Jennifer Hudson Update The producer behind Leona Lewis’ monster hit ‘Bleeding Love’, Ryan Tedder, has stated that there is a ‘strong possbility’ that he’ll be working on the much-anticipated debut album by ‘Dreamgirls’ Jennifer Hudson. This comes on the heels, interestingly, of Tedder’s confirmation that J Records label head Clive Davis is taking the album in a new direction – one consistant of “high-energy, beat-driven material with soulful hooks.” Here what he had to say about the project:

They made half an album and ended up scrapping it. Clive — wisely, I think — said, ‘No one’s going to buy this. We’re trying to turn her into Aretha Franklin, and that’s not realistic. They scrapped a bunch of songs and started fresh”.

“I heard a Timbland song that was by far the best song she’s done. I do wish, and I know the label wishes, that this album had come out six months ago. But Clive’s smart. He didn’t want to just put out a crap album just because of the momentum” {Source}

It kinda figures. Considering it’s been so long since ‘Dreamgirls’ came out, it was obvious something was up with the project. Still, it’s good to see that Clive is making sure Jennifer delivers the best album possible. I’m real amped about Timbaland’s contribution to the album…it’ll be interesting to see what they come up with


Your thoughts?
Usher's Dad Dies Suddenly According to Access Hollywood, R&B star Usher’s father, Usher Raymond III, passed away in an Atlanta hospital on this past Friday (January 19th). As of writing, the cause of death is unknown. Funeral arrangements are set to be announced shortly {Source}
It’s been well-documented that Usher’s father was not much of a feature in the singer’s life. Having walked out on Usher’s mother, Jonetta Patton, soon after the singer was born, it wasn’t until 2004 that Usher decided to strike up a relationship with him. I guess, despite the unfortunate nature of what’s happened, it’s good Usher was able to establish a relationship of sorts with his dad prior to his death.

Any thoughts?
Kelly Rowland UpdateThe release date for the re-release Kelly Rowland’s ‘Ms. Kelly’ album was confirmed on BBC Radio 1 yesterday during their chart countdown. A re-vamped version of Rowland’s sophomore effort will hit stores, in the UK, on March 10th. Her new single ‘Daylight’ will feature on the set, as well as production from the likes of JR Rotem (‘S.O.S’) and Nate ‘Danja’ Hills (‘Gimme More’). Also included will be the Freemasons remix to current UK single ‘Work’, which is performing fantastically well over here The single debuted at #31 on the Official Singles chart -prior to it’s official release today.
Be on the lookout for the first televised performance of ‘Work’ this week, when Kelly stops by daytime show This Morning here in London on Thursday. What’s more, fans hoping to see Kelly can catch her at the London Astoria on January 26th, where she is to perform a live set.
I’m kinda on the fence about the idea of the re-release; a whole new album sounds better to me, but oh well. The Danja track(s) is something I’m particularly looking forward to.

Your thoughts?
It’s been a short while since the last ‘From The Vault’ posting, but it’s back this week in the form of ATL’s ‘Make It Up With Love’ video. Released back in 2004, I remember playing this song over and over. In a time when B2K were ruling (I’m using the term very loosely) the charts with their cookie-cutter songs, it was real refreshing seeing a group of same-aged teens, who were all vocally talented, putting out great music. Check out the video – see if you can spot a certain ‘Goodies’ singer:

Following the release of this song, the 2nd single from their LP ‘The ATL Project’, the group disbanded, were dropped or something…they basically disappeared lol. Still, with such good material, it’s a shame they never lasted the distance.

Your thoughts?

After the hysteria that ensued following Raz-B’s shocking molestation claims (and the subsequent retraction of them), I thought that spelled the end of the B2K reality show/re-launch. It appears I was mistaken ,as yet another preview for the show hit the net recently. Check it out:

All I can say is WHOAH! I’m assuming this was the drama that went down after Raz-B lifted the lid on the bogusness of Chris Stokes. J-Boog and Lil’ Fizz were heated. I’m really hoping this gets picked up by a major network or, at the very least, is aired in some capacity. This is unmissable TV.

Your thoughts?

