Mariah Carey sent the music industry into quite the frenzy this week when she confirmed that she’s planning to serve up her 14th studio album as a “surprise”. Borrowing a page from Beyonce’s book, the singer’s team revealed that the LP’s title, artwork, and music will all be released digitally on the same day, at the same time – in an “all at once” capacity.

However, unsurprisingly, it has now been announced that the project will not be impacting on May 6th – as previously announced.

Details below…

(more…)

One day to go!

Ariana Grande is gearing up to unleash her new single ‘Problem’ in less than 24 hours.

With the 20-year-old’s millions of fans waiting with bated breath following a slew snippets, iHeartRadio whet appetites even more with an extended preview.

Listen to what Ariana and guest Iggy Azalea have cooked up below…

(more…)

Super talents Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar teamed up last night to to perform “It”s On Again” on “The Tonight Show Starring mobile casino Jimmy Fallon”.

The high-octane cut is lifted from the soundtrack for superhero flick “The Amazing Spiderman 2” – which has been dominating at the box office since its release last week.

Watch the duo in action after the jump…

(more…)

In the mood for a little fiction?

If so, peep Jermaine Dupri‘s recent interview with ‘Hit Fix‘, which saw him spew just that in support of Mariah Carey, the living legend he is currently managing.

Unfortunately, while his career has joined many a high, his time as Carey’s manager has seem him struggle to use her successes of yesteryear to support her endeavours of today, resulting in era laced with push backs, backtracking and excuses just as convincing as the icon’s performance in the ‘haha’-inducing ‘Glitter.’

However, we’d say not even the acting in ‘Glitter’ could match the performance put on by Dupri this week, when he fixed his lips to claim that Carey’s ‘You’re Mine’ (you know, the one with two videos, numerous remixes, its own press tour and a ‘BET Honors‘ performance) was never a single.

 

His interview with ‘Hit Fix’ below…

(more…)

Jennifer Lopez is wasting approximately no time with the campaign for her 10th studio album.

For, having warmed up the masses with string of buzz tracks (the most recent being ‘I Luh Ya Papi’), the American Idol judge is rolling on to her official next single ‘First Love’.

Word has it the track was produced by Pop maestro Max Martin.

Pending its arrival, peep its cover above…

Your thoughts?

R&B belter Tamar Braxton was tapped to live up her billing last night at the Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers NBA game in Atlanta.

For, the Grammy-nominee was drafted in to kick off the action with a live rendition of the US national anthem, the ‘Star Spangled Banner’.

The likes of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey have helped transform the iconic song into a benchmark of sorts for “singers-singers”.

So how did “She, Me, Her” fair? You be the judge after the jump…

(more…)

Vocal fright Rihanna may be cooking up two new albums, but that hasn’t stopped the 26-year-old from taking a brief break to shoot a cover for Vogue Brasil.

Unwrapped moments ago, the shot features the star looking hot tamale.

If only she sounded as good as she looks. The possibilities, the possibilities.

Your thoughts?

Two years removed from the release of seventh album ‘Looking for Myself’, Usher rolls up his sleeves and gears up to get to work on the promo campaign for its follow-up, set for release this year.

Now, before fans learn of its title and enjoy it’s R&B-driven sound, the name of its lead single has been unveiled today.

Pop open the lid for details below…

(more…)

Despite enjoying a lengthy run atop Hip Hop’s food chain in the last two years, next week will see Future‘s latest album ‘Honest’ impact the Billboard 200 with modest numbers…set to be outperformed by ‘Fancy’ lady Iggy Azalea.

So, as to give himself a little push before the end of the next chart week, the performer hit NYC’s ‘Hot 97′ to discuss the album and a number of hot topics currently surrounding his brand.

Why it stands as one of his most interesting conversations to date?

His openness when discussing the part he played in creating Beyonce‘s ‘Drunk in Love‘, Ciara’s touring plans, and the criticism he faces from those who question his ability as a rapper.

Watch below…

(more…)

In a somewhat odd development, Mariah Carey is opening up about her new “surprise” album.

Though, one would, could, and should be forgiven for wondering why the diva is divulging details, it appears there’s rationale to the randomness.

Details below…

(more…)

With the May 6th release of Mariah Carey‘s new album right around the corner, the singer covers the latest issue of Billboard magazine — and drops an interesting tidbit in the process.

The feature, which serves as one of the first dedicated promo spots for the LP, has an interesting tag-line – one that points to a Beyonce-like “all at once” digital roll-out.

After waiting five years between albums, Mariah Carey finally explains the personal struggle behind her all-at-once digital release, from that Idol debacle (‘bamboozled’) to a need for ‘uplifting’ music: ‘It’s all been a blur’

Hmm. How interesting.

It figures why there’s been so few details divulged about the project (namely its actual title).

That said, as edgy a concept as it is, we hope it doesn’t backfire. Because, whichever way it’s diced, sliced, or spiced, the fact remains that the project has yet to deliver a hit. And, if folk aren’t willing to spend $1 on one song, where’s the confidence that they’ll spend $10 on ten.

Still, we’re rooting for ol’Mimi. We’re rooting for her.

Your thoughts?

May 13th brings with it the global release of Michael Jackson‘s hotly anticipated posthumous album ‘Xscape’.

Helmed by Epic Records head L.A Reid, the set – which features unreleased material from the late, great King Of Pop – is the second to hit stores since the superstar’s passing in 2009. The first, ‘Michael’, arrived a year later in 2010.

And while the latter was engulfed in controversy upon release, the climate appears altogether more welcoming this go round.

Time will tell if the LP, which features production from the likes of Timbaland and Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins, enjoys a more successful fate than its predecessor.

What is certain, though, is that the project’s official tracklisting awaits below…

(more…)