Bring Da Beat Back

Britney Spears "Elle" Magazine Cover

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:01:00 +0000

Britney Spears covers the latest issue of Elle magazine with her sons Sean & Jayden. Very sweet. ... Am I the only one who is wondering where the DVD for Britney's Circus tour is?

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Christina Aguilera "DirecTV" Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:53:00 +0000

Christina Aguilera recreates her "Keeps Gettin' Better" video for the latest in a series of these DirecTV commercials, which has already included Beyonce & The Black-Eyed Peas. I wouldn't say they did the best blend job I've ever seen with this one, but it's always good to see Christina nonetheless! Now, where's that daggum music?

Keyshia Cole Collaborates With Gucci Mane

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Keyshia Cole was apparently inspired by Tyler Perry for her new feature on Gucci Mane's "Bad Bad Bad" off his upcoming album The State Vs. Radric Davis (December 8th). Listen to the song below:

I was listening to Keyshia's Just Like You album the other day, & A Different Me before that, so I can't get enough of her! My needs are likely to mean little to her though, as she is DEFINITELY pregnant.

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Alicia Keys Performs New Songs On YouTube Concert

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:31:00 +0000

Love Is Blind

Distance & Time

Hopefully you were able to catch Alicia Keys' YouTube concert for World AIDS Day yesterday because it was pretty great. If you missed it, she performed two new songs from her upcoming album The Element Of Freedom (December 15th) that we hadn't heard before. "Love Is Blind" is my favorite of the two because while they're both good, "Distance & Time" seems a little contrived to me.

The Black-Eyed Peas Perform On Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:24:00 +0000

The Black-Eyed Peas rocked out to "Boom Boom Pow" & "Meet Me Halfway" from their latest album The E.N.D. on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which aired last night. The whole shebang was so ridiculously OTT (although I suppose that's to be expected) & Taboo was enjoying himself a little too much imo, but I have to admit that I thought that backdrop was freaking cool! Fergie was holding her own among those models as well in that green dress.

Adam Lambert On Ellen

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:59:00 +0000

"Whataya Want From Me"

Interview

Adam Lambert made his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show yesterday & although I love both of them, it left me with mixed emotions. On one hand, his performance of the new single off his debut album For Your Entertainment was as brilliant as he always is. On the other hand, I was holding back puke while watching the interview. I commend Ellen for giving Adam his props & all, but can we PLEEEASE talk about something else now?!

Fantasia Reality Show Update

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:51:00 +0000

News has finally emerged regarding Fantasia's upcoming reality show on VH1. Entitled Fantasia For Real, the eight-episode, half-hour series will premiere on Monday, January 11th, @ 10/9c. The show will be an in-depth look at Fantasia's personal life as well as the making of her third album, which is said to be due in March (with a single to drop around the time of the series' premiere). Very exciting stuff! I've been dying to hear more about this because I'm going through some pretty serious 'Tasia withdrawal, but all's well ... or it soon will be!

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Syesha Mercado & Moya Angela Perform "Listen" On The Early Show

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:42:00 +0000

Syesha Mercado & her "Dreamgirls" co-star Moya Angela sang their duet "Listen" from the musical on The Early Show before heading out on their nationwide tour. Very nice, ladies! I wonder if Syesha will look into putting that album out while she's still on the road to cash in on some of that promo...

New Fergie "Nine" Trailers

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:12:00 +0000

Here's a pair of new trailers for "Nine," a forthcoming musical that features Fergie in the cast. In the above clip, although we've already heard her song & seen what she looks like, there's actually some footage of her performing in the movie; the second video is mainly just a (Kate Hudson-centric) sequence from the film. This really does look good! "Nine" opens on Christmas Day.

Craig David Collaborates With Jay Sean

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:02:00 +0000

Craig David came out of hiding--if only for a moment--to feature on Jay Sean's "Stuck In The Middle" off the UK version of his new album All Or Nothing. Listen below:

Umm... this dude knows that Craig is better than him, right? Well, it's good to hear Craig's voice again & I hope that he has something of his own in store for the new year... even though we will most likely be deprived here in the US once again.

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Marques Houston On The Mo'Nique Show

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:57:00 +0000

"Body"

Interview

Marques Houston was a guest on The Mo'Nique Show recently, where he plugged his new album Mr. Houston, among other things. I got more than a little worried when the best thing Mo could come up with to talk about was "You Got Served" ... but not nearly as concerned as I was when she showed that clip of his new movie. (Marques has a new movie? I know!) As for that performance... ya know, the guy's got talent, but that song really sucks.

