the two of them duet, & especially to hear Kim's incredible pipes!

Nicki Minaj On SNL

"Moment 4 Life"



"Right Thru Me"



Digital Short



Skit
Nicki Minaj took OVER Saturday Night Live tonight, not only as musical guest, but also by appearing in both the week's digital short as well as a live skit! The only thing that disappointed me really were the song choices, but she sure looked fly during the performances! She really shined in the digital short, performing "The Creep" alongside The Lonely Island, & as the star of "Bride Of Blackenstein" during the skit..! A great night for Nicki for sure. For good measure, check out her promo for the episode below:

JoJo Guest Stars On Hawaii Five-0

Part 1



Part 2
JoJo was a guest star on this week's episode of Hawaii Five-0. Her parts are featured above; there's some overlap, but between the two videos, it's all there. You get the gist of her role, so don't worry... the show isn't all that great anyway. For what it was though, I thought JoJo did a good job.

Britney Spears Album Update

A press release unveiled today reveals that Britney Spears' seventh studio album will be released on March 15th! The as-yet-untitled project will include production from the newly revealed names Stargate, Fraser T. Smith (Craig David's Trust Me), & Bloodshy & Avant, who produced Brit's "Toxic"! It was also made known that a deluxe edition will be available with 3-4 bonus tracks, but the exact details aren't yet available. I'm cautiously optimistic that the HIAM video will be good, followed by an album that, if what Claude Kelly says about it being "more edgy"/more Blackout than Circus is true, I'm sure will be!

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Rihanna "S&M" Behind-The-Scenes + More

Here's a quick look behind the scenes of Rihanna's latest video for "S&M" off her Loud album. It doesn't look terrible, but the bright, bubbly color palette's throwin' me off... speaking of which, check out this new version of her "Who's That Chick?" video that actually includes David Guetta visually, though badly copy/paste-d in:

Usher Album Update

While on tour in Europe this month, Usher did an interview to discuss the "revolutionary pop" sound that will be present on his next album. He recently worked on a track with David Guetta & Akon, & hit the studio with Swedish House Mafia (who collaborated with Laidback Luke on "Leave The World Behind", which featured Deborah Cox on vocals). I love how he uses the word 'pop' as if it's some middle ground between R&B & dance... we're not fooled, sir, we know you've gone completely dance on us. Anyway, UR said he is looking to release the project "early next year," which, considering the article was posted this month & he didn't go overseas until this year, apparently means he doesn't plan on releasing his new album until 2012... so, not sure what happened to the whole not-waiting-to-release-another-album thing. In related news, Usher might appear on the next album from his European opener Tinie Tempah... O_o . Aaand there you have it!

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Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

The Decemberists' The King Is Dead is atop this week's Billboard 200 album chart. Bruno Mars returns to the top of the Hot 100 singles chart this week with "Grenade". Britney Spears may have vacated the pole position for #6 this week, but "Hold It Against Me" still earns the Airplay Gainer title this week, while Pink's "F**kin' Perfect" zooms 30-11, earning the Digital Gainer title again.

See full charts HERE

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Nicki Minaj ft. Drake "Moment 4 Life" Video Premiere

"Moment 4 Life", featuring Drake, is the fourth single off Nicki Minaj's debut album Pink Friday. The Chris Robinson-directed video features the debut of Nicki's latest alter-ego Martha, Roman's mom. Let's see: Roman, Martha, Harajuku Barbie, Nicki The Ninja... I don't even know what happened to Rrrrosa! Anyway, I didn't think the video lived up to the hype from the point the song started on, but the beginning was cute.

Kelly Rowland Album Update + Promo Pics

I doubt even God knows when we can expect for Kelly Rowland's as-yet-untitled third solo album to be released, but more details have emerged about the oft-delayed project, one being that she recently hit the studio with songwriter Lonny Bereal, who worked extensively on Ms. Kelly. We can also expect possible collaborations with Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross, & Gucci Mane to potentially make the cut. In the meantime, & with it being a slow news day & all, check out these new promotional photos of Kelly shot by Atlanta-based photographer Rob Ector that hit the net a couple weeks ago ...that I forgot to post (just consider them an 'in case you missed it'). The pics are good, but I'm over the haircut. Monica went through this phase too (see: Still Standing album cover), but wisely changed it up soon after.