Nelly Enlists Fergie For New SingleSt. Louis rapper Nelly has teamed up with Fergie for his latest single ‘Party People’. According to AllAccess.com {Credit: Kevipod}, the single is set to officially hit airwaves on February 19th and will serve as the ‘official’ first single from Nelly’s ‘Brass Knuckles’ album. Originally set for release back in November last year, the album was withdrawn from release schedules after the lead single (which will probably be labelled a ‘buzz’ single now) ‘Wadsyaname’ tanked. ‘Brass Knuckles’ is now set for release on June 24th.

Are you checking for Nelly // Your thoughts on the Fergie collabo?
Brandy Spotted Out In LA R&B singer Brandy was snapped by the paparazzi whilst shopping in Los Angeles on Thursday. Hmmm……


What do you think of the pic?
Steve Harvey Is '50 & Fly' On Jet Cover Comedian and radio personality Steve Harvey sports a new look on the cover of the latest issue of JET magazine. The ‘Original Kings Of Comedy’ star, who turns 51 next Thursday, is kicking off a campaign called ’50 & Fly’; his feature in the magazine explains the campaign, as well as what inspired his new look. A tidbit, word has it, Steve’s famed high-top, was a hair piece all along!

What do you think of the cover / Steve’s new look?
Beyonce To Perform At The Grammy'sMatthew Knowles released a statement yesterday confirming that Beyonce will, in fact, be performing at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be held Los Angeles on February 10th.

“The work of The Recording Academy is vital to the music industry, and we have every intention of being with the entire music community to celebrate the Grammys’ 50th birthday in February. Beyoncé, as well as my other artists Solange and Trinitee 5:7, have been asked to participate and will do so. We have an incredible Beyoncé performance that will be announced soon. We wish the Grammys the best”.

Though I always welcome the possibility of a Beyonce performance (fans, haters etc know she always shuts it down), what has she released in the last year that warrants her performing at this year’s show? Yes, she is nominated for ‘Irreplaceable’ but come on now. She’s performed the life out of that track (which I must add was released back in 2006). It’ll be interesting to see how Solange and Trinitee 5:7 a Gospel act) are incorporated into the show as well.

Your thoughts?

Christina Milian Signs With MySpace Label After a string of poorly selling albums, Christina Milian was unceremoniously dropped from Def Jam back in 2006. Over the past year, Milian has maintained that she was in serious negotiation with another label – whilst working on her new album, yet she remained tight lipped on who exactly they were. It has now been revealed that the ‘Dip It Low’ singer has signed up to MySpace’s new label (which is in partnership with Interscope Records). Like myself, initially, I’m sure some of you are thinking ‘MySpace…wtf?’ However, who knows; the label is a new venture for the company and with Milian on board from the onset, it could really be a good look for her. {Source}
Here’s hoping she delivers an album that is worth anyones money this time around, because that ‘So Amazin’ LP was straight garbage (IMO ‘It’s About Time’ is her only solid effort). Producers on the as-yet-untitled CD include, among others, her boyfriend Dre of Cool & Dre, Nate ‘Danja’ Hills, Ryan ‘Alias’ Tedder and Evan ‘Kidd’ Bogart.

Your thoughts?

Danity KaneWith the new season of Making The Band set to kick off in a couple of weeks, Danity Kane are giving the public the opportunity to pick their new single. You can listen both tracks, ‘Damaged’ and ‘Pretty Boy’ below and follow the link to cast your vote. I, personally, went for the Danja produced ‘Pretty Boy’. The uptempo track does a good job of encapsulating the group’s Pop/R&B sound with Danja’s trademark Hip-House sound that seems to be all the rage these days. What’s more, the girl’s are doing different things with their voices – in terms of vocal arrangement, the hook etc. Great track. Not really feeling ‘Damaged’.

Which song did you choose? Hit or Miss?

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Chris Brown - 'Picture Perfect' Is New Single It has been confirmed that teen R&B star Chris Brown is to release ‘Picture Perfect’ as the next single from his current album ‘Exclusive’. Though I think the will.i.am produced track is pretty solid, I’m kinda baffled as to why he/the label are overlooking better tracks as singles such as ‘You’. Still, I’m sure Chris’ CD will continue to shift units well into the year; since dropping ‘Exclusive’ back in November, the album has sold through a very impressive 1,121,800 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. Anyway, you can check out the single – of which a remix featuring Bow Wow and Hurricane Chris will debut soon – below. {Source}

Hit or Miss?

 

 

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