Estelle Album Update

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:42:00 +0000

Estelle has been hard at work crafting the follow-up to last year's Shine. Tentatively titled All Of Me, the album's first single is set to be "Back To Love Again," which I previously posted a performance of, but she suggests something may drop before it to increase anticipation. If you're like me, you'll be relieved to hear that Estelle will be both singing & rapping once again on the project, for which she has worked with Swizz Beatz & Wyclef Jean again on. She has also logged studio time with producer No I.D. (Kanye West's "Heartless") for a rap track. You can hear Estelle recap most of this in the video above. I think Estelle is phenomenal, so I can't wait for this record!

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Leona Lewis Performs "Happy" On CNN Heroes & French X Factor

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:36:00 +0000

Alright, this is beyond ridiculous. Have they SEEN Echo's sales numbers thus far? Have her perform something else already! Leona, you're doing a wonderful job; it's not your fault. ... Whatever. You can bet Echo will show up on my top 10 albums of the year list though!

Jennifer Lopez: Ten@Ten On Jay Leno

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:28:00 +0000

Jennifer Lopez was asked 10 questions on The Jay Leno Show last night that had her plugging her new single "Louboutins," revealing that she doesn't have an iPod (the horror!), &, most of all, showing off her infectious personality. Oh, J.Lo. Please dominate once again in 2010! (You bet I made that rhyme on purpose.)

Jazmine Sullivan Collaborates With Snoop Dogg

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:08:00 +0000

One of my favorite new artists in recent memory, Jazmine Sullivan, has been bridging the gap between her first two albums with a number of collaborations, the latest being with Snoop Dogg on his upcoming album Malice N Wonderland (December 8th). She assists on "Different Languages," which you can hear below:

Get gangsta on 'em, Jazmine! This one's a little different for her, but just as great. I really hope she drops that second album next year.

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Avril Lavigne "T-Mobile" Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:32:00 +0000

Avril Lavigne stars (with Wyclef Jean & Brad Paisley) in a new T-Mobile commercial that started airing recently. Getting that endorsement money may be good for her & all, but I want that album she's been recording! I take it the album's release took a backseat to her current divorce, but hopefully times will get better & we'll get the CD sometime early next year.

FREE Holiday Tunes From Katharine McPhee, Mary J. Blige

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:45:00 +0000

Artists are out to make this Christmas the best it can be by offering up their holiday recordings for FREE! First up, Katharine McPhee's rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," which I featured recently, is one of iTunes' Holiday Discover Downloads this week, so you can download your complementary copy HERE. This is a very nice warm-up for Kat's sophomore album Unbroken, which comes out at the top of next year on January 5th.

Also available to download for FREE, but only today(!), is Mary J. Blige's duet with Andrea Bocelli on "What Child Is This," which you can watch them perform, umm, directly below. Click HERE for that one, courtesy of Oprah! (lol) Mary's been doing her thing everywhere lately, but up next is the release of her new album Stronger With Each Tear on December 21st.

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Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, & Alicia Keys Spread Holiday Cheer On Oprah

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Hudson & Sugarland "Silent Night"

Mary J. Blige & Andrea Bocelli "What Child Is This"

Alicia Keys & Tim McGraw "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"

Three divas joined forces with unlikely duet partners to perform holiday classics on Oprah yesterday. Jennifer Hudson brought the house down as always with that voice of hers, which made Ms. Sugarland lady sound relatively bad (sorry). Mary J. Blige went IN on her song with Andrea Bocelli; Alicia Keys did a nice job with odd partner Tim McGraw as well. All of these ladies aren't done wishing us a Merry Christmas this month either. J-Hud's Christmas special airs on the 14th, while Alicia's new album The Element Of Freedom comes out on the 15th (+ her concert is tonight!) & MJB's upcoming album Stronger With Each Tear drops on the 21st.

JoJo, Others Collaborate With Timbaland

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:46:00 +0000

You've heard Bran'Nu's songs from Timbaland's Shock Value 2 (December 8th), but what about everybody else? Well, for one, I'm excited for JoJo because she is featured on the album's third track "Lose Control":

I actually like this one *ahem*. I don't know why I was thinking earlier this year that Timbaland's beats were getting stale because this album is pretty hot! Further evidence can be found in the Keri Hilson-featured "The One I Love," which is also assisted by D.O.E.:

Another sizzling collabo from Keri & Timbo. They really do create magic together. Last but not least is Timbaland's version of OneRepublic's "Marchin' On," the original version of which can be found on the band's new album Waking Up. Listen to the remix below:

I'm used to the other version, but I think I like this one better. Definitely more up my alley. I can dig it.

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Kris Allen On The Bonnie Hunt Show

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:42:00 +0000

"Live Like We're Dying"

Interview

Kris Allen put in another performance/interview set on The Bonnie Hunt Show during the promo tour for his self-titled debut album. I enjoyed the interview.