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Alexis Jordan "Good Girl" Video Premiere

"Good Girl" is the second single lifted from Alexis Jordan's self-titled debut album, which hits stores on February 28th in the UK. Details are HERE; should anything change, I'll highlight the album when/if it gets scheduled for a US release. I'm not in love with the song, but Miss Thang was gettin' it in the video!

Usher "Billboard" Magazine Cover

Usher is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Billboard. Would it have killed them to find a better picture of the man?! Hiiis Versus EP is out now.

[Source]

Keri Hilson On Ellen

"Pretty Girl Rock"



Backstage
Keri Hilson "Pretty Girl Rock"-ed it on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, performing the hit single off her second album No Boys Allowed yet again. Nice, but... ya know, Keri, you're going to have to release another single eventually if you want to (continue to) push records..! (And no, "The Way You Love Me" does NOT count.)

Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull "On The Floor" Behind-The-Scenes

Accompanied by Pitbull (whose talking voice sounds EXACTLY like his rapping voice), Jennifer Lopez recently shot her video for the Redone-produced "On The Floor", her first single off Love? Looks fierce, I can't wait! Has everyone been checking out J.Lo on American Idol? I know I have! The auditions aren't my favorite part though.

Beyonce Album Update + More

Some interesting collaborators have boarded Beyonce's fourth studio album as of late. Among them are producers Diplo (M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes"), Switch (Christina Aguilera's Bionic), & Symbolyc One (Kanye West's "Power"). I'm all for newcomers, but not so much anyone who might influence her to do anything electro.

In related news, it was recently reported that Beyonce is currently in talks to star in a remake of the musical "A Star Is Born" that would be directed by the Academy Award-winning Clint Eastwood. Nothing has been confirmed yet though, which is why I didn't post about it previously/separately.

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Dirty Money Performs "Coming Home" On Le Grand Journal

Avril Lavigne "What The Hell" Video Premiere

"What The Hell" is the first single off Avril Lavigne's fourth album Goodbye Lullaby (March 8th). The video's not as dull as the behind-the-scenes teaser suggested... it is like a product placement-heavy version Ashlee Simpson's "Boyfriend" video, but I do quite like it. I love the "you say that I'm messing with your head, boy" part (of the song)!

The 2011 NRJ Music Awards Recap + More

Usher - Medley



The Black-Eyed Peas "The Time (Dirty Bit)"
Usher took the stage at the 2011 NRJ Music Awards in France to perform his "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love"/"OMG" medley, while (half of) The Black-Eyed Peas gave a strange performance. Both acts walked away winners: Usher for International Male Artist Of The Year & The Black-Eyed Peas for International Group/Duo Of The Year & Concert Of The Year (don't ask me which one... lol). Beyonce also won Music Video Of The Year for her collaboration with Lady Gaga on "Telephone". Anybody else ready for this new year to translate into some new music/a fresh start?!

In other award show news, because I had no particular reason to post it earlier & didn't really remember to until now, the 2011 People's Choice Awards earlier this month also resulted in a win for Usher as well as a few for Rihanna. Usher picked up Favorite R&B Artist, while Rihanna won Favorite Pop Artist in addition to both Favorite Song & Favorite Music Video for "Love The Way You Lie" with Eminem.

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Dirty Money Performs "Coming Home" On Graham Norton

Dirty Money is busy promoting the release of their album Last Train To Paris in the UK, performing their hit single "Coming Home" on The Graham Norton Show. Dawn & Kaleena were killin' it on this one! Ya know, if you had told me a year ago that Diddy was gonna have the hit of the winter with a slow jam off LTTP...

Melanie Fiona "The MF Life" EPK

Melanie Fiona discusses what her life has been like since the release of her debut album The Bridge, leading up to the release of her upcoming sophomore album The MF Life, in this EPK. No new music to hear here really, but she does finish things up with a little bit of her new single "Gone & Never Coming Back".

Monica Album Update

Monica is currently in the midst of recording her sixth studio album, which she recently revealed on Twitter is named New Life. As of last month, she is prepping the project for a July release, with a single to drop in March. So far, she has worked with Polow Da Don, Missy Elliott, & the tag team of Oak & Andrew Wansel, the duo behind Fantasia's fantabulously retro "Collard Greens & Cornbread", the best song on her latest album Back To Me. With a lineup like that, I get the feeling that I just might like this New Life even better than Still Standing!

