Peep this preview of Mariah Carey’s 3rd official release from ‘E=MC²’, ‘I Stay In Love’. The clip was directed by husband Nick Cannon.

Kudos to Mariah for actually releasing a half-decent song within the life-span of the album (which I personally think expired when ‘Bye Bye’ stalled), but I’m kinda thinking it may be too late. I’m really baffled at why labels seem to be ignoring the tracks the masses are calling for to be released i.e. in Mariah’s case ‘For The Record’, Rihanna ‘Breakin’ Dishes’, the list goes on…

Anyway, can catch the BET: Access Granted for ‘I Stay In Love’ on Monday (27th October).

Your thoughts?

The video for Keri Hilson’s latest assault on the charts ‘Return The Favor’ premiered on Yahoo Music a few moments ago. As an avid fan of the song, I’m pleased that the video really compliments what is an excellent track. Futuristic and edgy, the clip (correct me if wrong) sees Timbaland oversee the makings of a star. Indeed, if this song takes off (which I hope it does), Keri could be on her way to stardom.

What do you think of the video?

Ciara's 'Fantasy Ride' Pushed BackIn news that will no doubt displease fans, Ciara has announced that her 3rd studio album ‘Fantasy Ride’ has been pushed back to January 2009. {Source}

It really does seem as if the dreaded ‘push back fever’ that swept the industry last year with the likes of Kelly Rowland, Mya, Nicole Scherzinger etc, is in full effect this year too. Other serially delayed LP’s this year include Keri Hilson’s ‘In A Perfect World’, Brandy’s ‘Human’, among several others.

I’m guessing that the fact ‘Go Girl’ – despite it’s hotter than hot video – is tanking on the Billboard Hot 100 (occasionally dipping in, yet falling short of the Top 100) has something to do with the delay. I still maintain the previously announced ‘High Price’ would have made for a killer first single.

Your thoughts?

As some of you may know, Beyonce will be starring as legend Etta James in the anticipated ‘Cadillac Records’ movie this December. Unsurprisingly, Ms. Knowles covers James’ career-defining song ‘At Last’ in the movie and similar to her previous film showings (i.e. Dreamgirls) her version will also be released.

Say what you want about her, but she definitely did the song justice. Not as great as the original, I must add, but still a commendable effort. Good stuff.

Hit or Miss?

Peep the official trailer for Mariah Carey’s most recent foray into the movie sphere ‘Tennessee’. Directed by Lee Daniels, the movie is Carey’s first major feature in a film since 2001’s ‘Glitter’…(and we all know the story with that lol). This definitely looks worth a look-see though. ‘Tennessee’ hits theatres across the US on December 19th.

Randomness: Does anyone else think Mariah’s ‘Glitter’ album was actually pretty good? I rate it higher than quite a few of her releases.

Your thoughts?

Lil' Kim Looking...Good! I spotted these recent pics of rapper Lil’ Kim taken at a New York industry event over at NecoleBitchie.com. Be it a new plastic surgeon or make-up artist ot whatever, this is the best the pint-sized vixen has looked in a long time.
Here’s hoping she now turns her efforts to her music career, instead of partying it up – like she always seems to be doing these days. Whatever the case, she’ll have to take matters a bit more seriously. She is being sued for $2Million for not fulfilling her contractual obligations to hew new label Brookland Media as well as publishing firm Simon & Schuster for not delivering the book she was paid a $40,000 advance to write. Well, I guess she looks good….LOL. Check out the pics below:
Lil' Kim Looking...Good! Lil' Kim Looking...Good!

What do you think of the pics?

LL Cool J stopped by The Tyra Banks Show this week to promote his current effort ‘Exit 13’. In the entertaining interview, the veteran rapper reminisced on his lengthy career, fitness regime, ‘retiring’ and much more. A good watch, I must say.

Your thoughts?

In Jermaine Dupri’s latest Youtube video blog (from his ‘Living The Life series), lover Janet Jackson took a moment to thank her fans for their support during her period of illness – which forced her to postpone 9 stops on her Rock Witchu tour.

Jackson also took a moment to quash the rumors about her supposedly dumping him, after he supposedly vomited on her lap.

Good to see all is well with them.

*Tidbit: I will be giving you guys on our ‘That Grape Juice Wants To Rock Witchu’ contest later today*

Your thoughts?

Solange To Tour With Beyonce In 2009Word has it, according to our friends over at Rap-Up.com, that Solange will be joining big sister Beyonce on her world tour when it starts next April (2009).
The burgeoning star will be performing tracks from her critically acclaimed sophomore effort ‘Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams’ on the 110-date trek – which sees stops here in Europe, the U.S (with a one-week stint in Las Vegas), Canada, Mexico, South America, Japan, Africa, and Australia. {Source}
This is definitely a good look for Solange, as the tour will inevitably garner alot of attention, hence ensuring she receives maximum exposure. I am scratching my head though; didn’t Solange stress that she didn’t want to be ‘grouped’ with Beyonce? In any case, exposure is exposure. The Knowles’ don’t play LOL.

Your thoughts?
Rihanna & Justin Timberlake On The Set Of 'Rehab' It appears Def Jam have pulled a switch-a-roo and opted to release ‘Rehab’ as Rihanna’s next single, as opposed to the previously confirmed ‘Breakin’ Dishes’. The video for the single, which must be the 7th or 8th release from Ms. Fenty’s ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ LP (can you say ‘overkill’, especially when she’s looking to drop another album in 09), features Justin Timberlake, who wrote the cut.
Though lacking in the singing and performing area (basically what she is supposed to be known for), there’s no denying she looks great here. Shame her talents don’t stretch too far beyond that.

Rihanna & Justin Timberlake On The Set Of 'Rehab' Rihanna & Justin Timberlake On The Set Of 'Rehab' Rihanna & Justin Timberlake On The Set Of 'Rehab'

What do you think of the pics?

Check out a sneak peek of T.I. and Rihanna’s brand new video for ‘Live Your Life’, the full version of which premieres on October 28th. Very cinematic. I like.

Your thoughts?

After a lengthy hiatus from the music scene, rapper Eminem is currently in the studio prepping his new LP. In an exclusive interview with BBC Radio 1, the Detroit native opened up about everything; from not having a desire for fame, working With Dr. Dre, taking drugs, his daughter, the ups and downs of the industry and a whole lot more.

At 41 minutes, the interview is pretty long. That said, highly insightful.

Your thoughts?

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