Thursday, August 20, 2009

Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

George Strait is #1 on this week's Billboard 200 album chart with Twang. Yes, it is the 21st century. This week is also a big one for The Black-Eyed Peas: They break Usher's record for the longest residence at #1 for an act on the Hot 100 singles chart with 20 weeks & "I Gotta Feeling" in its eighth. In addition, Jay-Z, Rihanna, & Kanye West's "Run This Town" jumped 66-3 after it sold 169,000 digital downloads last week. Lastly, Britney Spears debuts at #90 with "Radar," giving her the most Hot 100 songs for one of her albums. Big singles week!

"Obsessed" Watch
TW: #11 - LW: #14 - Peak: #11 - Week: #6

See full charts HERE.

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Christina Milian "I Gotta Get To You" Video Premiere

"I Gotta Get To You" is Christina Milian's single off the "Bring It On: Fight To The Finish" soundtrack. Christina also stars in the straight-to-DVD movie, which arrives September 1st. With the release of this overly-techno song, I'm thinking maybe it's for the better that we never got the album Christina was recording while under MySpace Records. I'm looking forward to what she has cooked up with The-Dream for Elope, as I have been for a while. Anytime now, guys--a single would be great! Note: Sorry that this video is from the film's credits.

David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland & Ne-Yo "Choose" Song Premiere + More

So, here's the thing. I've already posted the scoop about who's (interesting that is) collaborating with David Guetta on his new album One Love, which is due out Tuesday stateside. However, since then, some of the info has changed, such as the inclusion of the above Kelly Rowland-assisted "Choose," which is alright, though no "When Love Takes Over;" I also could've done without so much Ne-Yo. Unfortunately, The Black-Eyed Peas are no longer featured on "Memory" (they appear to have been replaced by Kid Cudi), although David Guetta's remix of the BEPs' own #1 hit "I Gotta Feeling" is included. Wynter Gordon is still a guest on "Toyfriend" (Why does the person who made this video apparently think that woman is Wynter?), but the song will only be on the UK edition of One Love. The collaborations that remained consistent are Kelly Rowland on "It's The Way You Love Me" & Estelle on the title track "One Love." I could care less for that remix, but the latter three get my approval!

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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Gwen Stefani "Elle" Magazine Covers

Above, Gwen Stefani, who is currently back with No Doubt, is featured on the cover of Norway's September issue of Elle. While looking for that cover, I found another (below): Gwen on the cover of Elle's July issue here in the states. She looks great on both, so I thought I'd share.

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Jay-Z ft. Rihanna & Kanye West "Run This Town" Video Premiere


"Run This Town," featuring Rihanna & Kanye West, is the second single taken from Jay-Z's next album The Blueprint 3 (September 11th). For a video that's been teased constantly, I don't think it lived up to the hype. The clip is alright, but kinda boring. I've gotta stop letting this song get off easy: I really don't like it. It sounds dated & offers nothing ear-pleasing. It's crappy, so it should be huge on radio. Don't get my point? Wanna know the most-played song on both urban stations in my area this afternoon? Pitbull's latest. HELP!

Marques Houston "Date" Video Premiere

"Date" is the second (third if "Sunset" counts...) of 12 videos to come from Marques Houston's upcoming album Mr. Houston (September 29th). Ya, he's releasing a video for every track on his new album, which might be a first (like they are claiming), though it's not an original idea. The forthcoming clips might be good for promo, but it definitely explains the, well, crappy quality of them, so far at least. This one does nothing for me--that includes the song. In fact, considering "all songs [are] written & produced by Marques" this time around, I'm not expecting anything innovative because I just don't think that, for the most part, R&B singers can't come up with something that's on a different level if they don't branch out & work with people who will help them grow as an artist. Don't get me wrong: I'm rooting for Marques, which is why I do the best I can to promote him here, but I'm also not gonna accept mediocrity silently.

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Britney Spears Presents Top Ten List On Letterman

Britney Spears listed off the top ten ways the country would be different if she were president on the Late Show With David Letterman last night. Keep your eyes on her legs.. lol. Britney's latest album Circus is out now.

Celine Dion Pregnant

Celine Dion is pregnant with her second child. Through in vitro fertilization, the "ecstatic" 41-year-old singer's recent pregnancy was made possible. Celine & Rene also used the process to have their first child, Rene-Charles, in 2001. I'm very happy for her & I hope that she has a smooth pregnancy on her way to making her dream of motherhood come true once again.