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*UPDATED* Jennifer Hudson Album Update

My outlook for 2011 just got a whole lot better because it has been announced that Jennifer Hudson will release her sophomore album, entitled I Remember Me, on March 22nd. The album's first single "Where You At" (listen to a snippet HERE) was written & produced by R. Kelly, while the title track was co-written by Ryan Tedder & is based on a poem written by Hudson herself. I Remember Me will also feature work from Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, & Stargate. I'm super excited about this album, especially since the first single sounds like a winner! I can't wait to hear what Jennifer has in store.

UPDATE: It has been revealed that Diane Warren, who just won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for penning Cher's ballad "You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me" from "Burlesque", has written a ballad for J-Hud called "Still Here". Should be good!

UPDATE #2: "Where You At" has premiered in its entirety. I love it! Listen below.

UPDATE #3: New song title alert! "I Got This" is the album's likely second single. (If you see this, thanks for being a devoted reader!)

Where You At

Pink "F**kin' Perfect" Video Premiere

"F**kin' Perfect" is the second single lifted from Pink's new compilation Greatest Hits... So Far!!! & its accompanying video, as the song's title might suggest, is, well, less than kid-friendly, but still quite perfect. Veronica Mars ;) actress Tina Majorino plays our main character in the dark, intriguing visual.

Monica Is Married

Monica's fiance, basketball player Shannon Brown, has confirmed the rumors: They are married! There really aren't any details to report, as he just plain didn't give any, although rumors suggest they've been married for a couple of months now & that they plan on having a big ceremony this summer, but none of that is for sure or not. Nevertheless, congrats goes out to the happy couple!

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Keyshia Cole Performs "Take Me Away" On Conan

Keyshia Cole visited Conan to perform "Take Me Away", the third single off her latest album Calling All Hearts, &, ya, she hit a note or two, but I can't help but feel depressed by this. For one, the song is actually one of the few decent tracks on her new album & this messy performance doesn't do it any justice. Mainly though, I'm just not feeling any kind of drive from Keyshia whatsoever this era (see: that Circus-era Britney lazy dancing). I mean, I fell in love with a soulful singer who could actually sing--& exceptionally well too. What happened to her?!

Usher, Janelle Monae Added To Grammy Performer Lineup

Ya, don't get too excited 'til you hear all the details. Double nominee Usher will be joining his protege Justin Bieber & Jaden Smith on the Grammy stage for what will no doubt be a mindblowing, life-changing presentation (please note the sarcasm). Also on the night, Janelle Monae, a double nominee as well, will share the stage with the equally annoying Bruno Mars & B.o.B. Well, I just don't think I'll be able to wait until February 13th (8/7c, CBS) to see this...

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Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

Cake takes that ever-so-desirable distinction from T-Swift of having the lowest-selling #1 album ever with Showroom Of Compassion (42K) on the Billboard 200 album chart this week. Meanwhile, Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" sells almost 10x that many copies, 411,000--the highest-ever sum for a lead female artist--to be exact, to debut @ #1 on this week's Hot 100 singles chart. (She joins Mariah as the only two artists to arrive in the top spot more than once; Britney previously with "3", Mariah with the likes of "Fantasy", "One Sweet Day", & "Honey".) Also debuting this week is Avril Lavigne @ #13 with "What The Hell" after shifting 163,000 units. Pink's "F**kin' Perfect", 57-30, continues to make its way up the chart quickly, earning both the Digital & Airplay Gainer titles this week.

See full charts HERE

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Bring Da Beat Back's 3rd Anniversary!

Today marks the third anniversary of Bring Da Beat Back! It's hard to believe that it's been three whole years since I started this lil' ol' blog-a-mine; I hadn't even started college when I created it & now I'm about to graduate! I appreciate every single reader that's been with me all this time & I will continue to keep you informed about the best music has to offer!

New Angels & Airwaves "Love" Trailer & Poster + More

Angels & Airwaves have released this new trailer for their "Love" film, which is set to make its premiere to the masses on March 22nd. The official movie poster, which has also been unveiled, is below. Accompanying the movie that day will be the Love double album, which will include two new songs as well as new instrumental music. The original album will be re-sequenced to include this new material, resulting in an album 90-120 minutes long! My only question at this point is still - will there be a physical release for all of this or not?! I'm hoping so, but I really hope there aren't any more pushbacks because I don't think I can wait any longer!

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Gwen Stefani "L'Oreal" Commercial

In addition to J.Lo, Gwen Stefani is also representing L'Oreal cosmetics now, as she can be seen in this new commercial. On the music front, now that she's back with No Doubt, it'll be interesting to hear what she & her bandmates come up with after all this time.

