Sunday, August 3, 2008

Note Concerning Upcoming Releases, Album Reviews

Hello, readers! Thanks so much for supporting Bring Da Beat Back! I wanted to take a quick second to make note of a couple things.

1. Upcoming Releases: See that category to your right? It is a list of all the hot upcoming releases that I constantly update! I know what you're thinking: what did I do to deserve this? I'm only kidding. Well, with albums coming soon from new artists (Karina, Jazmine Sullivan, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Hudson, David Archuleta, Dondria) to established ones (Missy Elliott, The Pussycat Dolls, Pink) to pros trying to reinvent themselves (Solange, Michelle Williams), I thought it had come time to catch up with...

2. Album Reviews: I know, I know. I do album reviews? Well, that was the intention. Then, I did a couple ... nothing good came out for a while ... I got busy ... & BAM! Nothing got reviewed. However, I plan to not only change that, but make it up to you! Several decent efforts were released in the late spring/early summer of this year, so I will be (quickly) reviewing them in time for this fall's cool new releases! I hope you enjoy the (almost) new feature to the blog & continue to visit Bring Da Beat Back!

2008 MTV Asia Award Performance Highlights

"Bleeding Love"

"Better In Time"

"Apologize"

"Stop & Stare"

Leona Lewis performed the first two singles off her debut album Spirit, while OneRepublic performed the first two singles off their debut album Dreaming Out Loud ... & I don't know what it was, but there just seemed to be something special about their performances. Maybe it was not having paid much attention to these artists lately or the many, many Asian background singers they seemed to have. Whatever it was, these clips gave me a newfound appreciation for "Bleeding Love," "Apologize," & the others. Good stuff. Btw, congrats to Leona for winning the Breakthrough Artist award!

The Pussycat Dolls Perform On The 2008 MTV Asia Awards

The Pussycat Dolls performed their hit song "Buttons" & new single "When I Grow Up," which is off their sophomore album Doll Domination (September 16th), at the 2008 MTV Asia Awards yesterday. The performances were hot. Nicole had an excellent vocal delivery.

While we are on the subject, I'd like to give a little of my opinion on PCD lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, as there seems to be some discussion on the topic on some blogs today. Nicole is an excellent singer. While she may not be the second coming of Beyonce, she ain't no Rihanna. As quite the fan of Miss Nicole, what I find special about her is that she makes up for what she might lack in vocal ability with her creativity. When it came to her attempt at a solo career, I think the PTB made some wrong decisions on what to release as singles because, while I wasn't in love with "Whatever U Like" & "Baby Love," every other leaked song I heard from Nicole was FIYA. I think they wanted to define Nicole as a solo artist while keeping with the sexy image--then decided too late to stick all-too-closely to the PCD sound as well (see: "Stickwitu"). So, while there will probably be quite a wait until we hear from Nicole as a solo artist again (not that we won't hear from her--she basically IS PCD ... which is a good thing. Where would they be without her anyway?), I am plenty willing to wait for her music because I know she'll make it worthwhile. Thanks for enduring my rant. :)

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Weekend Flashback Performance: Lady Marmalade At The 2002 Grammys

Whoever had this idea should be promoted ... & they probably were. When four of the Y2K generation's biggest stars joined forces to remake this classic for the film "Moulin Rouge," the #1 single that resulted was unstoppable. Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil' Kim, & Mya all came together to perform their smash "Lady Marmalade" for the 44th Annual Grammy Awards. Not only was the performance a showstopper, but they were eventually joined by the woman that made the song famous in the first place, Patti LaBelle. The song, which later that same evening won the girls a Grammy award, was one to remember & will follow each of the girls for the rest of their career--whether they like it or not.

New Keri Hilson Promo Pics

These new Keri Hilson promotional photos have surfaced now that the release of her debut album In A Perfect World... on September 23rd is slowly but surely catching up with us. I think they are just gorgeous. I've always found Keri very pretty. She truly is a special lady!

David Archuleta "Crush" Song Premiere

Here's a widget being used to promote David Archuleta's newly-premiered first single "Crush." It does, in fact, feature the single's cover art. If you click David's face above (lol), you can hear the song! Yes, folks: all the hype is justified. The song is freaking life-altering good. And I'm not even being sarcastic! "Crush" is about what you would expect, but David sounds WAY beyond amazing on it. David Archuleta's debut album is currently set to be released on November 4th ... & I will be first in line to buy it.