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Esmee Denters Performs On YouTube Music Tuesdays

All day yesterday, YouTube sensation Esmee Denters was featured on the site's front page as a part of YouTube Music Tuesdays. She performed a showcase that included her songs "Admit It," "Love Dealer," "Just Can't Have It," & "Outta Here." I'm a little upset that a pair of accompanying videos, "Memories Turn To Dust" & "Outta Here (Acoustic)," aren't allowed to be embedded though because Esmee sounded best on "Memories." She's a refreshing young talent that deserves recognition here in the US & honestly, we need her as much as she needs us. Now, while I'm being honest, I'm gonna have to upset a certain someone... (I'm trying to make it up by giving Esmee the pimp (top) spot on the blog!) While I was listening to her perform, I realized how, well, over these songs I am. Esmee's currently Netherlands-exclusive debut Outta Here was pretty solid on my first listen, & it's still not bad, but I guess I'm ultimately just not a fan of Justin Timberlake's production (though "Love Dealer" is pretty good.. for a Stargate tune?) I'm gonna have to suggest to Esmee that she stick with Polow for the hot ones!

Keri Hilson Collaborates With Sean Paul

Sean Paul released his latest album Imperial Blaze yesterday & managed to recruit Miss Keri Baby for the project. Keri Hilson is featured on the track "Hold My Hand (I'll Be There)" & you can listen to the song HERE. Well, the song isn't for me really, but I wasn't expecting it to be. On a related note, I had no clue Sean Paul was releasing a new album this week. Am I the only one who has heard -0- buzz?

Mariah Carey "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel" Update

Darn these journalists & their listening party invites! Apparently, the first one that actually featured Mariah Carey's entire new album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (September 29th) was recently held. Though they have yet to be sequenced, the rest of the album's tracks were name-dropped & they are: "Betcha," "Ribbon," "It's A Wrap," "Inseparable," "Up Out My Face," "More Than Just Friends," & "Angels Cry." (BTW, the previously announced "Standing Ovation" & "The Impossible" are now known as "Standing O's" & "Impossible," respectively.) For those keeping count, that makes a total of 13 songs that will be included on the "ballad-centric" Memoirs. It was also announced that Mariah's Foreigner cover "I Want To Know What Love Is" will be the next single, or rather, the first "real" single. Oy. Lastly, we now finally know what "H.A.T.E.U." stands for: "having a typical emotional upset." I know there's been a lot of Mimi hate going around lately--as if she isn't the living legend that she is--but I don't care--I am dying for this album! Not to mention that if "I Want To Know What Love Is" is half as good as it's supposed to be (which it will be), then everyone else will soon feel the way I do about Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel. Note: In case you missed them, "Candy Bling" &, of course, "Obsessed" are the other album tracks not mentioned above in the article.

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Keri Hilson On Rising Icons

Keri Hilson was at the focus of a recent episode of BET's new show Rising Icons. During the 20-minute clip above, Keri performs "Turnin' Me On," "Where Did He Go," "Energy," & "Knock You Down," all from her debut album In A Perfect World.... Keri also talks about her rise to fame with additional commentary from Polow Da Don & Timbaland. I really like this show! I was also digging the intros she is using for "Turnin' Me On" & "Knock You Down." I already knew where Keri came from, but this just drives home how happy I am for her. She's so talented & so very deserving of all her success so far & more.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Listen To Imogen Heap's "Ellipse"

You read that right. If you're like me, you've been waiting for Imogen Heap's forthcoming album Ellipse (August 25th) for a painfully long time. There's no need to continue the torture though because the cure has arrived! Just plug in those headphones & soak up the brilliance. I don't even know where to begin at the moment (a review is coming soon), but I'll just assure you in saying that this is easily the best album so far this year & one of the greatest music has to offer.

R. Kelly ft. Keri Hilson "Number One" Video Premiere

"Number One," featuring Keri Hilson, is the first single from R. Kelly's Untitled album (October 13th). Well, that was fast! This video actually came out better than I thought it would. Keri was smokin', especially in that scene with the purple-ish lipstick because that straight(er) hair was back! Props for the MJ-inspired jacket as well, Kellz.

Imogen Heap "First Train Home" Video Premiere


FINALLY! "First Train Home" is the first single taken from Imogen Heap's upcoming album Ellipse (August 25th). Can't say that I was or wasn't expecting this, but I like it. Definitely a very interesting watch. However, if you don't like it, you'll be pleased to know that Immi is releasing a second one!