The Caffeine Patch: New Kung Fu Panda 2 Poster

Check out this super awesome new poster for "Kung Fu Panda 2", which should also be popping up in banner form at a theater near you--that is, if yours is like mine. I can't wait to check it out in 3D when it opens on May 27th!

Jennifer Lopez "L'Oreal" Commercial

The premiere of American Idol is only two days away, but the way things have been lately, it sure doesn't mean you have to wait even that long to get your J.Lo fix! Jennifer Lopez's new commercial for L'Oreal premiered during the Golden Globes last night & you can check it out above. I'm impressed (which is not typically my reaction towards cosmetics commercials)!

Skate For The Heart Performance Highlights

David Archuleta "Something 'Bout Love"



David Archuleta "My Kind Of Perfect"



Ruben Studdard "Don't Make 'Em Like U No More"



Ruben Studdard "Flying Without Wings"
Seasons 2 & 7 of American Idol merged during the Skate For The Heart special, where Ruben Studdard & David Archuleta (because where there's skating, there's David lol), respectively, both performed while skaters glided around the ice. It's been a while since we've heard "Flying Without Wings" from Ruben... & I'm sure it's only me, but that song will forever be a Westlife song..!

Jennifer Lopez "Good Hit" Video Preview

Ask & you shall receive! A clip of the video for Jennifer Lopez's buzz single "Good Hit" off her upcoming album Love? has surfaced, while you can listen to the full track below. Straight fire, both song & video!

Good Hit

*UPDATED* Brandy "Kontrol" Magazine Cover

Brandy is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Kontrol. She looks good! I hope we get the family album & a solo album this year!

UPDATE: Turns out, here's the final magazine cover:

[Source]

Jennifer Lopez "Love?" Update

With the premiere of American Idol quickly approaching, Jennifer Lopez is getting a jump on the added exposure by premiering the lead single "On The Floor" off her forthcoming Island Def Jam debut Love? You can listen to the Pitbull-assisted RedOne production below. It's alright & has a better shot at charting than "Louboutins" did, but I just want that "Good Hit"!

On The Floor (ft. Pitbull)

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Pink "F**kin' Perfect" Video Preview

Following her #1 hit with "Raise Your Glass", Pink will be releasing the other new track off her Greatest Hits... So Far!!! package, "F**kin' Perfect", & you can preview the video for the refreshingly laid-back song above. She won't be doing much in the clip (Remember, she's preggers!), but she does look great.

Billboard Updates

^#1 Album #1 Single^

A pair of practically event-less weeks on the Billboard charts caused me to completely forget to post an update last week, but the same album topped the Billboard 200 album chart last week that does this week: Taylor Swift's Speak Now, though this week, it sets a new record for the lowest-ever sales for an album on top. Meanwhile, Bruno Mars' "Grenade" takes over for last week's #1, Katy Perry's "Firework", atop the Hot 100 singles chart this week, where Pink re-enters @ #57 with her new single "F**kin' Perfect".

See full charts HERE

Janet Jackson "Upscale" Magazine Cover

Another magazine cover means another red outfit for Janet Jackson & this time, it's the January issue of Upscale. Janet's currently making her return to music with her soon-to-begin world tour!

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2011 NAACP Image Award Nominees Announced

Janet Jackson received a nomination at this year's NAACP Image Awards for her role in "Why Did I Get Married Too?", which was nominated alongside her fellow Tyler Perry (who was nominated for a whopping 19 trophies) film "For Colored Girls" for Outstanding Motion Picture. Among those who received a pair of nods are Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, & Usher. Click HERE to see all of the nominees for the 2011 NAACP Image Awards, which air live Friday, March 4th, @ 8/7c on FOX.

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Kid Sister "Kiss Kiss Kiss" Mixtape

Kid Sister has released a new mixtape entitled Kiss Kiss Kiss. She is offering a FREE download of the set, the tracklisting for which is provided below, HERE.

1. Kissin-tro
2. Kiss Kiss Kiss
3. Work Them
4. Green Velvet - Everybody Wants
5. Carte Blanche - Do! Do! Do! (Original/Laidback Luke Remix)
6. Daydreaming (Douster Remix)
7. Lookout Weekend (ft. Nina Sky)
8. Gucci Rag Top (ft. Gucci Mane)
9. Click Clack (Show It Off)
10. Don't Stop Movin'
11. Right Hand Hi (Caspa Remix)
12. Paul Wall - Imma Get It
13. Jo-DE-Ci (ft. DJ Gant-Man)

New Britney Spears Promo Pics

The launch of her new single "Hold It Against Me", which has already hit #1 on iTunes, has brought about a couple new promotional photos of Britney Spears. Not sure what's with the hiding of her face this era, but she looks good nonetheless!