Cassie ft. Lil' Wayne "Official Girl": Sneak Peek

Check out this first look at Cassie's new video "Official Girl," which features Lil' Wayne. "Girl" is the first single off Cassie's sophomore album, which is set to drop later this year. It's actually pretty cool because the clip is set up like a movie trailer, however I'm not really anticipating this video, so whatever. Do be aware that the trailer is only the beginning of the video, as the rest is simply the song.

In Theaters Now...

Grade: A-

More '08 MTV VMA Nominees Announced

Best Pop Video
  • Britney Spears "Piece Of Me"
  • Danity Kane "Damaged"
  • Panic At The Disco "Nine In The Afternoon"
  • Tokio Hotel "Ready, Set, Go!"
  • Jonas Brothers "Burnin' Up"

Best Hip-Hop Video

  • Mary J. Blige "Just Fine"
  • Kanye West "Homecoming"
  • Flo Rida "Low"
  • Lupe Fiasco "Superstar"
  • Lil' Wayne "Lollipop"

I must admit: I hope Britney Spears takes Best Pop Video for "Piece Of Me" ... 'cause she actually made a decent video for the first time in years, her fans deserve it for the support, & it would boost her confidence. Oh, right ... also 'cause the other nominees do nothin' for me. As for Best Hip-Hop Video, I'm not positive how Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine" qualifies, but it is easily the best of the bunch. The rest just aren't really my cup of tea though.

[Source, Source]

Solange To Release Mixtape

Solange is apparently ready to set the record straight about who she is exactly. She plans on doing so with a new mixtape entitled I Can't Get Clearance. Recently, Solange gave a hint at what can be expected from the project with the song "F*** The Industry (Signed Sincerely)," which can be heard HERE. She demonstrates to us all that there's "nothin' really R&B" about her by name-checking some of the genre's finest that she is often compared to. I think it will be interesting to see what Solange comes up with for her mixtape. As for the new record, her sophomore album SoL-AngeL & The Hadley St. Dreams will be released on August 26th.

[Source]

Jazmine Sullivan Performs "Need U Bad" For Seventeen

In addition to "In Love With Another Man," Jazmine Sullivan performed current single "Need U Bad," the first off her upcoming debut album Fearless, due September 16th, for Seventeen magazine recently. Even with such a small crowd, Jazmine had so much energy. Love it!

Mariah Carey Mini-Concert On Jimmy Kimmel

"I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time/Touch My Body"

"Side Effects (ft. Young Jeezy)"

Interview: Pt. 1 // Pt. 2

Mariah Carey made one heck of an appearance recently on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Not only did Mariah sit down for a pretty thorough interview with Kimmel, she also performed somewhat of a set as a part of the show's Summer Krush concert series. Mariah performed a SWEET "Touch My Body" remix, if you will, of her current single "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" & was assisted by Young Jeezy in performing E=MC² album track & fan favorite "Side Effects," a performance that sparked a love for the song in me that was never very bright before. The other songs that were performed were "I'm That Chick," "Shake It Off," & "We Belong Together." As a special BONUS for the blog, you can click their respective titles to watch the performances, courtesy of Mariah Daily Journal.

Trina ft. Killer Mike "Look Back At Me" Video Premiere

"Look Back At Me," featuring Killer Mike, is the third single off Trina's latest album Still Da Baddest. Why this was chosen as a single I do not know. It is very difficult to get into, especially because of all the editing that had to be done. The whole thing is just a mess imo.

Friday, August 1, 2008

The Caffeine Patch: New Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Trailer

Here's the new official trailer for "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," opening November 7th. Don't be fooled: it is different. Looks funny!

Missy Elliott Performs "Shake Your Pom Pom" On America's Best Dance Crew

Check out this really cool & unique performance from Missy Elliott of her song "Shake Your Pom Pom" on America's Best Dance Crew. It's awesome to see an artist that's up for a gig like this. Missy's new album Block Party is set for a September 9th release.