Brandy Collaborates With Timbaland, Snoop Dogg

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:25:00 +0000

If you're a Brandy stan like me, then today is your lucky day! Actually, I guess it would be December 8th, since that's the release date for Timbaland's Shock Value 2, which features the official debut of Bran'Nu, Brandy's rap alter-ego. Check out one of her two tracks on the album, "Meet In Tha Middle," below:

Fiyah! You already KNOW she can spit like that!! If you like what you hear, listen to her other song "Symphony," which also features Attitude & D.O.E.:

Ah, yes. I could listen to these all day. Brandy getting her shine on by flowing on the track & singing background vocals?! What could be better? I know! ANOTHER new Brandy song! This one comes from Snoop Dogg's upcoming album Malice N Wonderland (also arriving on December 8th), also features Pharrell, & is titled "Special." Enjoy:

This is a nice juxtaposition to the Timbo tracks. I love it! These are all sooo hot... I already need a new Brandy album.

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The 2009 Soul Train Awards Recap

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Toni Braxton ft. Trey Songz "Yesterday"

Keri Hilson - Medley

Ryan Leslie "You're Not My Girl" & Mario ft. Sean Garrett "Break Up"

Melanie Fiona, Estelle, Others Tribute Motown

Fantasia, Others Tribute Chaka Khan

Brian McKnight, Others Tribute Charlie Wilson

The Soul Train Awards made their return last night with a tribute-filled & foolishness-heavy (courtesy of hosts Taraji P. Henson & Terrence Howard) ceremony that also featured both decent performers, including some nice ones thrown into the tributes, & winners alike. (Re: The hosts, they were fine--I actually like Taraji--those who put it all together simply seemed to favor odd skits in place of giving out actual awards...) Toni Braxton opened the show (I love saying that!) with her new single in a classy, yet sassy manner that was almost perfect (yuuup, indeed). Keri Hilson performed "Knock You Down," "Slow Dance," & "Turnin' Me On" in her usual fly way. In a weird segment comparing Ryan Leslie's ivy league education to Mario's upbringing in the hood that seemed to unintentionally diss the more talented latter, the two performed separate sets that were good, if not for the strange chopping of their songs. Estelle & Melanie Fiona joined a slew of others on stage to honor Motown's 50th anniversary, while Fantasia ..passionately screamed.. her part of the Chaka Khan tribute & Brian McKnight sang during the tribute to Charlie Wilson. I can't knock 'em for at least getting several of my favs, particularly the MIA-as-of-late Fantasia, to perform in the tributes. Now, you wouldn't know most of this from watching the show, but Beyonce won three golden trains for Album Of The Year, Best Female Artist, & Song Of The Year ("Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"). Also, Keri Hilson walked away with the awards for Best New Artist & Best Collaboration ("Knock You Down"). Nice job, ladies! HERE are all the winners.

Usher "V.I.P." Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:04:00 +0000

While I was watching the Soul Train Awards (the recap for which is coming up next!), this commercial came on & it's the first time I've seen it. V.I.P. is Usher's second fragrance for men & its ad has him channelling all the cliches possible to try to sell it to them. Oy. On the music front, his next album Raymond Vs. Raymond won't be dropping until the new year. Let those who are disappointed say 'I.' *crickets* ... Ursh, drop a decent single & I'll work my way over to your side again.

Alicia Keys & Rihanna Perform On The X Factor

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Alicia Keys - Medley

Rihanna "Russian Roulette"

Alicia Keys sang "Empire State Of Mind," "Doesn't Mean Anything," & "No One" during her set on this week's X Factor results show in support of her upcoming album The Element Of Freedom (December 15th). I can't stress enough how gorgeous "Doesn't Mean Anything" is live! It's a shame that song didn't find more success over here to allow Alicia to perform it more. Rihanna also performed on the show, singing "Russian Roulette" off her new album Rated R. Ya know, it's not that she does a bad job of it, but I just don't like this song live for RiRi. I would actually go as far as to say that I think it's a good song, but it would've been more enjoyable had somebody else recorded it. That said, the Rated R tracks from James Fauntleroy, The-Dream, & Tricky Stewart are superb!

In Theaters Now...

noreply@blogger.com (vmars08) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:53:00 +0000

Grade: A

I was finally able to catch the Mo'Nique & Mariah Carey-starring, Oprah Winfrey & Tyler Perry-executive produced "Precious." It was definitely a good movie; the aforementioned ladies did their thing as well. I do feel, however, that due to the expectations created by the overwhelmingly positive press (see: above) that it wasn't as life-changing as I thought it would be. That said, it's still a pretty powerful film.