R&B singer Tamia recently performed a set for MSN Canada at the Orange Lounge in Toronto. The singer, who is six months pregnant, gave near-flawless renditions of some of her hits including ‘Officially Missing You’ and ‘Can’t Get Enough’. I have her most recent album ‘Between Friends’ on constant rotation, so it was great to see some of the tracks performed live. Real R&B at it’s best. Check it out…

This new clip is from one the songs on Mario’s upcoming third album ‘Go!’ – due July 31st. As with most of the material I’ve heard from the set, I’m really liking the Underdogs produced ‘Why’. Mario seems to have stepped up majorly from his previous efforts and ‘Go!’ is shaping up to be one great album. The only thing I don’t understand is why his label, J Records, opted to go with ‘How Do I Breathe’ as the lead single when there are much better tracks on the CD. Anyway, check out the song…

As Kelly Rowland preps the release of her sophomore CD ‘Ms Kelly’ (due July 3rd), a new track from the set has surfaced on a Tapemasters Inc mixtape. This version of ‘Work’ features rapper Fat Joe, although it’s unclear whether he will feature on the album version. The uptempo track, produced by Scott Storch, sees Kelly in unfamiliar territory – we haven’t heard anything from her like this before. It’s not what I initially expected and I’m liking some of the other tracks from the set better, but it’s still a good song nonetheless.

The next single from Mya’s forever-delayed album ‘Liberation’ has surfaced. The JR Rotem produced ‘Walka Not A Talka is a whimsical uptempo track that would should do well in the clubs. I’m liking it, it’s a grower and takes a few listens to grasp. Snoop’s verse meshes well with the track too. I’m thinking this should have been the first single instead of ‘Lock U Down’ – which isn’t doing anything on the charts.

The pic above is the official cover for T.I.’s forthcoming album ‘T.I. Vs T.I.P’. It seems everyone is trying to pass off some kind of ‘alter ego’ nowadays; T.I. must have got the memo late. I’m hoping the CD isn’t a gimmick though, as T.I. usually delivers with his albums. ‘T.I. Vs T.I.P’ hits stores July 3rd.

In news that is sure to disappoint Mya’s fans, the singer has once again pushed back her new album ‘Liberation’. The CD, which was due to hit stores on August 14th, will now drop on September 18th -as confirmed by her label Universal/Motown.

As the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, preps his comeback album, former collaborator Quincy Jones has stated that he will not be working on the project. According to Jones – who masterminded the ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ albums – he and Jackson have had conversations about the possibility of collaborating again but he isn’t interested. Jones had the following to say: ‘Man please, I’ve got enough to do. We already did that. I have talked to him about working with him again but I’ve got too much to do. I’ve got 900 products. I’m 74 years old. Give me a break.’

On the one hand, Quincy working on the CD looks good on paper-mainly for nostalgia. Yet, I can’t remember the last thing he’s produced. I think Michael should just stick with confirmed producers Will.i.Am, Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins and Ne-Yo and hurry with that album. The currently untitled CD is slated to drop toward the end of the year.

Ever since hearing about the ‘amicable’ split between Teairra Mari and Roc-A-Fella Records, I have been wondering where the Detroit singer has been. After having some success with hits ‘Make A Girl Feel’ and ‘No Daddy’ back in 2005, Mari kinda disappeared. When she debuted, Def Jam president Jay-Z touted her as the ‘Princess of The Roc’; so many were surprised when the label quietly released her in October 2006 – especially since her sophomore album ‘Second Round’ was already completed. Since then, Mari has signed a deal with Interscope Records and is set to release her 2nd album in the summer. The first single from the set is scheduled to drop anytime from now.Though many criticised Teairra’s first album for being too sexually suggestive i.e. ‘Make A Girl Feel’ (she was 17 when it was released), I enjoyed the CD. Aside from the singles, tracks like the Darkchild produced ‘Stay in Ya Lane’ were hot. I’m hoping she does well this time around as there are less-talented artists out now who are selling.

Will you be checking for Teairra?

R&B star Kelly Rowland is the feature model on the cover of the July issue of KING magazine. After hearing Kelly would be doing the cover, I was anxious to see how it turned out; and for the most part, I’m liking it. She manages to keep it sexy, yet classy. It’s good to see Kelly getting on that promotional trail in preparation for the release of her ‘Ms Kelly’ album (due July 3rd). The issue hits newsstands June 5th.

Justin Timberlake has announced that he is to launch his own record label – Tennman Records – a joint venture with Interscope Records. The ‘My Love’ singer will function as the Los Angeles-based company’s CEO and chairman. International distribution will be handled by Interscope Geffen A&M. Speaking on the label, Timberlake said ‘We are all excited about the talent we have to offer already on our roster and I cannot wait to introduce the world to my new discoveries’. New signings to the label will be revealed in June.

As Justin joins the host of artists who own their own labels, I’m left wondering whether it will work or not. Most of these artists either use it as a means of increasing their own popularity i.e. 50 Cent or simply can’t cut it in their role; in both cases the new signee’s end up suffering. Time will tell if it ends up being a success.

R&B singer Brandy has broken her silence regarding the various ‘wrongful death’ lawsuits levelled against her. The complaints were made by the family members of a 38 year old woman -Awatef Aboudihaj- who died in a four-car collision on December 30th last year in LA – a collision they claim was caused by the singer. However, in court documents filed this Wednesday, Brandy, though remorseful, ‘specifically denies each and every allegation in the wrongful death complaints filed against her’. The ‘Boy Is Mine’ singer is requesting the case be brought before a jury to prove her innocence in the accident.

Prosecutors are unlikely to file criminal charges against the ‘Mosesha’ star, 28, seeing as there was no evidence of alcohol/substance use or cell distraction. Yet, this hasn’t stopped relatives of the deceased, including her parents and husband, filing ‘wrongful death’ claims (3 in total) – which, if they win, Brandy will have to financially compensate them.

It’s always unfortunate when someone dies under such circumstances, but damn give Brandy a break! I mean 3 lawsuits for what was clearly an accident is not right at all. You would think she did it intentionally – which isn’t even what’s being argued here- considering the way she’s been made out to be a villain . It appears that the family are using a tragic situation to capitalize on Brandy’s fame and fortune. I just hope she manages to overcome all this and is able to continue with her life.