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Avril Lavigne "What The Hell" Behind-The-Scenes + More

Above, check out Avril Lavigne shooting the video for "What The Hell", her first single off Goodbye Lullaby (March 8th). Although it won't do most people much good, 3D is cool, even though the video just looks like her New Years performance all over again. Below is a behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoot for Avril's fourth album. "Alice" much?! Not that that's a bad thing...

Nicki Minaj On Ellen

"Moment 4 Life"



Interview
Nicki Minaj performed her lame (yet appropriate, I'll give ya that) new single "Moment 4 Life" off Pink Friday & sat down for an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She kills it up until the first chorus, then she loses me. (Can you say boring?!) I like the all-blonde wig though!

Britney Spears "Hold It Against Me" Song Premiere

It's the moment we've all been waiting for: The premiere of Britney Spears' new single "Hold It Against Me"..! I believe the operative word here would be underwhelming. This is nothing more creative than something Lady Gaga would release & for someone on their seventh studio album, that ain't cuttin' it. Of course, if Gaga can get away with it, why shouldn't Britney do it too?! *sigh* Lord knows it's something the label picked out anyway.

*UPDATED* Nicki Minaj Does V Magazine

Nicki Minaj continues her domination of all forms of media with the cover of the latest issue of V. Her platinum debut album Pink Friday is out now!

UPDATE: An alternate cover & the rest of her photoshoot for the mag have surfaced. Strange...

[Source]

Fergie "Dr Pepper Cherry" Commercial

Fergie has been chosen to star in a sexy new ad campaign for Dr Pepper Cherry. Oh, Ferg. If only you knew how badly we want a new solo album from you.

Britney Spears Album Update

Rumors have been running rampant lately regarding Britney Spears' new single, but seeing as how things seem to be falling into place now, I thought I'd post up what we know so far about the singer's seventh studio album. The first single "Hold It Against Me" (single cover to the left) is set to premiere on Tuesday, January 11th (yup. 1/11/11.), on both radio & iTunes, where it will available for one week (why, I do not know). "Hold It Against Me" was produced by Max Martin & Dr. Luke, who also serve as co-executive producers on the album, which is due in March. Another song titled "I I I Wanna Go" was also revealed as being a future single. Jive is a bunch of jacka**es for turning all of their focus over to Britney directly after Ciara released an album, but seeing as how the industry is D.E.A.D. right now, they're also geniuses.

[Source, Source, Source, Source]

Rihanna "Reb'l Fleur" Ads

Another day, another celebrity fragrance. Rihanna is all set to debut her first scent "Reb'l Fleur" with this new pair of print ads. Though spelled differently (there was a controversy when she first got it that it was spelled incorrectly), RiRi also has a tattoo of the fragrance's name on her neck. Anyway, her latest album Loud, which is slowly losing me one track at a time, is out now.

[Source]

The Caffeine Patch: Scrat's Continental Crack-Up

Scrat, the popular character from the "Ice Age" movies, stars in his third short film "Scrat's Continental Crack-Up". Recently premiering in 3D theatrically with "Gulliver's Travels", this follows his previous two shorts "Gone Nutty" & "No Time For Nuts", which premiered on the DVD releases of the first two "Ice Age" films, respectively. "Scrat's Continental Crack-Up" serves as the precursor to "Ice Age: Continental Drift", the fourth installment in the franchise set to be released on July 13, 2012 in 3D. I love the concept of this short & Scrat's hilarious as always!

Jennifer Lopez "Entertainment Weekly" Magazine Cover

The judges/host of American Idol, including Jennifer Lopez, sit in anticipation of the new season (with the rest of us) on the latest cover of Entertainment Weekly. This season could be epic... or an epic failure. But at least we'll have J.Lo along for the ride!

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*UPDATED* Toni Braxton Reality Show Switches Networks

It's been almost a year since it was announced that Toni Braxton had scored her own reality show Braxton Family Values, but the fall premiere didn't happen as planned, it turns out, because the show has switched networks from Bravo to WE. The first of 10 episodes will now premiere on April 12th. Finally, some GOOD news on the Toni Braxton front!

UPDATE: Check out this new promotional photo for the show featuring Toni with her mother & four sisters:

[Source]