The Queen’s court looks to take new meaning this upcoming sports season as news reports indicate that Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige is one of many Hip Hop/R&B acts tapped to take center at this year’s NBA All Star weekend.  The singer, who’s putting the finishing touches on ‘My Life II: The Journey Continues Act 2’ (due this May), will lend her soulful vocals to a performance of the U.S. national anthem.

Elsewhere, ‘Fly’ fashionista Nicki Minaj will perform a medley of hits, including her recently launched ‘Starships’ during the halftime show. The cut, lifted from her April 3rd due sophomore set ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’, is the rapstress’s first official offering this era (following buzz singles ‘Stupid Hoe’ and ‘Roman In Moscow’).

Rappers Pitbull, will.I.am, J. Cole and Flo Rida will also guest the NBA All Star weekend, with singer Ne-Yo also tapped to make an appearance as well.  Fans can catch the NBA All Star game February 26th on TNT.

Your thoughts?

Pop icon Janet Jackson resurfaced this week, paying a visit to the ‘Anderson’ show.

Anchor Anderson Cooper chatted it up with the star about the secrecy surrounding her second marriage, her storied career, and much more.

Check out a series of teasers for the episode, which airs next week Monday (February 20th), below…

(more…)

Since bursting onto the scene in 2008, we’ve seen Alexandra Burke blossom into one of Britain’s biggest stars. Hence, it’s apt that the singer poses it up on a bed of flowers on the latest cover of Fabulous magazine.

The cover precedes a slew of promotional appearances lined up to support Burke’s epic new single ‘Elephant’, which hits digital and retails outlets on March 12th via RCA/Sony Music.

Your thoughts?

March 10th will mark the release of ‘I Missed Us‘, the latest effort by R&B trio SWV.

Kicking off the LP’s promo with the single ‘Cosign’, today saw footage from the cut’s set emerge online, now available to watch below…

(more…)

For Cheryl Cole, her stint of X Factor UK is somewhat of a bitter sweet affair.

Because, while it was the launching pad for her surface successful career, it also saw her ‘groom’ acts that have gone on to fare better than she is.

Case in point, Alexandra Burke, Rebecca Ferguson and Cher Lloyd, all of which have seen their music best Cole’s critical and commercial efforts.

Now, the latter has reportedly weighed in on the singer’s vocal skill.

Her remarks below…

(more…)

In support of his latest album, ‘Open Invitation’, R&B icon Tyrese released his latest video yesterday, for ‘Nothing On You’.

Starring TLC alum Chilli, the romantic clip arrives  shortly after the maestro scored a deal with Peer Music, who now publish his music exclusively.

Video below…

(more…)

X Factor UK star Marcus Collins is back…and some time ahead of schedule.

It appears mentor Gary Barlow‘s promise to really take time out to hone Collins’ niche has been back-peddled on, as the video for his first single ‘Seven Nation Army’  (White Stripes cover) premiered today, with its accompanying album arriving next month.

Are we surprised? No, not really. X Factor (these days) – as much as we love it – is as “real” as Sunset Beach. Indeed, Barlow has very little say-so over Collins – who is signed to a different label and isn’t managed by the Take That star either.

As such, it’s left to the Liverpudlian to establish credibility on his own accord. Find out how he fares after the jump…

(more…)

Marriage and motherhood have seen singer Keyshia Cole on musical hiatus for the last two years.

And while recording is currrently underway for the star’s 5th studio album, she seems keen to celebrate her mother and wife status – sharing this family portrait of herself with husband Daniel “Booby” Gibson and son Daniel Jr with fans on Twitter. Touching stuff.

———————–

On a musical note, we’re keen to see what Ms. Cole has been cooking up. Her last few efforts have been the pits, with the quality impacted heavily by her “an album a year” mantra. Yet, that doesn’t take away from the “stellar” that was her debut and follow-up. Here’s hoping she rediscovers that mojo this go round.

Your thoughts?

With a new single and EP to promote, Rap icon Lil Kim joined Willy Geist and Andy Cohen on ‘Watch What Happens Live‘ last night for a rare sit down appearance.

Peep the full interview below, courtesy of Karim…

(more…)

Lil Kim may not get the V.I.P treatment much these days, yet when she does, oh does she show up and show out.

The pint-sized rapper was the guest of honor at The Blondes Fashion Show in New York City last night, and made sure she looked the part. Stunning effortlessly in a show-stopping white ensemble.

We can only hope Kim’s new “diva” aesthetic carries over into her new project – whenever it finally drops.

Your thoughts?

Yesterday, in a continued act of altruism, Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin took to ‘Live With Kelly’  to raise awareness for the AIDS virus.

Backing the MAC Viva Glam campaign, the pair sat down with Kelly to discuss their reasons for joining the initiative and what can be done to help those affected by it.

Watch below…

(more…)

Can you guess which colourful stunner was snapped glamming it up in New York last night? Find out out after the jump…

Hint: She’s not a fan of pint-sized female rappers!

(more…)